By James M. Vaughan
Not everyone appreciates the beauty, simplicity and architectural honesty of mid-century modern architecture. And as in every age and style there are good examples, bad examples and, occasionally, a truly exemplary work of architecture.
Fortunately for Harrisburg, The State Museum and Archives Complex is a classic example of mid-century modern design.
It was designed by Lawrie and Green, an important local architectural firm responsible for the 1931–1932 Central Branch of the YMCA at North and Front Streets and the Dauphin County Courthouse ten years later. The archives complex was intended to be a reflection of its time, the 1960s, just as the Beaux Arts-style State Capitol reflected the exuberance of the early 20th century.
The Archives Tower, the topic of a recent Patriot News commentary, is part of a complex with three distinct elements: the 20-story limestone-sheathed tower, 6-story cylindrical museum building and the raised, paved plaza on which these monumental buildings are sited.
This is not the first example of a public building using abstract geometric forms and drawing inspiration from such structures as the “Trylon” and “Perisphere,” centerpieces of the 1939 New York World’s Fair. Important buildings influenced by this concept include New York’s landmark Guggenheim Museum and the spectacular Hirshhorn Museum in Washington, D.C. Harrisburg couldn’t be in better company.
Mid-century modern architects followed two tenets: form follows function and honesty of materials.
The decision to not include windows—except on the ground and fifth floors of The State Museum and in the ground floor offices of the Archives (seen from the entrance courtyard) was intentional because light is the enemy of both archival materials (Archives) and objects (Museum). This fact makes sense: windows were placed only where people worked.
The use of limestone, glass and aluminum in the complex reflects the honesty of materials and was intended to convey a sense of solidity and permanence—important for buildings meant to house the commonwealth’s historical treasures—in a time when less (ornamentation) was more.
Given the popularity of television programs such as “Mad Men” and the growing appreciation for all things mid-century, architecture included, it’s time we celebrate such structures and not disparage them. They are a product of another, perhaps more optimistic era. Surely we could use a little more optimism in our everyday lives.
James M. Vaughan is Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.