Greek Inspired Architecture in Boston, MA
Greek Architecture in Boston
My first discovery of classical architecture was made the moment I stepped outside my apartment, as my building has two Doric columns framing the front door. As I meandered over the hill and across the Common I realized exactly how prevalent classical architecture really is. Elements of classical architecture can be found on almost every building in the old residential neighborhoods and many commercial buildings feature columns and arches as well. I saw all three orders of columns, arches, and even a dome. The only architectural element I was unable to find was a groin vault.
The Massachusetts State House, about half a block from my apartment, has many examples of classical architecture including a large gold dome, twelve Corinthian columns, and seven arches visible from outside. The State House, which houses the state legislature and the governor’s offices, was built in 1798 by leading architect of the time Charles Bulfinch. The dome was originally made out of wood shingles but has since been sheathed in copper and covered in 23 karat gold. (http://www.cityofboston.gov/freedomtrail/massachusettshouse.asp) As far as I observed the arches and columns follow the rules of the classical orders except that the frieze above the columns is blank. I’m not sure if the frieze above Corinthian columns is traditionally blank or not. A pinecone, which signifies the importance of the logging industry in Massachusetts, tops the dome. (http://www.cityofboston.gov/freedomtrail/massachusettshouse.asp) I doubt this would be found on domes of the ancient world. Just as classical architecture was meant to convey power and grace in Ancient Greece and Rome, I’m sure Charles Bulfinch used elements are classical architecture in the design of the State House for the purpose of conveying the wealth, power, and beauty of the government and state of Massachusetts.
Another building that incorporates classical elements is the Boston Museum of Fine Art.
My first discovery of classical architecture was made the moment I stepped outside my apartment, as my building has two Doric columns framing the front door. As I meandered over the hill and across the Common I realized exactly how prevalent classical architecture really is. Elements of classical architecture can be found on almost every building in the old residential neighborhoods and many commercial buildings feature columns and arches as well. I saw all three orders of columns, arches, and even a dome. The only architectural element I was unable to find was a groin vault.
The Massachusetts State House, about half a block from my apartment, has many examples of classical architecture including a large gold dome, twelve Corinthian columns, and seven arches visible from outside. The State House, which houses the state legislature and the governor’s offices, was built in 1798 by leading architect of the time Charles Bulfinch. The dome was originally made out of wood shingles but has since been sheathed in copper and covered in 23 karat gold. (http://www.cityofboston.gov/freedomtrail/massachusettshouse.asp) As far as I observed the arches and columns follow the rules of the classical orders except that the frieze above the columns is blank. I’m not sure if the frieze above Corinthian columns is traditionally blank or not. A pinecone, which signifies the importance of the logging industry in Massachusetts, tops the dome. (http://www.cityofboston.gov/freedomtrail/massachusettshouse.asp) I doubt this would be found on domes of the ancient world. Just as classical architecture was meant to convey power and grace in Ancient Greece and Rome, I’m sure Charles Bulfinch used elements are classical architecture in the design of the State House for the purpose of conveying the wealth, power, and beauty of the government and state of Massachusetts.
Another building that incorporates classical elements is the Boston Museum of Fine Art.