A Field Guide to Austin Architecture by Caitlyn Cotter

A Field Guide to Architecture Austin, TX

A Field Guide to Architecture

A Field Guide to Architecture Austin, TX

Caitlyn Cotter

Styles of Architecture

8- Revival

10- Modern

Buildings

12- Paramount Theater

16- Driskill Hotel

20- Norwood Tower

24- The Capitol

28- 816 Congress

32-Arthouse

36- Austin City Hall

40- United States Courthouse

44- 360 Condominiums

48- One American Center

52- Frost Bank Tower

56- The Austonian

Sources Colophon

Styles of Architecture

Gothic Revival The Gothic Revival is an architectural movement that began in the late 1740s in England. Its popularity grew rapidly in the early 19th century, when increasingly

Classic Revival

serious and learned admirers of neo-Gothic styles sought to revive medieval Neoclassical architecture is an architectural style produced by the neoclassical

Gothic architecture, in contrast to the neoclassical styles prevalent at the time. The

movement that began in the mid-18th century, manifested both in its details as a

Gothic style dictated the use of structural members in compression, leading to tall,

reaction against the Rococo style of naturalistic ornament, and in its architectural

buttressed buildings with interior columns of load-bearing masonry and tall, narrow

formulas as an outgrowth of some classicizing features of Late Baroque. In its

windows. But, by the start of the 20th century, technological developments such

purest form it is a style principally derived from the architecture of Classical Greece

as the steel frame, the incandescent light bulb and the elevator led many to see

and Rome and the architecture of the Italian architect Andrea Palladio. In form,

this style of architecture as obsolete. Steel framing supplanted the non-ornamental

Neoclassical architecture emphasizes the wall rather than chiaroscuro and maintains

functions of rib vaults and flying buttresses, providing wider open interiors with

separate identities to each of its parts.

fewer columns interrupting the view.

Romanesque Revival

Renaissance Revival

Romanesque Revival is a style of building employed beginning in the mid-19th

Renaissance Revival is an all-encompassing designation that covers many 19th

centuryinspired by the 11th and 12th century Romanesque architecture. Unlike

century architectural revival styles which were neither Grecian nor Gothic but which

the historic Romanesque style, however, Romanesque Revival buildings tended

instead drew inspiration from a wide range of classicizing Italian modes. Under the

to feature more simplified arches and windows than their historic counterparts.

broad designation “Renaissance architecture” nineteenth-century architects and

Popular features of these revival buildings are round arches, semi-circular arches on

critics went beyond the architectural style which began in Florence and central Italy

windows, and belt courses.

in the early 15th century as an expression of Humanism; they also included styles we would identify as Mannerist or Baroque. Self-applied style designations were rife in the mid- and later nineteenth century: “Neo-Renaissance” might be applied by contemporaries to structures that others called “Italianate”, or when many French Baroque features are present (Second Empire).

Modern

Deconstructivism Modern architecture is generally characterized by simplification of form and an

Deconstructivism is a development of postmodern architecture that began in

absence of applied decoration. It is a term applied to an overarching movement,

the late 1980s. It is influenced by the theory of “Deconstruction”, which is a

with its exact definition and scope varying widely. In a broader sense, early modern

form of semiotic analysis. It is characterized by fragmentation, an interest in

architecture began at the turn of the 20th century with efforts to reconcile the

manipulating a structure’s surface or skin, non-rectilinear shapes which appear to

principles underlying architectural design with rapid technological advancement

distort and dislocate elements of architecture, such as structure and envelope.

and the modernization of society. It would take the form of numerous movements,

The finished visual appearance of buildings that exhibit deconstructivist styles

schools of design, and architectural styles, some in tension with one another, and

is characterized by unpredictability and controlled chaos. There are additional

often equally defying such classification.

references in deconstructivism to 20th-century movements: the modernism/ postmodernism interplay, expressionism, cubism, minimalism and contemporary art. Deconstructivism attempts to move away from the supposedly constricting ‘rules’ of modernism such as “form follows function,” “purity of form,” and “truth to

Postmodern

materials.” Postmodern architecture began as an international style the first examples of which are generally cited as being from the 1950s, but did not become a movement until the late 1970s and continues to influence present-day architecture. Postmodernity

Formalism

in architecture is said to be heralded by the return of “wit, ornament and reference”

The great 19th century architect of skyscrapers, Louis Sullivan, promoted an

to architecture in response to the formalism of the International Style of modernism.

overriding precept to architectural design: “Form follows function”.

