In seminar on Monday, Professor Richard Powers came in to discuss the architecture in New York City. Professor Powers described architecture as “the context for the life and business that will be conducted in and around the building.” This is also known as the “ethnos.” His first example really brought this point to life. The Parthenon is an iconic building of Eastern Civilization dedicated to Athena, the Greek goddess of reason. The building is supposed to symbolize the power of intellect and it’s “rising up and towering over nature.” However, if you take that same building and reconstruct it in another place, such as Nashville, Tennessee, its meaning and focus will change.

Another building example that I found interesting is Cass Gilbert’s Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House. I have passed this building many of times in Manhattan, but I never took the time to actually stop and examine what I was rushing past. The Customs House was built in Beaux-arts style and is both an engineering and architectural marvel. In 1979, the building was marked to be demolished, but with the help of a US senator, the building was cleaned out and its interiors were redesigned, making it a national landmark. Today, this building is the home of the Museum of the Native American Indian, as well as a valuable office real estate.

While it isn’t an actual building per say, Central Park is the greatest architectural and engineering marvel in all of Manhattan, in my opinion. The park was designed and built in 1858 by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux in Beaux-arts style, even though it is largely romantic. The park contains approximately 843 acres and includes several bodies of water, many running trails and so much more. The most awesome thing about this construction is that everything is man made! Back in the time that the park was built, most commoners did not have time to enjoy its lavishness. It was mainly an attraction for wealthy New Yorkers who wanted to have a return to nature and take a break from the big city.

Finally, in the 1930’s, skyscrapers crept their way into the NYC skyline. The first of these building to be constructed was the Chrysler Building. It was constructed and designed by William Van Allen in Art Deco style, with streamlined shapes inspired by our boats, cars and planes. It was also a gentle shift from the historic revivals that inspired most other architects of the time. It was completely original. No one was really ready for what these buildings could or would look like.

As people came to like this business-esque Art Deco style, more and more buildings were built following it. For example, The Empire State Building, designed by William Lamb, applied this same style. Once again, there were black and white trimmings around the windows and dark granite marble- like interiors. It was supposed to symbolize modern life– fast and unsentimental. In addition, it embraced capitalism, showing people what capitalism can do for such a great city, such as Manhattan Island.