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St louis arch history
St louis arch history







st louis arch history

In this regard, another architect, Auguste Perret, has made himself famous through his bold designs and emphasis on clean faces and solid use of material. It was competitive, individualistic and materialistic. It was misunderstood by the public as emphasizing structure over substance making it seem dogmatic and brutal. Through this, Modernism kept its focus on the brilliance that was offered in the future and rejected any other views. Levin, in her critical review of the period, indicates modernism “longed for perfection and demanded purity, clarity, order.Īnd it denied everything else, especially the past: idealistic, ideological and optimistic” (Levin, 1988: 14). Key artists during this period included Paul Renner and Jan Tschichold who re-wrote the rules of typography to more accurately reflect the modernist ideals in blatant recognition of the communicative qualities of the typeface itself. It was during the Modern movement that the rise in the social middle class in America gave birth to a growing graphic design industry in important areas such as advertising and packaging. “When used together, asymmetrical typography, geometric layout, and photographic illustration defined the radical new form language of Modernist design” (Chwast & Heller, 2000: 89). In working to find the ‘essence’ of their material in order to condense it down into its most functional form, the Modern movement had a profound impact on typography and design layout. Furniture, architecture, sculpture and typography were created that demonstrated a harsh functionality that idealized the power of the machine and the ability of man to fashion his own environment. It was widely influential, finding expression in the United States and throughout Europe, predominantly in urban areas and in industrialized nations. Dominating the early half of the 1900s, the Modern movement is characterized by a focus on the wonders of the machine age.

#ST LOUIS ARCH HISTORY FULL#

Modernism was in full swing when Saarinen developed his ideas for the Gateway Arch in 1947. The best way to understand the innovative approach of these individuals, then, is to compare the Gateway Arch with the ideals of the Modernist style under which it was developed. Because artistic styles had already changed by the time the Gateway Arch was built, it is sometimes difficult to appreciate the many ways in which this design represents its modernistic era. “When Saarinen tried to demonstrate his desired shape with a chain suspended in his hands, he couldn’t achieve the slightly elongated, ‘soaring’ effect he wanted Bandel asked for the chain, came back in a few days, and delighted the architect by producing Saarinen’s curve, as if by magic” (Encyclopedia, 2009).Īs this indicates, Bandel was also well-known for his innovation and style. The project was carried forward by Hannskarl Bandel, a German structural engineer who emigrated to the United States after World War II. Unfortunately, Saarinen died in 1961 at the age of 51 and two years before work began on the Arch. It reveals the vision, determination, persistence, collaboration, creativity, and innovation on the part of many, as the design and realization of the Gateway Arch continues to evolve over time.His designs were considered radical for his time and they helped to promote the achievements of the age – automobiles, airplanes, television and computers. Gateway Arch: An Illustrated Timeline explores the planning, growth, and evolution of St.

st louis arch history

Learn how Eero Saarinen’s Gateway Arch is a powerful and symbolic expression of this westward exploration. Louis was a major port in the Golden Age of Steamboating and the origin of the Missouri-Pacific Railroad in 1849 to forge connection between the east and the west coast. Located on the west bank of the Mississippi River, St. Louis’s central location has been key to US history, serving as the “Gateway to the West” it was here that Lewis and Clark began their Corps of Discovery Expedition (1804–1806).

st louis arch history

Enjoy a chronological look at the historic foundations of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, starting from the very beginning: when the Louisiana territory was controlled by France. John Guenther, architect and historian, seeks to “connect the dots” of history and take readers through the key events which led to the building of the Gateway Arch, assisted by historic images. The story of how this monument came to be is remarkable. Guenther Size: 8.5 x 11 Binding: Bookazine Pages: 48 ISBN: 9781681064468 Price: $17.00Īn icon of Structural Expressionism, the Gateway Arch expresses both a timeless monumentality and a contemporary dynamism. Title: Gateway Arch: An Illustrated Timeline Author: John C.









St louis arch history