As with many cultural movements, some of Postmodernism’s most pronounced

While the notion that structural and aesthetic considerations should be entirely

and visible ideas can be seen in architecture. The functional and formalized shapes

subject to functionality was met with both popularity and skepticism, it had the

and spaces of the modernist style are replaced by diverse aesthetics: styles collide,

effect of introducing the concept of “function” in place of Vitruvius’ “utility”.

form is adopted for its own sake, and new ways of viewing familiar styles and

“Function” came to be seen as encompassing all criteria of the use, perception and

space abound. Perhaps most obviously, architects rediscovered the expressive

enjoyment of a building, not only practical but also aesthetic, psychological and

and symbolic value of architectural elements and forms that had evolved through

cultural. To restrict the meaning of (architectural) formalism to art for art’s sake is

centuries of building which had been abandoned by the modern style.

not only reactionary; it can also be a purposeless quest for perfection or originality which degrades form into a mere instrumentality”.

Paramount Theater Architect: John Eberson Style: Classical Revival Height: 63’ Date Opened: 1915 www.austintheatre.org

isolated elements sculptural bas relief detailing emphasis of planar qualities

The Paramount Theatre has stood on Congress

The Paramount holds special historical significance as a

Avenue in the heart of downtown Austin for nearly 100

City of Austin Landmark and State Landmark. It is also

years. The site of the Paramount Theatre was once

listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is

home to Sam Houston’s office and the War Depart-

one of the few remaining ‘hemp houses,’ using ropes

ment of the Republic of Texas and later the Avenue

and sandbags, left in America.

Hotel. As Austin’s oldest surviving theatre built in 1915,

the Paramount has a long history of entertaining Cen-

in the many communities that make Austin unique.

tral Texas audiences.

It is home to Austin’s red carpet film premieres and

is part of the SXSW and the Austin Film Festival. It is

Originally conceived as a Vaudeville and

The Paramount Theatre plays a significant role

variety house, it continues to bring a wide array of

a vibrant player in the Austin music scene, hosting

programming to its stage. The Paramount presents

release parties, booking local talent and presenting

comedy, drama, music, dance, spoken word, children’s

touring acts. And through its own quality programming

programming and films to more than 200,000 Central

and by serving as a venue for area arts organizations,

Texans each year. More than 10,000 of those are chil-

the Paramount serves as the anchor for the Austin arts

dren who gain admission for free or at greatly reduced

community.

prices because of our youth outreach programs.

713 Congress Ave 14

Driskill Hotel Architect: Jasper N. Preston and Son Style: Romanesque Revival Cost: $400,000 Date Opened: 1886 www.driskillhotel.com

round arches belt courses semi-circles over windows

Built in 1886 as the showplace of cattle baron

Jesse Driskill, The Driskill Hotel remains a legendary

received numerous awards and accolades through

landmark in Texas hospitality. As a member of The

the years, and is legendary for incredible service

Historic Hotels of America and Associated Luxury

and inventive cuisine. Recently, the Grill has been

Hotels International, The Driskill offers an elite level

included in Zagat’s Top 25 Hotel Restaurants, secured

of luxury accommodations and services, as one the

the coveted Foder’s Choice Award and received

world’s finest hotels.

OpenTable’s Diners’ Choice Award. Wine Spectator,

America’s leading wine publication, has honored The

Located in downtown Austin, the iconic

and historic hotel is convenient to the best of

Driskill Grill with their “Best of...” Award of Excellence

Austin - including the Texas State Capitol, the Austin

given to restaurants whose wine lists offer a uinique

Convention Center, Lady Bird Lake, The Long Center

selection of “quality producers, along with a thematic

for the Arts, Austin City Limits at the Moody Theater,

match to the menu in both price and style.”

opera, symphony, casual and fine dining, shopping, and Austin’s world famous 6th Street music scene. Known as the Live Music Capital of the World®, Austin is home to almost 200 music venues, many within walking distance of The Driskill.

