Washington: The Capitol - east front
This famous building is actually a hotch-potch of changes and additions over the course of 200 years, despite its apparent harmony. It was completed as early as 1800 in a Neo-Classical style (that Washington was to embrace for future Government and public buildings). The overall design of the original building was by the British-American architect William Thornton. The north wing - Senate - was the first completed. Later additions followed to the designs of Thomas Ustick Walter, including a redesign of its most iconic feature, the cast iron dome. In 1904 the central portico of the east front was extended to allow extra stability for the dome. However, in the 1950s a further extension to the east front took place and the earlier columns were replaced with marble Corinthian columns. Notwithstanding the additions (which can be observed up close) it remains a well proportioned and dignified ensemble.
This view highlights the central portion of a building that extends for 726 feet; it focuses on the cast iron dome which was enlarged and heightened in the mid 1860s to maintain good proportions with the rest of the building.
Walter placed the dome on a two-story pilastered drum encircled by a one-story peristyle. The only example of an iron-framed dome in existence at the time was that of the Cathedral of St Isaac in St Petersburg (1817-57) with its multitude of free-standing columns surrounding the drum.
In the 2000s a new visitor center was built underground thus introducing the spacious forecourt in front of the eastern frontage.
Washington: The Capitol - east front
This famous building is actually a hotch-potch of changes and additions over the course of 200 years, despite its apparent harmony. It was completed as early as 1800 in a Neo-Classical style (that Washington was to embrace for future Government and public buildings). The overall design of the original building was by the British-American architect William Thornton. The north wing - Senate - was the first completed. Later additions followed to the designs of Thomas Ustick Walter, including a redesign of its most iconic feature, the cast iron dome. In 1904 the central portico of the east front was extended to allow extra stability for the dome. However, in the 1950s a further extension to the east front took place and the earlier columns were replaced with marble Corinthian columns. Notwithstanding the additions (which can be observed up close) it remains a well proportioned and dignified ensemble.
This view highlights the central portion of a building that extends for 726 feet; it focuses on the cast iron dome which was enlarged and heightened in the mid 1860s to maintain good proportions with the rest of the building.
Walter placed the dome on a two-story pilastered drum encircled by a one-story peristyle. The only example of an iron-framed dome in existence at the time was that of the Cathedral of St Isaac in St Petersburg (1817-57) with its multitude of free-standing columns surrounding the drum.
In the 2000s a new visitor center was built underground thus introducing the spacious forecourt in front of the eastern frontage.