Research Catalog

Title

The American statehouse : interpreting democracy's temples / Charles T. Goodsell.

Author

Goodsell, Charles T.

Publication

Lawrence : University Press of Kansas, c2001.

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Holdings

Details

Description

xii, 226 p : ill.; 26 cm.

Summary

"The American Statehouse examines the interplay of architecture and politics in all fifty state capitols. Using careful analysis and photographs of exteriors and interiors, Goodsell demonstrates how architectural elements embody political values and ideas; influence the behavior of politicians, lobbyists, and the news media; and both awe and unite the citizenry. He concludes that a statehouse's design is a telling expression of the practice of democratic politics." "At the nexus of architectural studies and political science, this book is about the interaction of architecture and politics in America's state capitols. Goodsell utilizes three conceptual frameworks to offer what he calls a social interpretation of architecture: the first devoted to seeking political values or ideas embedded within the buildings, the second concerned with the effects of the buildings on contemporary political behavior, and the third dedicated to appraisal of the larger impressions the buildings make on society. Goodsell concludes that the statehouse enshrines majestic state authority on the one hand and liberal representative government on the other. The American statehouse, then, is not just a temple - of the state - but a temple of democracy - of the people."--Jacket.

Series Statement

Studies in government and public policy

Uniform Title

Studies in government and public policy

Subject

• Capitols > United States
• Architecture and state > United States
• Architecture and society > United States
• Capitols

Bibliography (note)

• Includes bibliographical references (p. [199]-208) and index.

Processing Action (note)

• committed to retain

Contents

Introduction to the statehouse. An object of art, education, and pride ; An object of social interpretation -- The statehouse as building type. A prominent, open site ; A domed, low cross ; A civic temple ; Departures and changes ; Social meanings of the building type -- The creation of the American statehouse. Headquarters of colonial government ; Headquarters for the new republics ; Temples in the wilderness ; All elements converge ; Emergent social meanings -- The construction of the American statehouse. Fifty buildings in brief ; The politics of location and funding ; The architects and their designs ; Big and boisterous public works ; A legacy and its social meanings -- Objects and decor at the statehouse. Projections of legal authority ; Projections of coercive power ; Projections of taste and prestige ; References to history and culture ; Social meanings of the messages -- The organization of statehouse space. The vertical hierarchy of space ; The horizontal opposition of space ; The spatial treatment of the governor ; The spatial treatment of other executives ; Social meanings of statehouse space -- Features of statehouse interiors. Interiors for conflict and deliberation ; Interiors for hearing and judgment ; Interiors for display and work ; Interiors for privacy and relaxation ; Social meanings of statehouse interiors -- Conduct in and around the statehouse. The statehouse as behavior setting ; The legislative chamber as behavior setting ; Physical settings of influence ; Physical settings for image formation ; Social meanings of statehouse settings -- The statehouse socially interpreted. The evolution of a building type ; Social meaning of the building.

ISBN

0700610448 (cloth : alk. paper)

OCLC

• 43919551
• SCSB-11889019

Owning Institutions

Harvard Library