COLONIAL EXPANSION
The Basilica of the Invalides (1676-1679, Paris) uses it's architecture to create a mirage. It personifies the "real vs. ideal" phenomenon that typifies the French political landscape of the pre-revolutionary era.
Similarly, the United States contains many buildings with facades that falsely suggest that our world correlates with idealistic ideas of how life should be. This is an example of how the U.S has been able to borrow architectural concepts, from across the globe, because of colonial expansion.
The Raleigh Convention Center (2008, Raleigh, NC) uses a 9,284 sq ft piece of art as it's outer facade. It is made up of nearly one hundred thousand small aluminum squares. These squares catch the light of small LED light fixtures and create the illusion of a large, colorful oak tree. The tree represents anything from family to religion, it was also meant to symbolize strength within our society. Through out history amazingly stimulating pieces of architecture have been created in the United States. Likewise, The Sunderesvara Temple (1623-1659, India) has a colorful dance that embraces religion. Ching describes it as mythical. It also resembles the strength and everlasting faith of those who worship there. Through colonial expansion, the United States has been able to inspire ideas throughout the world.
D., F, M., M, & Prakash, V. (2010). A global history of architecture. Wiley.
Adrienne, I think you should provide correlating photos of how a building in the U.S correlates to The Basilica of Invalides and the Sunderesvara Temple to visually strengthen your thoughts. Otherwise your words are hollow because they have no reference. Also, I think you should articulate your thoughts on 'real vs ideal' because readers will assume by your visual that this is a solid stone building, it seems grounded and very real. Sure some of the architectural features are refined but is that the only reason this is an ideal structure? Elaboration is key, don't overlook the power of assumption.
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