Answer to Question #293768 in History for Baudouin

Question

As stated about Greek Architecture from your reading this week: “The formulas they invented as early as the sixth century B.C. have influenced the architecture of the past two millennia.” 

Please give an example of a building built after 1900 you may have seen either in person or in pictures that was designed in a classical style. Why do you think the architect(s) chose to copy the classical style? What kind of messages does that style convey? How is the building’s function (use) suited to the classical style?

Answer 1

a)     Beeby’s Rice Wing at the Art Institute of Chicago. The stark building stands out to the recent contemporary addition by Renzo Piano. The Rice Wing was designed to have open space from ground floor to the top-lit two story sculpture gallery to bring in lots of natural light.

b)     Architecture always has a functional purpose and is subject to the desires and needs of who designed it and who is going to use it. Therefore, the main reason why architects chose to copy the classical style is because of how proportioned and symmetrical buildings built in the classical style are. Classical style buildings built in ancient Greece were of significant importance. Buildings such as houses, grocery stores and so on were not built in a classical style as they were not impressionable like government buildings, theatres, courthouses and important institutions. Architects chose to copy this classical style to emphasize the importance of the building to anyone who sees and uses it. Classical architecture is the backbone of architecture since the history of time.

c)      There are several messages that this style expresses like strength, tradition and power. Buildings built in this style are important buildings and of great significance. It conveys consistency and bold design with details. It is a true significance of original character.

d)    The Rice Wing at the Art Institute of Chicago was a return to architectural beginnings with its classical design. It was designed with a sense of calm, formal order with sentimental value that houses great works of art showcasing the traditionalist structures.