Urban Architecture in America
The most notable style of buildings in American cities might be the classic Roman style seen in many public buildings throughtout
the country, in cities large and small. This choice in design first began after the Columbian Exposition, according to
MSN Encarta.
The Columbian Exposition was a fair to dedicate the 400th
Anniversary of Columbus' discovery of America. Several architects
used the event to show how several buildings could be desiegned
using congruent themes to lead a sense of unity to the design.
The only problem was that the only style that they all knew
was Roman. This style came to dominate public buildings for
many years after the fair. It is found in Post Offices, Museums,
Courts, etc.
A picture of the Roman styled New York City public library.
Another style that is evident in many U.S. Cities is one that denotes the form should follow the function.
This design is eveident in many Sky Scrapers, that all have similar designs but can serve mulitple functions.
A tall sky scraper could be apartments for the rich, or a center for trade and commerce, or an company's headquaters.
NYC Upward View
Against the idea that buildings should be simple and serve multiple functions is the idea of Form follows Form. This is the idea
that all buildings can be unique and pleasing the eye and still serve their purpose. Frank Lloyd Wright exemplied this idea in his
design of the Guggenheim Museum. The Guggenheim Museum is a building clearly designed to be unique and yet still functions wonderfully
in its purpose of displaying art to the masses.
Useful Links
- American Urban Architecture
- University of Florida's Urban Planning Resources
