As one of the oldest cities in the United States, Washington has some very old buildings and architecture. Buildings that have lasted through years of history in the making. It is truly awe-inspiring to just walk, or bike, around and take in the true beauty of the architecture. It often reminds me of Savannah, GA: a place where you can turn from one street to the next and recognize the change in architecture and what decades certain buildings were built.
Today, as I biked down the National Mall, I passed some of the more modern buildings, the Smithsonian museums. But as I peddled past the Mall and in the direction of the Capitol, I recognized that the buildings were more unique and abstract. In general, there are many different styles of architecture in D.C. and here are some of my favorite, and most aesthetically appealing, buildings.
The Supreme Court
Just the name of the Supreme Court instantly provides this narrative of grandiosity, so it comes as no surprise that the building itself is massive. Standing brilliantly just behind the Capitol, the pearly material shines against the bright, warm sun. At the top it boasts the words “Equal Justice Under Law,” hopefully that mantra follows with the Comey testimony… Though I have yet to go inside, I can imagine the tall ceilings and the antiquated interior of the building. The columns at the front of the building provide a sense of balance and equality, as they are perfectly symmetrical.
The National Arboretum
I must have a thing for columns… This lesser-known piece of architecture stands further outside of the heavily concentrated area of infamous buildings, like the Supreme Court. The best time of year to visit the National Arboretum, as with the National Mall, is in the spring season. Nearby gardens are flush with blooming flowers of beautiful color combinations. It is a sight to see. As for the columns, the National Capitol Columns are the main photo op for anyone who is looking. There are other draws to the National Arboretum, but nothing reminds me more of Ancient Greece and the Parthenon than those columns at the National Arboretum.
American Red Cross National Headquarters
This building is strikingly similar to the Supreme Court, as they both share an appreciation for pearl and marble. When facing the front of the White House, the Red Cross building is to the left side, along the same street as the United Nations headquarters. My favorite part about this building is the simplicity from the outside. For an organization that began with strong and courageous women, the architecture certainly does not over-indulge in this message. Rather, inscribed on the front of the building, you can find “In memory of the heroic women of the civil war.” Similar messages can be found on the side of the building, as well. Such a powerful message carved into a simple building for an organization of such power and importance.
The National Archives
On a final note of impressive architecture in D.C., the Archives might have to take the cake. And it all has to do with the doors. No, not the side doors that admit you inside of the Archives. The unfathomably massive doors on the front and the back of the building. Not to mention that impressive set of steps you have to struggle with before you can even take in the doors. When I stand before these doors, a combination of thoughts goes through my head. “I wonder if the BFG could fit through those doors…” “Did Alexander Hamilton walk through those doors?” “How did they carry doors of such size and weight?” And other random thoughts.. But seriously! Those doors, in my mind, might resemble the doors entering you into Heaven or Hell. You can’t decide if they’re foreboding and ominous, or inviting and prestigious.
