Urban Architecture: Ancient Greek and Roman Influence in Prominent LA Buildings by ALLINTA TADESSE

The Millennium Biltmore Hotel

tadesse_allinta01 — 2024-06-02 23:54:33 UTC

On the streets of Downtown LA, one may come across the Millennium Biltmore Hotel. Having been open for over a century, this hotel has not only been a prominent center for entertainment in Los Angeles but shows how architecture with a strong identity can withstand the test of time. This hotel has also become an ideal location for events such as the Academy Awards and is primarily defined by its glamorous appearance. Entertainment was also a significant aspect of Ancient Greek culture in the form of theater with stories that vary from comedies to a hero's journey. The large pillars that stand before the hotel’s entrance and the arches that are found peeking from the side of the building solidify its Ancient Greek influence.

Do you think this structure would fit in with the architecture of Ancient Greece? Why or why not?

Los Angeles Central Library, Sculpture on Flower Street (West)

tadesse_allinta01 — 2024-06-02 23:54:41 UTC

This sculpture engraved into the Los Angeles Central library displays multiple figures that are reminicine of Archaic and Classical Greek sculptures. Similarities can be seen such as the same head decoration, prominent nose, and mild expression on their face with relation to the sculptures inspired by Archaic Greece. The two smaller soldiers in between clearly represent the Classical Greek art style that incorporates more motion and a better understanding of anatomy. In addition, they also sport head protection in the form of a helmet that's not found amongst ancient depictions of Archaic Greek soldiers.

How does this sculpture comment on the Archaic versus Classical Greek perception of masculinity?

Bullock's Wilshire Building

tadesse_allinta01 — 2024-06-02 23:55:52 UTC

Now home to a law school, the Bullocks Wilshire Building possesses prominent architectural details that show its influence on ancient civilizations. These figures on the building are reminiscent of the Archaic Greek art syle, primarily due to the lack of movement and simple appearance. The other external aspects of this building include elements that indicate a strong influence from the Art-Deco movement, that also includes incorporating aspects of Ancient Greek and Roman architecture such as large limestone structures.

What other civilizations does this aspect of the building remind you of?

The Getty Villa

tadesse_allinta01 — 2024-06-02 23:56:37 UTC

The massive estate that is the Getty Villa boasts several collections of art and artifacts. Designed and constructed by several individuals, the Getty Villa possesses the ability to transport its visitors into the world of Ancient Greece and Rome. In this image, the distance shows a neoclassical building with pillars in a similar manner to that of the white house. The lush greenery and elaborate sculpture alongside the large basin of water can make any visitor feel like they are visiting the palace of a great emperor.

Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum

tadesse_allinta01 — 2024-06-02 23:57:18 UTC

The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum is evidently inspired from the Colosseum from Ancient Rome. As a place for the display of great physical capabilities and agility, this structure not only takes inspiration from Ancient Rome on a structural level, but a cultural level as well. Ancient Rome boasted large sporting events that would attract many people, as it would be their primary form of entertainment. While not as gruesome as Ancient Rome, the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum also facilitates sporting events such as classic football games and even the Olympics in 1984. This great house of athleticism contains large arches and has seats that surround the epicenter of the stadium, in a similar fashion to that of the Colosseum.

Do you think structures such as this one draw us closer to ancient peoples? Why or why not?

Los Angeles Theatre

tadesse_allinta01 — 2024-06-02 23:57:44 UTC

This image taken of the highest point of the Los Angeles Theatre provides a clear view of the adornment to the building clearly reminiscent of the Corinthian order, the last and most developed of the orders of Ancient Greek Architecture. If one takes a closer look they can actually make out another sculpture of a being with wings that appears to have a long helmet. This sculpture is placed close to the center of the top of the building surrounded by the elaborate decorations of the building, indicating a sense of prominence or importance. They also are placed right behind the theater’s sign and can be seen more clearly through a side view.

Who do you think the mysterious individual is? Consider why this may be a deity or someone of high status such as a soldier.

Apotheosis (Inside One Street Bunker Hill)

tadesse_allinta01 — 2024-06-02 23:58:43 UTC

The definition of Apotheosis is ‘the elevation of a person to the rank of a God’, thus can be seen through the Godly imagery that Hugo Ballin provides for in his commissioned painting Apotheosis, for the One Bunker Hill Building on West Fifth in Los Angeles. One Bunker Hill was originally a utility building, and we can see how electricity and technology are present with individuals being present in the same painting, but from a different time period. More specifically the men in the painting that appear in 16th century style clothing. We actually can see several figures such as the man that resides between the rest of the people in the painting, and a hand indicating that it would be the hand of God. The connection between man and divinity is prominent in Ancient Greek mythology, especially when stories include a theme either about how to behave in society or how to not make a specific Greek God upset. This painting boasts the same connection between higher beings that have been present in Ancient Greek and Roman civilizations.

What other aspects of this painting reminds you of Ancient Greece or Ancient Rome?

Farmers and Merchants Bank and Annexes

tadesse_allinta01 — 2024-06-02 23:59:58 UTC

Farmers and Merchants Bank Annex possesses characteristics that would classify it as a neoclassical-inspired building, as it bears a strong resemblance to other neoclassical structures such as the White House. It was also constructed during a time of neoclassical revival in the early 20th century. The large pillars that frame the front of the building can be seen with the Corinthian order placed on top of these pillars. This bank also resembles temples that would have existed during the time of Ancient Greece and Rome. This bank was nicknamed one of the"temples of finance”, but now serves other purposes such as providing a venue for special events and banquets, as well as for filming locations.

Do you think this style of architecture fits a place of finances?

Ceiling Mural: The Griffith Observatory

tadesse_allinta01 — 2024-06-03 00:11:17 UTC

Commissioned by the Griffith Observatory, Hugo Ballin painted a series of murals called “Advancement of Science from Remote Periods to Present Time”. Celebrating the progression of science throughout Ancient history and entering modern times. This mural and how the stories are positioned are reminiscent of pottery art in the Archaic and Classical Greek civilizations and their affinity for telling stories. This piece of the mural depicts several deities or representations of them, and celestial bodies such as the moon. It is also important to note these ancient civilizations’ desire for knowledge of the sciences and engineering, after all, the fundamentals of mathematics were discovered in the era of Ancient Greece. This piece boasts a mixture of science and religion with oil paints layered on the canvas appearing watercolor-like.

How does the artist want you to feel about this mural?

Hollywood Masonic Temple

tadesse_allinta01 — 2024-06-03 00:14:24 UTC

From Freemason origins to hosting Jimmy Kimmel Live! This historic building boasts a prominent neoclassical influence within its architecture. The pillars that stand in front of the building are decorated with the ionic order and have housed many groups of people including the Freemasons.

To what extend do you think neoclassical architecture influences other western ideologies?