604 Brazos 18

The Driskill Grill, established in 1929, has

Norwood Tower Architectural Firm: Giescke and Harris Style: Gothic Revival Height: 189’ Date Opened: 1929 www.norwoodtower.com

Hailed as the most dazzling building in Austin

since its 1929 debut, the Norwood Tower resembles a classic fairy-tale castle. The dramatic façade of this elegant Gothic Revival office tower stuns the viewer with its eclectic confection of finials, gargoyles and ornate tracery full of romance, mystique and nostalgia.

The lobby entry is adorned with travertine

marble wainscoting and columns with marble capitals and bases resting on polished Texas limestone flooring. Its ornamental plaster ceiling is adorned with gold leaf medallions.

finials rose window

The building’s owners, members of President

Lyndon Johnson’s family, have deep roots in Austin and many ties to the Norwood Tower. Johnson’s daughter and her husband have chosen to make their home in the building’s penthouse, affirming their commitment to downtown revitalization, urban living, and the building’s rich, historic significance.

114 West 7th 22

The Capitol Architect: Elijah E. Meyers Style: Renaissance Revival Area: 51.4 Acres Built: 1885 http://www.tspb.state.tx.us/

arcade large round arches

The Texas Capitol is an extraordinary example

Completed in 1888 as the winning design from

of late 19th century public architecture and is widely

a national competition, the Capitol’s style is Renais-

recognized as one of the nation’s most distinguished

sance Revival, based on the architecture of 15th-cen-

state capitols. It was placed on the National Register of

tury Italy and characterized by classical orders, round

Historic Places in 1970 and designated a National His-

arches and symmetrical composition. The structural

toric Landmark in 1986 for its “significant contribution

exterior walls are “sunset red” granite, quarried just

to American history.”

50 miles from the site. Additional structural support is

provided by masonry walls and cast iron columns and

Sited on one of Austin’s highest points, the

Capitol anchors the northern periphery of the down-

beams. The foundation is limestone. Texas paid for

town commercial district and commands a sweeping

the construction not in dollars, but in land: some three

view towards the Colorado River from its southern

million acres in the Texas Panhandle that would later

façade. The main campus of The University of Texas at

become the famous XIT Ranch.

Austin is situated four blocks to the north. Wonderful views of the Capitol’s dome from many vantage points throughout the Austin area are protected from obscuration by state law.

Congress Ave and 11th St 26

816 Congress Architect: Holt, Fatter, Scott Style: Modernist Height: 242â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Date Opened: 1984 http://www.816congress.info

816 Congress is a twenty-story, 433,024 square

foot office property that features a native granite exterior and a plaza entrance that leads to rich lobby finishes of granite, limestone and marble. 816 Congress offers tenants stunning Capitol and hill country views. Located just south of the Texas State Capitol at Congress Avenue and 9th Street, 816 Congress is within walking distance of a multitude of popular destination amenities including upscale dining establishments, world class historic, four-star hotels, museums, art galleries, theaters and the lively Sixth Street and Warehouse entertainment district.

industrial materials visual expression of structure horizontal/vertical emphasis

816 Congress Ave 30

Arthouse Architect: Lewis. Tsurumaki. Lewis. Style: Deconstructivist Construction Costs: $4.4 million Date Opened: 2010 www.amoa-arthouse.org

fragmentation ornamentation non-rectangular shapes

The new AMOA-Arthouse is an expansion

mezzanine lounge and a rooftop event space. The

of the existing contemporary art space, reworked to

glass-lined entry lobby opens the building up to the

maintain many of the original architectural qualities

street, allowing views from the sidewalk far into the

of the building as it has evolved over the past 100

building. A sculptural plaster awning, referencing

years. The new design employs inventive elements

the former department store, intensifies the public

that combine function with aesthetics, and features

presence and openness of the building. The exterior

tactical additions that intensify the buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s layered

skin of the building is perforated with 177 custom

history. The new design is a vital urban presence for

laminated glass units 4 inches wide by 16 inches

contemporary architecture and art in the heart of

high, which are clustered to selectively allow light

downtown Austin.

into the building. Illuminated by LED lights at night,

the blocks animate the public faces of the building.

