Classical Architecture Critique

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Kylie Wetzel
Professor Bomboy     
HUM 101
Classical Architecture Critique: The Pennsylvania State Capitol
There are so many building in the state of Pennsylvania that resembles classical Greek or Roman designs. The building I chose to talk about is located in the center of Harrisburg Pennsylvania and it is the State Capitol. Many respected government officials like the House of Representatives, the Senate, and the Governor.  This building is a hot spot for tourist to visit. “The building incorporates various Renaissance designs in some of the largest room: Italian in the House of chambers, French in the Senate chambers, and English in the Governors reception room” (pacapitol.com). Built and furnished at a cost of $13 million, the Capitol features paintings, stained glass and furnishings by some of the best artisans of the day. 
The State Capitol building was designed by Joseph Huston of Philadelphia in 1902 (pacapitol.com/article). His design and inspiration came from Roman Architecture and artwork such as Michelangelo’s design for St. Peters Basilica. Michelangelo’s piece gave Huston inspiration to create the Capitol Buildings centerpiece (PaCapitol.com Article). The architecture is so easy on the eyes even President Theodore Roosevelt had stated “This is the handsomest building I ever saw” (PaCapitol.com Article). At first glance you can see clearly the Classical order that Huston used when creating his beautiful building. (pacapitol.com/about-the-capitol.cfm)
The Classical Order that was chosen for the State Capitol was 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. Corinthian columns appear more elaborate and display more details and just appear as though they are important. This order was a favorite of the Romans and not really used much by the Greeks.  I believe the Corinthian Order was the appropriate architecture used for the State Capitol because it helps demonstrate strength, stability, power, wealth and importance. The Capitol building is a very important building in Pennsylvania and a lot of important people work inside. The building is an icon of “Democracy and Freedom” (PaCapitol.com/article).
The building was meant to be a “Palace of art”.  The Style of the State Capitol enhances the buildings use. The style of the capital shows power. The building its self is massive. There is no building in Harrisburg PA, like the capitol building. Thomas Jefferson designed a country estate that has a dome top like the Capitol building. The building Jefferson designed was “Country Estate at Monticello” (The Humanistic Tradition, page 156) The Pantheon is another example of a building that resembles the Capitol building. The Pantheon had “dramatic spatial design”, “symmetry”, and “harmony” (The humanistic tradition, page123). The Capitol building was built to have the elite people to work at. The Capitol is indeed a monument to Pennsylvania’s wealth and confidence in its greatness as the twentieth century began.
The State Capitol building reflects classical and Roman designs. The building has a Corthian and Doric style. The building reflects on other amazing architecture artists like, Pallido and Jefferson. The buildings message is power. The building has Greek and Roman statues outside the building. Government officials that work there take pride in the building they have their office at. I love looking at the breath taking building in Harrisburg PA. The capitol has symmetry and harmony. The Greeks and Romans are still influencing with their works today. The Capitol is a huge historical landmark in Pennsylvania. There is history made daily in the building.
In conclusion, the State Capitol is a great example of classical Roman architecture and it stands tall in the center of Harrisburg, Pa. The designs and architect that Joseph Huston used to build that capitol are inspiration to lots of modern day architects.


Work Cited
“The Pennsylvania Capitol.” Pennsylvania State Capitol - Official Site, www.pacapitol.com/.
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.

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