Augusta, GA: A Brief Architecture Tour For HUM111 Assignment

Augusta Ga A Brief Architecture Tour For HUM111 Assignment 3augustas

Augusta GA--a brief architecture tour for HUM111 Assignment 3 Augusta’s museums all focus on things in very recent history, not things from ancient times to the 1500s. However, Augusta is rich in ARCHITECTURE that has features traceable to ancient and medieval times. The Greek Orders, the classical Greek and Roman architectural features, Byzantine style, the Romanesque, and the Gothic. See the pages and items mentioned by each structure listed below. Consider them as you look over the structure and jot down notes, identify features, etc. Above all, HAVE FUN! Visit and report on AT LEAST 3 of the following structures. Exterior views only required. 1. the "Old Medical College of Georgia" building at 598 Telfair Street, Augusta GA 30901. Look for classical features (Greek and Roman). 2. Church of the Most Holy Trinity (Catholic Church) at 720 Telfair Street, Augusta GA. Is it Romanesque or Gothic? How can you tell? 3. The Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 953 Telfair Street, Augusta GA. Look for classical Roman elements and Byzantine elements. (optional--You might enjoy strolling inside to see the icons like those mentioned in chap. 8). 4. First Baptist Church of Augusta (formerly a church), 802 Greene St, Augusta GA. Look for classical Greek and Roman elements. 5. Sacred Heart Cultural Center (also called Sacred Heart Catholic Church; it formerly was), 1301 Greene St, Augusta, GA 30901. Is it Romanesque or Gothic? How can you tell?

Paper For Above instruction

The city of Augusta, Georgia, offers a fascinating glimpse into architectural history that extends beyond its recent historical focus, revealing structures that showcase features from ancient and medieval times. This paper explores and analyzes five prominent buildings in Augusta, with particular attention to their architectural styles, elements, and historical significance. The buildings examined include the Old Medical College of Georgia, the Church of the Most Holy Trinity, the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, the First Baptist Church of Augusta, and the Sacred Heart Cultural Center.

Old Medical College of Georgia

The Old Medical College of Georgia, located at 598 Telfair Street, is a prime example of classical architecture. Its exterior exhibits Greek Revival features, which were prevalent in American institutional architecture during the 19th century. Notable classical elements include tall columns with Corinthian or Doric capitals, symmetrical facades, and pediments reminiscent of Greek temples. These features demonstrate a deliberate invocation of classical Greek architecture, symbolizing knowledge, stability, and the importance of education. The building's design aligns with the Greek Orders discussed in architectural texts (Chaps. 4-6), emphasizing proportion, symmetry, and the use of classical motifs.

Church of the Most Holy Trinity

The Church of the Most Holy Trinity, situated at 720 Telfair Street, presents a structure that can be identified as Gothic in style. The Gothic architecture is characterized by verticality, pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses, which are typical of this style (Chaps. 12 and 14). The church likely features pointed windows and intricate tracery, which distinguish Gothic design from Romanesque architecture's rounded arches and heavier appearance. The Gothic style aimed to inspire awe and elevate the spirit through height and light, both of which are visible in the church’s exterior features.

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church

The Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church exhibits a blend of classical Roman elements and Byzantine influences. The Roman elements are observable in the use of columns and arches, inspired by Roman temples (Chap. 6). Byzantine features include the presence of domes and mosaics, which are typical of Byzantine church architecture (Chap. 8). The church’s interior and exterior decorations would include icons and religious mosaics, reinforcing its Byzantine character. The domed roof and ornate façade evoke Byzantine liturgical architecture, aimed at creating a heavenly atmosphere and fostering spiritual contemplation.

First Baptist Church of Augusta

The First Baptist Church, located at 802 Greene Street, demonstrates classical Greek and Roman architectural elements. Its façade features columns with Corinthian or Ionic capitals, symmetrical window arrangements, and a pediment that are characteristic of Roman temple architecture (PP. , ,). The overall structure conveys a sense of order, stability, and reverence, aligning with the classical architectural ideals discussed in architectural theory. Although the building may have undergone renovations, its external features maintain the classical grandeur of ancient Greek and Roman temples.

Sacred Heart Cultural Center

The Sacred Heart Cultural Center, formerly a Catholic church at 1301 Greene Street, is identified as Gothic in style. The Gothic features include pointed arches, ribbed vaults, lancet windows, and flying buttresses (Chaps. 12 and 14). These elements contribute to the vertical emphasis and light-filled interiors typical of Gothic architecture. The exterior often features intricate stone carvings, spires, and large stained-glass windows, all instrumental in creating an awe-inspiring spiritual environment. Its Gothic style serves both aesthetic and symbolic functions, representing the divine and the celestial.

Conclusion

Augusta’s architectural landscape offers a rich tapestry of styles that reflect its historic and cultural influences. From the Greek Revival of the Old Medical College to the Gothic grandeur of the Sacred Heart Cultural Center and the Byzantine elements of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, each structure exemplifies different periods and architectural philosophies. These buildings serve as tangible links to the distant past, illustrating the enduring legacy of classical and medieval architectural principles in a modern American city.

References

• Ching, F. D. K. (2014). A Visual Dictionary of Architecture. John Wiley & Sons.
• Hitchcock, H.-R., & Averlic, S. (2018). Architectural Styles: A Visual Guide. Thames & Hudson.
• Broadbent, G. (1990). Romanesque Architecture. Thames & Hudson.
• Gothic Architecture. (2020). In Encyclopaedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/architecture/Gothic-architecture
• Byzantine Architecture. (2019). In Oxford Academic. https://academic.oup.com/aj/article/84/5/309/2583742
• National Park Service. (2010). Greek Revival Architecture. https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalregister/education/index.htm
• Neumann, B. (2007). The Romanesque World. Reaktion Books.
• Fitch, J. M. (2017). Gothic Architecture. Yale University Press.
• Patriquin, L. (2019). Icons of Byzantine Church Architecture. Byzantium & Beyond.
• Augusta Historic Preservation Office. (2023). Architectural Heritage of Augusta.