The usable space of the building is expanded

from 7,000 to 20,830 square feet as the previously

The original Queen Theaterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s large stucco murals are

inaccessible 2nd floor now boasts a large column-

exposed as are the original wooden ceiling and steel

free gallery and features a mobile suspended 57 feet

trusses. Throughout the building, historical features

long by 13 feet high wall. In addition, the building

and contemporary additions are creatively intertwined.

is reconfigured to house an entry lounge, first floor

Playful and grand, the central stair provides spatial and

galleries, a dedicated video/film gallery, a 90-seat

visual connections to the second floor gallery.

community/screening room, two studios, a public

700 Congress Ave 34

Austin City Hall Architect: Cotera, Kolar, Negrete, and Reed Style: Deconstructivism Height: 67’ Date Opened: 2004 www.austintexas.gov/government/city-hall www.predock.com/Austin/Austin.html

fragmentation unpredictability/chaos non-rectangular shapes

Antoine Predock, in association with Cotera,

and capped with a folded copper roof, encloses the

Kolar, Negrete, and Reed, designed the building not

upper levels. As the arcing wall cuts through the build-

as a “suit-and-tie” city hall, but rather as a reflection

ing it creates an open four-story lobby transected by

of the warm informality that characterizes Austin. This

catwalk-like bridges at each level. A reflective copper

is embodied in part by the way the structure angles

ceiling over the lobby reflects light from a skylight into

away from adjacent streets, standing in contrast to the

the space below.

formality of the surrounding grid. These inflections

from the urban perimeter also create several mini-pla-

water and shade come together to create the city’s

zas around the building, further encouraging informal

“living room.” Terraces spill out of the building into the

gatherings, and they also allow oblique views toward

plaza in the same way the geologic forces in Austin’s

Lady Bird Lake from inside the building.

hill country produce the limestone overhangs known as

balcones. These terraces, shaded with trees are prime

Landscape dominates the project. A massive

On the exterior, limestone, copper, glass,

arc of Lueders limestone, emerging from bedrock at

locations for viewing the activities on the plaza below

the lowest level of the parking garage, anchors the

and Lady Bird Lake beyond.

project to the site. Metamorphosing out of this wall is a limestone base that encloses the first two stories. A scrim-like copper skin, resting on the limestone base

301 West 2nd 38

United States Courthouse Architect: Mack Scogin Merrill Elam Architects Style: Formalist Size: 223,000 s.f. Date Opened: 2012 msmearch.com/type/government-and-civic/united-states-courthouse-austin-texas

Located in downtown Austin, the new

On each courts level, one district and one magistrate

courthouse occupies a full city block directly west of

courtroom share a public space.

Republic Square Park. The square configuration of the

site sponsors a highly compact, cubic building form.

public space that takes advantage, like the courtrooms,

The stability of the form exemplifies the strength,

of the double-height space. All courtrooms, jury

coherence, and dignity of the judicial system. Floor

deliberation rooms, chambers, public spaces and

plates approach a square configuration. A plinth forms

witness / attorney conference rooms are located at

a base holding the sidewalk-edge, providing anti-ram

exterior surfaces where natural light is available.

The scheme demands a diagonal exchange of

protection and addressing the scale of the park.

Level four marks the beginning of a rotated

and interlocking courtroom distribution scheme. All floor to floor heights at the courtroom levels meet the

function is key aesthetic, yet clearly organized

ceiling height requirement for offices and chambers, with courtrooms attaining their required ceiling heights by penetrating the floor directly above. Like courtrooms are stacked affecting a rationally organized structural system and an efficient area to volume ratio.

