White House Architecture

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Architecture is not only about designing and constructing buildings but also about observing and interpreting symbolism within the structure. Just as the Statue of Liberty has a universal meaning of freedom to all immigrants, the White House stands as a strong symbolization of democratic leadership and political freedom. Although, the United States resides as a home to many architectural landmarks such as the Pentagon and the Golden Gate Bridge, the White House is the most recognized due to being the home of the President of the United States. Unfortunately, that is all people know behind this American beauty, that it is just the home of the Leader of the Free World. Whether it is the history or its formal attributes, more people should take …show more content…
From this building, there is not one sole quality that makes this outstanding landmark so meaningful. Along with its sentimental meaning and purpose come its architectural features that make this beauty such a popular tourist destination. Within the South and North Portico, anyone with a simple knowledge of architect can spot out the Ionic style columns without any entasis or fluting. Along the inside of the White House you can distinguish Doric style columns without entasis or fluting but with a flat state capital. Also, pediments are also found throughout the entire structure. Whether in the North Portico above the columns or above the doors in the Oval office, it is clear that Greek architecture played an influence within this American landmark. Most of these architectural features came after the fire of 1814 during the War of 1812. James Hoban had to rebuild the White House, which became the rock of what the White House is today. Slowly as the years passed on afterwards, Presidents came and left and had architects create what they envisioned. For James Monroe, he had authorized the creation of the South Portico while Andrew Jackson created the North Portico on the opposite end. While the South Portico acts as the back entrance of the White House the North Portico is known as the front of the White House. Soon after Andrew Jackson came Theodore Roosevelt who had a bigger idea than just adding to the White House. In 1902 he revamped the White House to become bigger and more spacious. With this came the removal of the Victorian decoration and the creation of the West and East Wing. As you can see, History played an absolutely major role in the architectural attributes of the White House. Each President added a little bit about themselves each term and the results were
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