Classical Architecture in Providence

My favorite building in Providence is the Providence Arcade. It opened in 1828 as the first enclosed shopping mall in the United States. Unlike the uniform, consumerism-based shopping malls of modern America, the Providence arcade is an architectural masterpiece. It’s a stellar example of Greek Revivalist architecture—a movement that flourished in Europe and North America during the early 19th century. 

Though many buildings across Providence can be described as “Greek Revivalist,” that term is relatively broad. We associate Greek architecture with symmetrical structures of white granite that are supported by columns and adorned with a decorated entablature and pediment. This vision calls into mind the ruins of the Parthenon—whose influences can still be found in architecture throughout America. 

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However, within the broader category of Greek architecture exist three distinct orders: Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian. Though the differences are small, they are crucial in determining how an architect hoped that his building would be perceived. Here are some examples of Greek Revivalist architecture throughout Providence, and the ways in which their order supports the architect’s mission.

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Doric: 

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Doric is the oldest and the simplest of the three Greek orders. It emerged from the Greek mainland in the seventh century B.C.E. It is easily recognized by its plain, unadorned columns, and sparsely decorated entablature. Since philosophers believed that this lack of detailing made buildings appear sturdy and masculine, many architects traditionally employed it in military buildings. 

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In Providence, the Athenaeum library, built in 1836, is a classic example of Doric architecture. The columns are wide. Their tops are simple. The entablature and pediment are undecorated and plain. The use of Doric architecture in this context reveals an uncomplicated promotion of education and knowledge. I admire the simplicity of the structure for eliminating all distractions from the books within. In a library, there is no need for showiness. The Athenaeum is a beautiful testament to the power that exists in pure, uncorrupted elegance. 

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Ionic: 

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Ionic architecture developed in the Anatolia region of present-day Turkey during the sixth century B.C.E. Structures of the Ionic order are easily recognized by tall, thin columns with capitals that resemble partially unraveled scrolls. In fact, the Ionic order is associated with femininity and grace because of the womanly proportions of the columns and the resemblance they hold to female hairstyles of the time period (think Princess Leia).

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The Providence Arcade is a classic example of Ionic architecture. The elegance of the structure is enhanced by the tall, thin columns that frame the entrance. Rather than intimidating pedestrians, they are somehow inviting. The Ionic details manage to bring the building down to a human scale while still maintaining a sense of grandiosity. Indeed, the architects likely chose to build the Arcade in the Ionic order to attract consumers to the building. 

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Corinthian: 

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The Corinthian order is the most elaborate and newest of the three. It originated in the ancient Greek city of Corinth around 430 B.C.E. Columns of this order often have highly decorated vegetal capitals with ornate depictions of acanthus leaves. These details make the Corinthian order widely used in buildings of prominent social or political significance. 

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The Providence State House, completed in 1904, has many Corinthian elements. Since the building is of utmost political significance, it makes sense that the architect chose to employ the most decorated classical order. Not only do the ornate details on the columns illustrate the wealth and power of the state government, but they also serve to intimidate visitors with their sheer size and complexity. The State House is a powerful example of how elements of classical architecture can be thoughtfully selected to convey a political message of authority and excess. 

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