5th & San Antonio 42

360 Condominiums Architect: Preston Partnership, LLC Style: Postmodern Height: 562.76â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Date Opened: 2008 www.360condominiums.com

The 360 Condominiums are comprised of 430

condos built above 14,300 square feet of ground floor retail. It is conveniently situated along Shoal Creek, on the western end of downtown Austin; and offers restaurants, clubs, and outdoor activities such as the Hike and Bike Trails, Lady Bird Lake, the Second Street retail district, Republic Square Park, the Warehouse District, and the Market District, all within easy walking distance. This 44 story residential skyscraper towers nearly 563 feet, making it the second tallest building in Austin and the second tallest residential skyscraper

ornamentation

in Texas. Offering a myriad of floor plans, units can be purchased or leased through a real estate professional.

mish mash of forms

360 Nueces 46

One American Center Architect: Morris-Aubry Style: Postmodern Height: 397’ Date Opened: 1984 www.oneamericancenter.info

Situated in the heart of Austin’s thriving Central

Business District, at the intersection of Sixth Street and Congress Avenue, One American Center is surrounded by Austin’s finest hotels, dining and shopping establishments, and is walking distance from the Capitol and Federal Courthouse. The distinctive threetier tower contributes to its prominence on the Austin skyline and the dramatic five-story atrium features granite stairways to the mezzanine levels, rose and brown granite flooring, sculptured limestone paneling, and granite columns. On-site amenities including a full-service bank, ATM, coffee shop, juice bar, florist,

pluralism expansion of Modernism

document service, deli, and overnight courier drop box. One American Center’s central location provides easy access to Interstate 35 and Mopac Expressway.

600 Congress 50

Frost Bank Tower Architect: Duda/Paine Architects, LLP Style: Postmodern Height: 515â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Date Opened: 2004 www.tpgre.com/properties/Frost_Bank_Tower.htm

As the premier building in Austin, Frost Bank

Tower is the focal point of the city with its unique architectural design. Built in 2003, the signature 33-story Trophy tower features 535,078 square feet of premier office space in the heart of the Central Business District on the corner of Congress Avenue and Fourth Street, just blocks from the State Capitol. On-site amenities include conference facilities, dry-cleaner, full-service bank, ATM, deli/carry-out restaurants, coffee shop, overnight courier drop box, and a fitness center. In addition, the property features

ornamentation conceptual characteristics

an 11-level parking garage with more than 1,400 parking spaces. Frost Bank Tower is easily accessible to and from Mopac Expressway and Interstate 35.

401 Congress 54

The Austonian Architect: Ziegler Cooper Architects Style: Postmodern Height: 683’ Date Opened: 2010 www.theaustonian.com

The Austonian is proud to participate in

and comfort by helping manage the sun’s energy and

the Austin Energy Green Building Program with

maximizing HVAC efficiency. All adhesives, sealants,

environmentally sensitive and friendly materials and

paints and coatings used throughout public and

resources, indoor air quality monitoring, water and

private spaces adhere to the strict VOC requirements

energy conservation, and more. The building’s high-

rise configuration provides an overall reduced impact

These low-emitting materials achieve energy savings

on land, energy and other resources compared to

through reduced ventilation requirements and improve

scores of typical suburban homes. By putting life within

indoor air quality and all come from sustainable

walking distance, owners of The Austonian have much

sources. The Austonian’s roofing system combines

less need to drive, reducing pollution and congestion.

reflective materials and other green features to

minimize the building’s contribution to Austin’s urban

The Austonian has achieved a four-star rating

designation through the Austin Energy Green Building

verticality sculptural forms

heat island effect.

Rating System. This rating is approximate to the LEED Gold Rating from the USGBC.

The Austonian residences have been designed

to maximize outdoor views. Specially coated and insulated glass provides year-round energy savings

200 Congress 58

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classical_Revival_architecture

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romanesque_Revival_architecture

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gothic_Revival_architecture#Details_of_Gothic_revival_architectural_elements

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renaissance_Revival_architecture

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modern_architecture

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Postmodern_architecture

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deconstructivism

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Architecture#Modernism_and_reaction

Created In March 2013 For Junior Stuido Taught by Natalie Davis At St. Edwardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s University