Guest Author - Daria Przybyla
The are certain noticeable similarities as well as differences between modern 410 S. Michigan Ave. Fine Arts Building and the ancient Temple of Hera. Why exactly would designers draw from traditional architectural patterns while projecting buildings designated for modern use?
Though situated in the center of one of America’s metropolis, the architecture of 410 S. Michigan Ave., a monumental skyscraper, draws from Ancient European traditions which endow it with a strikingly historical appearance. Among the most noticeable characteristics of the Fine Arts Building there are the upright pillars incorporated into the external construction of the façade. Its walls’ colors vary from pale green to dark brown all in different shades. The pillars were built in the Doric style with quite simple capitals supporting entablature. The capitals of pillars are sustained by patterned freizers and decorated with somewhat modest carvings. The columns have different heights on several stories but follow the same architectural patterns. Other than that, the Fine Arts Building reminds of other skyscraper office buildings. It has a solid, heavy-looking construction and high windows with a tendency to get smaller up the building.
Taking into consideration the above description, it can be concluded that the building represents several architectural styles. Apart from obvious references to the architectural symbols that erected in Ancient Greece such as the Temple of Hera which will be discussed later, 410 Michigan Ave. draws from both Victorian Italianate Architecture and Greek Revival Style. Mainly, the former is comprised in tall, narrow windows, balanced shape and simple roofing. The former, on its part, is expressed through smooth walls, roof topped with balustrade and smaller square windows on top floor. Even though the origin of those inspirations is in the European culture, the architect, actually, drew heavily from American architectural trends popular in the 19th century.
The aforesaid architectural similarity to ancient Greece can be found among monuments such as the powerful-looking marble Temple of Hera which was built in accordance with the conventions of the Corinthian order. Its most important features are plain shaft, lack of base under the columns and rectangular, spacious shape. The same architectural elements were employed in the construction of Partheon or, even currently better-preserved, Hephaisteion in the Athens which still supports a visible frieze. A considerable variation can be observed on the example of the Temple of Castor and Pollux – despite the fact that it was severely damaged first by a fire and then by an earthquake there are several exceptionally high columns remaining. Such temples, in ancient history, were devoted to adoring deities and cultivating pagan religions which accounts for their size and monumental look. Though nowadays most of them are predominantly in ruins, their most substantial feature – massive columns and marble texture are unfailingly observable.
The modern building, naturally, doesn’t follow ancient patterns entirely. Its construction was influenced by several other styles described earlier as well as urban limitations imposed on it by its location in the center of Chicago. The Fine Arts Building does not have a rectangular shape because otherwise it might even look slightly grotesque if a temple-shaped enormous construction was squeezed in-between glass paned skyscrapers. Its colors are also darker and the façade does not have any marble or wooden elements in its texture. In this sense, the construction was, apparently, adjusted to the conditions of a big city and more severe and erratic whether conditions than those of the Mediterranean. 410 S. Michigan Ave. is far more utilitarian and practical than ancient Greek temples as it was created for public use.
Reasons for incorporating ancient styles into modern architectural practices are, in fact, numerous. First, historical appearance is a promise of stability and tradition. Any firm or organization which uses interiors of historically-looking building improves the image of a given company as well as makes it seem more trustworthy and reliable in the eyes of its customers. It allows creating the illusion that the firm itself is quite old and has been prospering for a long time. Moreover, solid and elegant building is a promise of service, goods or events of pretty much the same quality. Second, good taste and style are also associated with history. In this way, any artistic enterprises taking place in the Fine Arts building can be, automatically, considered professional and meaningful. There are also other more practical reasons such as the necessity to provide a relatively young city with a building that reminds of history as such, the history of art and history of architecture. It signifies a close relationship American developed with the cultural and architectural inheritance of Europe.
