The Medallion, Volume 47, Number 5-6, May/June 2010 Page: 12
19 p. : col. ill. ; 28 cm.View a full description of this periodical.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
Experiencing Architecture
Styles, Materials and the Creative ProcessWhile taking in Texas' diverse
collection of historic downtowns,
residents and visitors often marvel
at the surrounding buildings and
distinctive architectural styles. They
may boldly proclaim an edifice to be
representative of the Art Deco style,
or proudly declare a courthouse as
Romanesque Revival. They may be
making an educated identification,
or stating an opinion based on their
recollection from an Architecture 101
class years ago.
Regardless, architecture in
Texas and throughout the world can
be experienced in a variety of ways
at a variety of levels. You may be
interested in determining a building's
architectural style, exploring the
different materials comprising a
building or understanding how an
architect conceived a particular
design. If so, the following overview
will offer a useful introduction to
experiencing architecture.
Style
The more you look at buildings,
the more you realize how often
they share visual characteristics
with other buildings. These similar
qualities are referred to as an
architectural style.
If you can't clearly identify a
particular building's style, don't be
frustrated. Many buildings simply
refuse to fit into one particular
category - they are likely a hybrid
of two or more styles. Though
sometimes curious, hybrids
can be quite fascinating for
their uniqueness.
You should also know that the
beauty of architectural styles is more
than skin deep; they have a serious
side. When used correctly, these
styles often serve the same purpose
TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSIONas grammar does
for the written word.
The elements of a
building - such
as the classical
columns of a late-
1800s bank (Neo-
Classical Revival) or
the sleek horizontal
windows of an early
1900s museum
(International
Style) - need an
architectural style as
a frame of reference
and a system of organization
(see sidebar for recommended
resources). It's equally as important,
however, not to take architectural
styles too seriously. Thinking about
old buildings strictly in terms of
style can be quite limiting and
ultimately unsatisfying.
While style identification is
essential for placing buildings
within their historic context, it
doesn't explain how the design was
conceived. Styles are a framework
for the creative process; they don't
represent the process itself.
Building Materials
and Elements
Historic buildings made use of a wide
variety of materials and elements,
including pigmented structural
glass panels, cast iron storefront
components, ceramic tile flooring,
tin ceilings, terra cotta facades, steel
windows, painted signs, pre-neon
electric signs, neon signs, post-
war plastic signs and ornamental
woodwork. Each of these materials
and elements played an important
role in defining the character of the
building and reinforcing the tone set
by the architectural style.ix ,
A
40riiii l SAiJ u lfi
II FIrThere is an abundance of useful
information available on the history,
maintenance and restoration of these
elements and materials. The National
Park Service's Preservation Briefs are
one of the best places to start your
investigation (www.nps.gov/history/
hps/tps/briefs/presbhom .htm).
Just as with styles, it is limiting
to think about building materials and
elements as the genesis of building
form. Building parts and materials do
not magically fit together to create
architecture. Something else is
required to make a particular material
or a certain style meaningful: the
establishment of an architectural
concept or "parti." Let's have a closer
look at the creative process that
leads to the parti.
www.thc.state.tx.usm = ,.P"',.
I PRESERVATION ADVICE
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This issue can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Periodical.
Texas Historical Commission. The Medallion, Volume 47, Number 5-6, May/June 2010, periodical, May 2010; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth309001/m1/12/: accessed May 2, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Texas Historical Commission.