national style

As America was developing its own style they looked to Greek Architecture for inspiration. This new and uncertain nation want to create structure that would create an image of strength and power, just as Greece had been. Public building and some personal residences reflected this National style. Creating a national style is creating a story, through architecture, that the country wants to be retold. Creating a general feel that carries over from one building and space to the next. I think today’s national style is much less consistent than it was during the Greek revival. Although many of our public buildings, especially government buildings, still reflect this Grecian style. But overall all there is more variety seen in our nation’s public buildings. Our national style is many different styles.    

Rober F. Stephens Courthouse,Lexington, KY

palladian tendencies

The Pope Villa was designed by Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 1810-11.It was designed for Senator John and Eliza Pope and was very much inspired by Andrea Palladio. Below you can see the square  floor plan that reveals a Rotunda in the center, quite similar to Palladio's famous villa La Rotunda. True to Palladio design the home is symmetrical  with a portico on all four sides of the house.

The Pope Villa  

Lexington, KY 

revolutionary

     The time surrounding the Revolutionary War was a time when people were showing great interest in furniture. As a result of this interest, furniture was being produced in the anticipation of a sale rather than upon commission only. I think what was most revolutionary about this time was the variety of types of furniture being made. High style furniture was a way for individuals to display their wealth. But the furniture being produced was not only for the wealthy, vernacular furniture was being made for more common homes. This notion of variety also relates to Charles Montgomery’s idea of how America really looked during the colonial period. Each colony was making things that looked different than the next. The furniture being produced by each was a reflection of their locale. Using materials indigenous to their area and using their own individual processes of furniture making.

jefferson street revival

I live in an area of town that not too long ago would have been considered a less than desirable location for a business. But over the course of a few years Jefferson Street has become one the most happening neighborhoods in town. New restaurants, breweries, event spaces, and homes are being developed. In terms of design cycle, Jefferson Street went many years without a change. Now much change is happening rapidly, primarily in the way of new restaurants. These new restaurants also create added value to the homes surrounding the area, leading to the renovation of ones that have been untouched for many years. Hopefully there is even more change to come in the form of added retail and other businesses.

king library: proportions sketch

light

Light played an enormous role in the "dark ages". It was a central element of Gothic Cathedral Architecture, symbolic of the divine light of God and the heavens. It was also a powerful tool being used to convey stories. During this time stained glass was used to depict stories of religious context. Large pointed arch windows allowed even more space for a narrative. As light poured through these windows it cast the colors of the images on the cathedral. Never mind Europe's tendency for grey weather, the colors used on the glass allowed a different mood to be created. 

pence hall