Classical Architecture Critique

Hanover Saving Fund Society, 1909

Kaitlyn Graf

Professor Bomboy

Modern Culture and the Arts

7 February 2016

Classical Architecture Critique

            When viewing Classical Greek architecture, it can clearly be seen that the building’s function was not always the chief concern for architects. Greek architecture was beautiful and eye-catching, and it was meant to take hold of your attention. They built temples and buildings that were to be viewed and appreciated like majestic pieces of artwork (Plato “Not Just Another Column”). The architecture of PNC Bank on Carlisle Street in Hanover, Pennsylvania, which was originally known as the Hanover Saving Fund Society in 1909, was undoubtedly influenced by Classical Greek architecture. In this paper, I will be discussing the similarities between Greek architecture and the architecture of PNC Bank in Hanover, Pennsylvania. I will start by talking about the classical order and what the building is trying to convey. Then I will discuss how the classical order affects perception of the building and how it enhances the building’s use. Finally, I will discuss why the order is appropriate for the building’s use.

            With the four commanding columns that grab your attention when first viewing PNC Bank, one can see of clear illustration of how the Greeks influenced the modern architecture. Of the three systems of Classical Greek architectural design (Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian), the bank most clearly reflects the Ionic order (Fiero 123).  When looking at architectural design, the shape and details of the column is what differentiates the three orders. The Ionic column has a base that looks like stacked rings, slender columns, and a capital with volutes, which is the most distinguishing feature of Ionic columns (Brainy Bunny “The Influence of Ancient Greek Architecture”). These features can clearly be identified on the columns of PNC Bank. Another feature of PNC Bank is the entablature at the top of the building. For the Ionic design, the frieze, which is part of the entablature, is a solid design that was either sculpted or left plain. It can be seen on PNC Bank that the architect did not incorporate a sculpted frieze (Brainy Bunny “The Influence of Ancient Greek Architecture”).

I believe that the Ionic order was chosen for this particular building because the design is very commanding. The symmetrical design of the building helps to display the strength and beauty of the architecture. This building is a bank, and I believe that the architects wanted a building that was very prestigious and commanded attention. When looking at the bank, it looks strong and safe, which are qualities that all people want their bank to have.  Just like Greek architects who were creating buildings that were meant to remain standing, this building was clearly meant to have the same effect. According to Gloria Fiero in The Humanistic Tradition on page 122, the Greeks designed architecture that was meant to be used by the living, not the dead. They wanted to create buildings that were to be used and appreciated by the public.

When I was deciding on what building I wanted to critique, I immediately thought of the bank in Hanover on Carlisle Street. It always stood out to me because the architecture is so unique to the area. I remember thinking when I was younger that I always wanted to go inside. Most banks that are built today no longer use aspects of Greek architecture like when the Hanover Saving Fund Society building was first constructed in 1909. I cannot help but be in awe of the towering columns that adorn the front of the building. Looking at the building now with what I have learned about classical Greek architecture, I understand why the Ionic order was used in the design of the building. I can see the strong foundation and unwavering presence that the building possesses. It portrays the message that the bank is not going anywhere and that you can trust in the bank. I think that the style enhances the building because it is very commanding and prestigious. When you step into the bank, you have a sense that you will be treated with the utmost care and respect. The bank is there to keep your money safe, and they want you to feel that you are making the right choice by going to them.

            Many later architects have gained inspiration from the architects of the classical period in Greece. The designs of these later architects definitely could have been further inspiration for the construction of PNC Bank. One architect who was heavily influenced by Greek and Roman architecture was Andrea Palladio. He studied ancient Roman architecture and cultivated a style of architecture that was appropriate for the elegant culture during his time (“Andrea Palladio”). Palladio “…defended symmetry and centrality as the controlling elements of architectural design (Fiero 421).” Andrea Palladio’s appreciation of symmetry could have been an inspiring factor in the symmetrical design of PNC Bank in Hanover, Pennsylvania. Palladio “…provided a model of solemn dignity that would inspire…Neoclassical architects in…America (Fiero 421).” No one can deny the classical dignity that the architecture of the bank presents to the public. Also, when you look at the slanted roof and the Greek-style columns of some of Palladio's work, it is easy to compare PNC Bank with his work. There is no doubt that the later work of Andrea Palladio was influential to the design of PNC Bank.

By taking the time to look at many of today’s buildings, there are countless examples of the influential architecture of the Greeks. PNC Bank on Carlisle Street in Hanover, Pennsylvania is just one example that still stands proudly today. Through this paper, I was able to present the similarities between Classical Greek architecture and the modern architecture of PNC Bank. I talked about the classical order that was used, the Ionic order, and what the building was trying to communicate to the public. Also, I discussed how the Ionic order affects the perception of the building and how it enhances the building’s use. Finally, I talked about why the Ionic order was appropriate for the building’s use. It is clear that the architecture of PNC Bank was heavily influenced by Classical Greek architecture. From the volutes at the top of each column to the symmetrical design, the architecture of PNC Bank still demonstrates strength and instills trust in the public that use it today. 

PNC Bank, Present Day

Hanover, PA

PNC Bank

"Caged Lion"

Works Cited

"Andrea Palladio." Encyclopedia of World Biography. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 7 Feb. 2016 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

Brainy Bunny. "The Influence of Ancient Greek Architecture." HubPages. 03 Nov. 2012. Web. 06 Feb. 2016.

Fiero, Gloria K. The Humanistic Tradition. 6th ed. Vol. 1. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2011. Print.

Hanover Savings Bank on Carlisle Street. 1909. Clausen Collection, Hanover. Our Town. Web. 6 Feb. 2016.

Plato. "Not Just Another Column." Classical Wisdom Weekly. 28 January 2013. Web. 06 February 2016.

visualrealia. “Hanover’s Caged Lion.” Photograph. Visual Realia. 10 May 2015. Web. 05 February 2016.