St. Peter Cathedral: Analyzing Gothic Revival Architecture and Space

1 Module Assignment HU200M3 Theatre and Literature Eric Clarkson Purdue Global University Professor Kirakosian January 7, 2024

2 1. Describe the first selected work of architecture from your area. You should describe the structure in detail. You are welcome to include photos, but do still offer the description. Explain what you see as though readers of your paper have not seen this structure. The St. Peter Cathedral in Erie, Pennsylvania, is a magnificent example of Gothic Revival architecture. The exterior of the cathedral is made of red and white sandstone, with decorative steeples embellishing the roofline spires. The Gothic revival style is

3 visible in the use of pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and massive stained-glass windows that decorate the exterior ("Gothic revival style 1830 - 1860," n.d.). When entering the Cathedral, one cannot help but be impressed by the magnificent interior. The nave is notable for its length and narrowness, with a series of columns supporting the pointed arches. The cathedral's walls are covered in exquisite paintings, and stained-glass windows let in soft, multicolored light ("Art and architecture," 2020). The cathedral's centerpiece is the high altar, which has a carved wooden baldachin that rises above it. The altar is gilded and silvered, and the tabernacle is encircled by angels and saints ("History," 2020). The St. Peter Cathedral is an incredible piece of architecture that is sure to impress anyone who visits it. The attention to detail and excellent usage of Gothic Revival features make it a remarkable masterpiece of its period.

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4 2. Explain at least one architectural concept from the reading. Use and cite the source to help define what the concept is, then explain what you think might be the purpose or importance of this concept. Why is this concept important when it comes to architecture? Add an explanation of the concept, as well as your interpretation of what the concept means. The architectural concept of space refers to the physical and psychological experience of a three-dimensional area, including volume, proportion, scale, and circulation of a building's interior and external areas. Space is an important aspect of architecture because it determines how people interact with and perceive a building. It can generate a sense of openness or enclosure, indicate dominance or equality, and induce emotional responses (Ching, 2011). Professionally, the concept of space in architecture incorporates more than simply the physical dimensions of a building; it also includes the psychological experience of those dimensions. It is critical to comprehend how a location can influence how individuals feel and behave within it. A large, open environment, for example, may convey a sense of freedom and flexibility, whereas a small, enclosed space may provide a sense of security and safety (Jacobus, 2022). The fundamental objective of the architectural notion of space is to create useful, comfortable, and meaningful places for people to occupy. Architects use space to control the physical environment to achieve a variety of goals, such as encouraging social interaction,

5 increasing productivity, or generating a sense of grandeur. Architects who understand the notion of space may create structures that are not only visually pleasing but also functional and accommodating to the demands of their users (Jacobus, 2022).

6 3. Connect the selected work of architecture to the concept. How do you see the structure demonstrating the concept? Explain where you see the ideas in application. How does the structure show the concept? How does understanding of the concept deepen your analysis of the work of architecture? Give examples of what may have changed in your understanding. The St. Peter Cathedral can be analyzed in light of the concept of space, which is visible in the construction of the building. The structure's grandeur and immensity are testaments to its use of space in its design. The cathedral's spacious areas evoke awe and grandeur, while the delicate details in the architecture give a sense of intimacy within the space. The usage of light throughout the structure also emphasizes the concept of space. The way light enters the cathedral generates a sense of space and openness within the structure. Simultaneously, the employment of shadows and darkness creates a sense of depth and dimension. Understanding the concept of space allows for a more nuanced evaluation of how the building interacts with its environment (Jacobus, 2022). For example, one may begin to see how the cathedral's use of space influences how people walk through it, how it interacts with natural light from the surrounding environment, and how it produces a feeling of place and identity within the community.

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7 Overall, viewing the St. Peter Cathedral via the concept of space allows one to appreciate the exquisite aspects of the building's design while also appreciating how the structure interacts with its surroundings.

8 1. Describe the first selected work of architecture from your area. You should describe the structure in detail. You are welcome to include photos, but do still offer the description. Explain what you see as though readers of your paper have not seen this structure. The Fairmount Water Works, a historic landmark in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was built in the early nineteenth century to provide clean water to the city's population. The construction is situated on the Schuylkill River, which at the time served as the city's water supply. The waterworks complex consists of various structures, including a dam, a pumping station, and a reservoir ("History," n.d.). The main structure is made of marble and granite and is built in the Greek Revival style, with a massive central pavilion flanked by two wings ("Fairmount Water Works," n.d.). The pavilion is topped by a dome that features a statue of a woman holding a water jug. The wings have smaller domes and are ornamented with classical columns and pediments.

