Classical Architecture Critique

Jessica Bentz

Professor Robert Bomboy

Humanities 101

11 September 2015

Classical Architecture Critique: PA State Capitol Building

The Pennsylvania State Capitol building is located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Construction for the State Capitol building was started in 1902 and became open for public use in 1906. Since then, the Capitol building is where all Pennsylvania lawmakers congregate to debate and shape Pennsylvania legislation. For the purpose of this critique, the exterior of the West entrance was observed and labeled with corresponding classical elements.

Like many government buildings in the United States, The Pennsylvania State Capitol building was profoundly influenced by founding father Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson focused architectural design on Neoclassism and had a tendency to combine both Roman and Greek elements into singular designs. Neoclassic architecture allowed designers like Jefferson to modernize many classic elements, which symbolized the stability, strength and reliability of a government. Originally, this idea was presented by Johann Joachim Winckelmann through his text History of Ancient Art. Winckelmann stated that Classicism was a vehicle for elevation of the human consciousness (Bomboy). This is important when consider these building and styles presented in Classicism act as a representation of a society’s overall strength and stability. Jefferson believed that a nation’s buildings create an overall national imagine, which affect social conduct and aspirations and keeps a society together. (Bomboy)

When examining the West entrance of the Pennsylvania State Capitol building, it is apparent that both Greek and Roman elements of design were utilized. When observing the Greek classical elements, the most apparent is the Corinthian order. The Corinthian order is observed through the many columns that line the West entrance, which are most similar to this Greek column style. These columns are comprised of the base, stylobate, shaft, capital (with acanthus leaves), architrave, frieze and cornice. These columns are structurally important in stabilizing the entire building and also act as a symbol of strength and permanence.  In addition to the Corinthian order columns, the Pennsylvania State Capitol Building’s West entrance also has areas of flat roofs with porticos. The West entrance has a number of Greek pediments over its windows. Like the Corinthian columns, these also represent strength and stability. (Fiero 124)

In addition to the Greek classical elements, Roman classical design was also utilized. The most obvious feature of Roman classical design is the rotunda and green dome which is prominent from any angle of the Pennsylvania State Capitol Building. The rotunda was inspired by the ancient Roman Pantheon, not to be confused with the Greek Parthenon, which had a flat roof. (Fiero 156, 122) Other classical Roman design elements are the round arches that line the ground level of the building; these round arches also display a keystone. The keystone acts in strengthening the arch and bears the weight of the structure. A keystone is especially important to Pennsylvania because it is known as the keystone state. Pennsylvania acquired this colloquialism during the colonial period, as the state acted as the keystone for the 13 original colonies.  Finally, the Pennsylvania State Capitol building was constructed using concrete and stone, which were also materials used by the Romans. Some aspects of design that were noted on the diagram were elements of both Greek and Roman classical architecture. Principles such as formal balance, harmonious proportion and clarity were found in both ancient cultures. Furthermore, the use of architectural sculptures, which adorn the outsides of buildings, were used by the Romans and links back to Hellenistic Greece.

Through all of the aforementioned features, it is obvious that the architects were trying to convey a message of authority and dignity when designing the Pennsylvania State Capital. This is important as the building can be seen from many vantage points throughout the city, and its acts as a symbol for all of Pennsylvania’s legislators. Just as Roman architects determined a building’s formal design based on its function, the design of the Pennsylvania’s State Capitol building, specifically the West entrance, reinforces its purpose in the community. The West entrance is one of the main focal points of the building and also acts as the main entrance into the Capitol rotunda. Because of its function and purpose, the respected style of the design lends itself to the authoritative figures that occupy the building.

When studying the West entrance of the Pennsylvania State Capitol, I immediately recognize symbols of confidence and pride through the columns and arches. The overall feeling and design, from materials used to all of the above-mentioned design principles work together to create the overall perception of power, authority, dignity and stability. Considering this building houses all of Pennsylvania’s congressional delegates and is the forum for creating all laws that go into effect for the state, it makes sense that the building would have a Classical design. These same designs have been used since ancient democracies, and so the visual and conceptual connection is easy to make today. Thomas Jefferson, who was not only a major political leader in the United States, but also an influential architect understood the importance of using aspects of classical design to portray the overall message upon which  American Democracy stands.

Works Cited

Bomboy, Robert. "#11 Neo Classical Architecture." Audio blog post. HUM 101: Modern Culture and the Arts. N.p., 09 Apr. 2013. Web. 11 Sept. 2015.

Fiero, Gloria K. "The Classical Style." The Humanistic Tradition. 7th ed. Vol. 1. New York: McGraw Hill, 2015. 113+. Print.

Fiero, Gloria K. "Rome: The Rise to Empire” The Humanistic Tradition. 7th ed. Vol. 1. New York: McGraw Hill, 2015. 137+. Print.