What is it about old buildings!? Have you ever seen a building and thought “Wow, that old building is amazing!” or “They sure don’t make them like that anymore!”
The Nineteenth century, mostly the latter half of the 1800s, produced some stunning architecture. These structures were designed and built all over the world. Sadly, many are not standing today.
Looking at pictures of these old buildings we see steeply pitched roofs, gables, bay windows, towers and turrets, decorative trim and a certain gothic influence. Words describing 19th century architecture include ornate, eclectic, asymmetrical, stately, sublime and grandiose. The world evolved in the 1800s: it was a time of industrialization, expansion, change, revolution, innovation and reform.
A search for “what is architecture” results in the following:
“The definition according to the Dictionary of Architecture and Construction is simply that architecture refers to the art and science of designing and building structures, or large groups of structures, in keeping with aesthetic and functional criteria.” Archisoup
“Architecture is – and can’t be anything but – the organization and form of physical space.” Architecture and Education
“Architecture is the process of creating buildings, which includes functional and aesthetic components. It brings together an entire gamut of professionals who come together to craft a master plan, which synergizes input of building material and a logical design process leading to the output of a properly constructed building. This end-to-end process defines architecture and its beauty.” Novatr
“Architecture for the non-architect is consumer product, real estate, useful tool, societal expression, experiential setting.” AIA Pittsburgh
And lot’s more! However we describe it, these old buildings are remarkable and exciting to explore through the eyes of their photographers. What an amazing time in the history of architecture!
Thanks to Old World Architecture for the images and descriptions.
William A. Clark House, aka “Clark’s Folly”, New York City. Constructed from 1897 to 1911. Demolished in 1927.
Cornelius Vanderbilt II House, New York City. “Completed” in 1883, demolished in 1927.
Mark Hopkins Mansion. San Francisco. “Completed” in 1878, destroyed by fire caused by San Francisco earthquake in 1906.
Charles Crocker House on Nob Hill, constructed 1878-1880, destroyed in 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire.
Erie County Savings Bank, Buffalo NY. Constructed 1890-1893, demolished 1968.
Central Boys High School, Philadelphia PA. Constructed 1894-1900, demolished in 1961. Ben Franklin High School now stands in its place.
The Old Waldorf Astoria Hotel, New York City. Located at the corner of 5th Ave & 33rd St. Construction from 1890-1893. Demolished 1929. The Empire State Building was then built on this site.
The Chicago Federal Building. Constructed between 1898 and 1905, demolished 1965.
The Hotel Netherland, New York City. Built by the Astor estate, it opened in1893 and was demolished in 1927. “A noticeable feature of the electric installation lies in the fact that no belts are to be used in power transmission; imported cotton rope will connect the engines, jack shafts, and dynamos. When completed, this will be the largest rope-driven electric plant in this or any other country.” – Electricity: A Popular Electrical and Financial Journal, August 3, 1892.
The US Post Office and Sub-Treasury Building, Boston, Massachusetts. Original building completed in 1874, expansion completed in 1885, demolished in 1929.
Old Building Image Credits:
- All images courtesy of Old World Architecture