9 The waterworks' interior holds large steam engines and pumps used to raise water from the river and distribute it across the city. The machinery is still operational and accessible to tourists. The façade of the building is adorned with elaborate elements such as carvings of water- related themes such as dolphins and tridents. The design of the waterworks is reminiscent of classical architecture, which was popular when it was built ("Fairmount Waterworks," n.d.). Overall, the Fairmount Water Works is an impressive facility that exemplifies the architectural and engineering achievements of the time. It emphasizes the necessity of delivering clean water to urban populations and remains a key landmark in Philadelphia's history ("Fairmount Water Works," n.d.).

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10 2. Explain at least one architectural concept from the reading. Use and cite the source to help define what the concept is, then explain what you think might be the purpose or importance of this concept. Why is this concept important when it comes to architecture? Add an explanation of the concept, as well as your interpretation of what the concept means. One of the most fundamental concepts in architecture is that of form and function. According to the book "Architecture: Form, Space, and Order" by Francis D.K. Ching, form and function refer to the physical shape and planned usage of a building, respectively. As a result, the purpose of a structure must determine its design, with the shape of the building expressing that function (Ching, 2011). Form and function are important because they ensure that a building is not only visually beautiful but also practical and functional. A building that does not suit its intended purpose can be inefficient, uncomfortable, and even dangerous in some situations (Jacobus, 2022). Hospitals, for example, have special design concerns, such as accommodating medical equipment and huge crowds. If the hospital's design does not correspond to its function, it can hurt patient care and staff productivity. In essence, the form and function notion highlight the importance of buildings being created with a specific purpose in mind, which necessitates assessing a building's intended use and developing its shape appropriately. This necessitates balancing aesthetic and functional

11 criteria while ensuring that the design promotes the safety, comfort, and well-being of its occupants.

12 3. Connect the selected work of architecture to the concept. How do you see the structure demonstrating the concept? Explain where you see the ideas in application. How does the structure show the concept? How does understanding of the concept deepen your analysis of the work of architecture? Give examples of what may have changed in your understanding. The Fairmount Water Works, a historical site in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, demonstrates architectural form and function integration. The architecture of the tower serves a specific purpose: it pumps water from the Schuylkill River and distributes it to the city's residents. The outside of the structure symbolizes its mission, with its grandeur and scale reflecting the importance of the waterworks to the city. The building's form is an outstanding example of neoclassical architecture, including features such as columns, pediments, and symmetrical facades ("Neoclassical architecture," 2009). The grandeur of the building's form emphasizes the waterworks' importance to the city's infrastructure and its part in the city's expansion. The building's revolutionary function incorporates a gravity-fed system that uses water wheels to draw water from the Schuylkill River to the reservoirs. The design was so successful that it served as a model for other towns throughout the world.

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13 Understanding the concept of form and function enriches our understanding of the Fairmount Water Works in various ways. For starters, it allows us to appreciate the building's design as a reflection of its function. Second, it allows us to see how the building's design was revolutionary for its time and how it inspired other cities throughout the world. Finally, it allows us to appreciate how the structure still serves its duty as a cultural landmark and a testament to Philadelphia's rich history. In conclusion, the Fairmount Water Works is an excellent illustration of the interplay between form and function in architecture. The building's design reflects its purpose, and a comprehension of the concept of form and function enhances our appreciation of the building's design, its historical significance, and its continued relevance today.

14 References Art and architecture . (2020, May 3). Saint Peter Cathedral | Erie, Pennsylvania. https://stpetercathedral.com/history/art-and-architecture/ Ching, F. (2011, June 9). Architecture: Form, Space, And Order, 3rd Edition . https://rsd2-alert- durden-reading-room.weebly.com/uploads/6/7/1/6/6716949/ching- architecture_form_space_order.pdf Fairmount water works . (n.d.). Travels Through Greco-Roman Antiquity. https://grecoroman.library.villanova.edu/philadelphia/sites/fairmount-water- works Gothic revival style 1830 - 1860 . (n.d.). Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. https://www.phmc.state.pa.us/portal/communities/architecture/styles/ gothic-revival.html History . (2020, December 22). Saint Peter Cathedral | Erie, Pennsylvania. https://stpetercathedral.com/history/ History . (n.d.). Fairmount Water Works – Discover. Connect. Act. https://fairmountwaterworks.org/about/history/ Jacobus, L. (2022). Humanities through the Arts (11th ed.). McGraw-Hill Higher Education (US) . https://purdueuniversityglobal.vitalsource.com/books/9781264360215. Neoclassical architecture . (2009, October 13). Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/art/Neoclassical-architecture

15 Water works . (2019, November 6). Visit Philadelphia. https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to- do/attractions/water-works-restaurant-and-lounge/

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