Thanks to the rise and popularity of the Neoclassical art movement during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, many designers have started to draw upon the classicism and traditional ideals found in Greek and Roman architecture. In Massachusetts, Neoclassical State House Designs are displayed throughout the state, displaying some of the most advanced and exquisite styling in all US architecture. A few prime examples include the The State House of Yawkey Way in Boston, the Newbury State House in Newburyport, and the Winthrop State House in Winthrop.Neoclassical Massachusetts State House Designs
Neoclassical Massachusetts State House Designs
The Greek Revival style came about in the late 18th and early 19th centuries as an attempt to renew interest in the culture of ancient Greece and spread a more humane approach to the government. In Massachusetts, several creative and elaborate Greek Revival State House Designs can be found throughout the state. Examples of this include the Grand Hall of the State House in Boston and the Daniel Webster State House in Marshfield.Greek Revival Massachusetts State House Designs
Greek Revival Massachusetts State House Designs
The Victorian era is known for its eccentric and ornate designs thanks to the influence of the British Empire. During this time, the use of color, texture, and detail in Victorian State House Designs became highly distinctive. In the state of Massachusetts, many of these buildings can be found including the The State House in Boston, the Weston State House in Weston, and the Andover State House in Andover.Victorian Massachusetts State House Designs
Victorian Massachusetts State House Designs
The Federal design style is totally unique and incredibly diverse, offering many interesting and ornate designs which can be found throughout the state of Massachusetts. Some of the most well-known Federal State House Designs in the state include the The State House of Yawkey Way in Boston, the Lexington State House in Lexington, and the Fairhaven State House in Fairhaven.Federal Massachusetts State House Designs
Federal Massachusetts State House Designs
The Elizabethan period saw some of the most advanced architectural designs come about in Europe and the world. The style blends together Renaissance and Baroque elements to create an incredibly intricate and interesting look. This style can be found in Elizabethan State House Designs throughout Massachusetts. Examples include the Old State House in Boston, the Merrimack State House in Merrimack, and the Marshfield State House in Marshfield.Elizabethan Massachusetts State House Designs
Elizabethan Massachusetts State House Designs
The Gothic period was an interesting one and saw the creation of many of the world’s most interesting architectural designs. These designs were carried out in Massachusetts state houses, many of which are still standing today. Examples of these include the Hawley State House in Charlestown, the Ashland State House in Ashland, and the Westwood State House in Westwood.Gothic Massachusetts State House Designs
Gothic Massachusetts State House Designs
The Renaissance period saw the creation of some of the world’s most inspired architectural designs and is still a huge influence today. Of the many Renaissance inspired state houses found in Massachusetts, two stand out as some of the most iconic: the Damariscotta State House and the Crypt of the State House in Boston.Renaissance Massachusetts State House Designs
Renaissance Massachusetts State House Designs
The Baroque style is known for its ornate and highly decorative designs influenced by the popular art movement of the time. Within the state of Massachusetts, there are several Baroque-inspired state houses which display some of the most detailed and eye-catching design work around. Prominent examples of these include The Old State House in Boston and the Sandwich State House in Sandwich.Baroque Massachusetts State House Designs
Baroque Massachusetts State House Designs
Modernism is an increasingly popular style of the current era, characterized by its focus on angular lines and clean, linear patterns. Of the many Modernist State House Designs in Massachusetts, a few examples can be found throughout the state. Some of the most interesting are the State House in Boston, the Chambers State House in Cambridge, and the Northboro State House in Northboro.Modernist Massachusetts State House Designs
Modernist Massachusetts State House Designs
The Postmodern style has developed in the late twentieth century and early twenty-first century to add a new level of uniqueness to the designs of state houses. In Massachusetts, many Postmodern State House Designs can be found throughout the state. Some examples include the Boston State House, the Central Square State House in Boston, and the Main Street State House in Boston.Postmodernist Massachusetts State House Designs
Postmodernist Massachusetts State House Designs
A Closer Look at Massachusetts State House Design
The
Massachusetts State House
in Boston stands as one of the oldest and most iconic pieces of architecture in the state. The building's neoclassical design has been lauded worldwide as a masterpiece of civic architecture. It is one of the oldest capitol building's in the United States and has served as the seat of government for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts since it's dedication in 1798.
What to Look For in Massachusetts State House Design
The building is a study in classical architecture. It was designed by architect Charles Bulfinch and features a red granite structure with a signature dome. The distinctive dome is composed of glass and wood and is illuminated from within at night. Inside, the building features a grand entrance foyer with a domed ceiling and a grand staircase.
Architectural Elements of Massachusetts State House Design
The state house features a symmetrical design with ornamental details. Grand pilasters frame the exterior while projecting pediments are used as accents. The white marble steps are a homage to the Greek and Roman architecture of antiquity, while the curved portico entrance is modeled after the Pantheon in Rome. Other noteworthy features include the iconic brass eagles that are located on either side of the entrance steps and an impressive collection of artwork throughout the building.
Functional Characteristics of Massachusetts State House Design
The Massachusetts State House is also noted for its functional design. The building is built on a hill which allowed for a natural separation between the chambers of the legislature and the governor's office. This separation was intended to ensure that the branches of government remain independent from one another. In addition, the building was designed to include common areas such as a library and small meeting rooms.
Preserving the Past Through Modern Construction Techniques
The Massachusetts State House has undergone various renovations and restorations throughout its history. Today, the building is equipped with modern technology that helps to preserve the integrity and beauty of the historic design. Furthermore, due to the building's age and importance, all maintenance projects must adhere to the strict guidelines prescribed by the Massachusetts Historical Commission so that the building’s historic and cultural significance can be protected for future generations.
