Varun Kumar

This project focused on a grand entrance to an exhibition hall for the Notre Dame School of Architecture in the Gold Coast of Chicago. A close study of Georgian precedents, both local and English, helped guide the design towards respect for its context and the traditions of the neighborhood.

The portico itself features coupled Ionic columns and responding pilasters. The arched doorway follows Roman fornix proportions and presents the Roman lattice motif in the fanlight and a bust of Vitruvius in the keystone, signaling the importance of the Roman classical tradition to the School of Architecture. The entrance is flanked by two sconce lamps inspired by Bond Hall, marking the exhibition hall as public and making the entrance recognizable to alumni of the School.

An analytique in the Beaux Arts tradition was composed to study ornament, detail, and composition. Contrapposto, local symmetry, and spatial planes were used to create a harmonious final plate that contained plan, section, front elevation, and side elevation.