RR9

The U.S. Capitol

Plan from which Capitol's foundations were laid.

      Beginning in 1793, the construction of the U.S. Capitol was overseen by architects William Thornton, Henry Latrobe, and Charles Bulfinch.  Despite its obvious connections to Roman and Greek architecture, as well as universal geometry, it was difficult to accomplish since there is no concrete predecessor for its design.  

Here, we are able to look into the past and see the US Capitol under construction. Pretty cool shot.

     Modeled after the Pantheon, the entrance is reminiscent of a columned temple-front.  From this central area, there are two symmetrical wings which extend far out to the sides.  Inside, however, there is no attempt to continue this duality; an idea going against neoclassicism of the time.  Not too long after the wings were completed, the War of 1812 began and the British partially destroyed the building.  Shortly after, reconstruction began and the structure was topped with a Pantheon-style dome, which is noted as being far too large for the actual structure.  However, this building is clearly one of importance and, naturally, does need to be immediately recognizable.

     From a modern perspective, it seems that our U.S. Capitol is tethered to outdated ideals when considering its Greco-Roman architecture.  While this is true that it will always be as a link to the past, that should not suggest that we are opposed to change and modernization.  According to Architect of the Capitol (AOC) website, sustainability, a fairly new idea, is being taken seriously.  The AOC boasts improved energy, water efficiency, earth-friendly materials, as well as recycling and renewability.  

http://www.aoc.gov/sustainability.cfm