Preview
Source Collection
Alan Karchmer collection, Special Collections Department, University of Memphis Libraries
Identifier
26_2.A2
Description
Memphis Academy of Arts, Overton Park, Memphis, Tennessee. Built in 1958. Architects: Mann and Harrover. Photographer: Alan Karchmer. © Alan Karchmer.
Elegantly sited, the enclosing walls of this reinforced concrete structure are set well back, emphasizing its delicate skeletal character. This effect is furthered by the animated lines of the folded plate roof, resting lightly on the structural Y-columns.
Once freed from the binding rules of Classicism, architects in the 1950's and 60's began to interpret those forms in a strictly modern idiom. Called the New Formalism, these structures are free-standing and complete in themselves - rather temple-like - with symmetrically balances elevations and regular, strongly defined skylines. Screens of cast stone or concrete are popular. Refined, emphasizing its structural derivation, this architecture reflects the grand imperial attitude of America during its Camelot days.
Date Created
2021
Date
undated
Recommended Citation
"Memphis Academy of Arts, Memphis" (2021). Images. 50.
https://digitalcommons.memphis.edu/speccoll-mss-karchmera2/50
Keywords
Architecture--Tennessee--Memphis.
