JOEtea and sunshine: Blog Post 9

Architecture is a language united by common elements in syntax and structure, but differing in lilt and tone. This common root is apparent in the transfer of design ideas between the United States and England. Just like our common language, early colonial American architecture started off copying the style popular in England. However, throughout time, the interest in imitation dropped, just like the accent.

Canterbury Cathedral (England)

The National Cathedral (Washington D.C.)

Recently I revisited the National Cathedral, and I think this recently constructed Gothic style cathedral is a perfect example of the influence of Western design. The National Cathedral imitates the almond arches, Gothic aspects, and stained glass that were so popular in Europe's medieval time period. Although the structure is clearly based off Western precedents, it is American in essence. George Washington commissioned Major Pierre L’Enfant to design the capitol and he expressed a desire to build a grand church, however the first stone was laid on September 29, 1907. The cathedral took 83 years to complete, finishing in 1990. This building was a project handed down from generation to generation and serves as more of a monument to this nation than I think it gets credit for. It manages to reunite us with our roots across the sea with its primary design, but delves deeper into American culture as it evolved. The gargoyles capture American history with a hippie and Darth Vader and others hidden amongst the rest. Our space race with Russia is immortalized in a space stained glass window with a lunar rock. 220 people were laid to rest in the cathedral, including Helen Keller. This cathedral has witnessed so many important events in our history, from the great depression to the Vietnam War to the tragedy of 9/11. I find it a perfect example of the influence our origin in England through the similarities of the National Cathedral and the Canterbury Cathedral. American has also explored landscape design that was present in England, which is present in American household gardens and yards. The National Cathedral grounds also has a garden that could probably be traced back to Western landscape designs. England is only the birthplace of America, but the U.S. truly is a mixing bowl of people and cultures. From the Statue of Liberty, a gift of France; the Cherry Blossom festival, made possible by trees given by Japan; to China town, to celebrate that culture here; we are a collage of the world.

These three images show foreign influence in an inherently American place. The first picture is the Statue of Liberty lit up by a celebration of American Independence. The second image is of the capitol under the coverage of Japanese cherry blossoms. The final image is the China town in San Francisco, California.

That's not to say that America has nothing to contribute. Ideologically we set in place a new social view with the Declaration of Independence. We established equality for all men, and through later revolutions, made this statement accurate by given women and African Americans their rights too. This same document did more than put everyone on the same page, it formed a republic that divided the governmental power.This object still has influence today. Although it has been modified it is still our American rule book and we strive to get other nations to play our game.
Besides the Declaration of Independence and all the ideology that comes with it, America has made great steps in advancing technology. The steam engine, car engine, airplane and electrical power were all invented by American minds. These objects helped spur the industrial and transportable revolutions and are used all over the world today.