What do you call those Beautiful Bone Colored glazed masonry pieces on so many Pittsburgh Buildings?
- Jon Litle
- May 4, 2023
- 7 min read
Updated: May 4, 2023
unedited version For quite some time, I promoted building materials to architects, engineers, school districts, city officials, masons and general contractors.
It was a cut-throat business. It was very competitive, with lots of shenanigans surrounding bank financing projects, bidding, and kickbacks to unsavory people. Our company, formed in 1902, wouldn't play ball with the trickery because we didn't have to cheat. We had a good enough market share because we made quality clay fire products.
I can tell you all with 99.9% certainty that Pittsburgh has the nation's best architecture, and I will try and explain why.
Before I get into some of the marquis architectural projects in Pittsburgh, I want to point out a building clad in terra cotta (glazed masonry.) This glorious building is astounding but would never get mentioned in first date discussions surrounding architecture, art, literature, film, music, blah blah blah.
So what is that bone white glazed building material called again? Terra Cotta. Terra Cotta is a glazed masonry but unfortunately it is no longer made (anywhere in the world. ) It is extinct like the pterodactyl. There are 2 or 3 companies that can attempt replicate the original terra cotta but they fall short in aesthetics and performance. They don't follow the old-world manufacturing process. They are machine tooled to precise tolerances, so they don't have the proper look or physical qualities. The terra cotta knock offs are thin veneer versions (like tile) but not full bed masonry units. You've probably seen it all over Pittsburgh and wondered what is up with that glossy white building that is now stained from environmental factors like car smoke and being around for 100 years. It's like our teeth, they don't look as good now as they did when we were 19. This is the Maul Building on Carson (Pittsburgh's south side)
count the windows above the first floor, 7 across the middle window lines up with the front door. The symmetry is pleasing to the eye and laid out using a ratio that is called a Fibonacci pattern. Also notice towards to the top there are 8 Native American chiefs and 7 Native American princesses.
Check out these beautiful Native American Princesses (Deco treatment)
There is a familiar saying. A developer chops down all the trees and then names the streets after the trees (elm street, maple street, oak street) I think you can say the same thing that US rolled over and massacred millions of Indigenous people and we can remember this unfortunate event with these pieces. I'm not a political person and don't advocate for tearing down statues or removing deco pieces, just saying the obvious
Here are the Chiefs, the indigenous people replaced and slaughtered by settler colonialism. This wasn't the architect's design intent just an editorial comment.
Transition, we are now going to move away from the topic of terra cotta glazed masonry and discuss some of the popular projects known for their distinctive beauty and architectural splendor.
Cathedral of Learning
The Cathedral of Learning is considered an architectural beauty due to its unique Gothic Revival style and impressive 535 feet (163 meters) height, making it the tallest educational building in the Western Hemisphere.
Designed by architect Charles Klauder and constructed between 1926 and 1934, the building features intricate details such as ornate stone carvings and stained-glass windows. It is decorated with various symbols and motifs representing different academic disciplines.
The interior of the Cathedral is equally impressive, featuring 31 Nationality Rooms, each designed to represent a different cultural or ethnic group that has contributed to the history and culture of the city and region.
These rooms are furnished with authentic artifacts and decorations, making them a unique and immersive experience for visitors.
In addition to its architectural and cultural significance, the Cathedral of Learning is also an important academic building, serving as the primary classroom and administrative building for the University of Pittsburgh.
Its design and construction were intended to reflect the university's values and promote education and cultural understanding.
Gulf Building
The Gulf Building in Pittsburgh is considered remarkable for these reasons:
Height: At its completion in 1932, the Gulf Building was the tallest in Pittsburgh, and it remained the city's tallest building for nearly 40 years. It was also one of the tallest buildings in the United States outside of New York City.
Art Deco Design: The Gulf Building is regarded as one of Pittsburgh's finest examples of Art Deco architecture. The building features a distinctive stepped-back design typical of Art Deco skyscrapers from the 1920s and 1930s.
Ornamentation: The Gulf Building is adorned with numerous decorative elements, including intricate terra cotta details, a large oil derrick sculpture at the base of the building, and a decorative cornice at the top.
Structural Innovation: The Gulf Building was an early example of steel frame construction in high-rise buildings. The building's steel frame allowed for a taller and more slender design than was possible with traditional masonry construction.
The crown of the skyscraper is modeled after the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus in the style of a step pyramid
The crown of the skyscraper is modeled after the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus. Antipator of Sidon (ancient Greek poet in 2nd century) called the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world.
Overall, the Gulf Building is considered a landmark of Pittsburgh's skyline and a significant example of Art Deco architecture in the United States.
Beaux- Arts Architecture Some of the most notable examples of Beaux-Arts architecture in Pittsburgh include:
Allegheny County Courthouse and Jail: Completed in 1888, this H.H. Richardson-designed building is considered one of the finest examples of Beaux-Arts architecture in the United States. The building's rusticated granite exterior and ornate interior details, including marble, mosaic tile, and stained glass, make it a standout in Pittsburgh's downtown area.
Carnegie Museum of Art and Natural History: Completed in 1895, this building was designed by Longfellow, Alden & Harlow and is considered a masterpiece of Beaux-Arts architecture. The building's ornate façade features elaborate carvings and sculptures, and its interior spaces are richly decorated with marble, mosaic tile, and other materials.
Frick Building: Completed in 1902, this downtown office building is notable for its Beaux-Arts façade, which features numerous decorative elements, including sculptures and carvings. The building is also notable for its interior spaces, which are decorated with marble and other fine materials.
Union Trust Building: Completed in 1915, this downtown office building is a stunning example of Beaux-Arts architecture. The building's elaborate façade features marble columns, intricate carvings, and a massive bronze entryway, and its interior spaces are decorated with marble, mosaic tile, and other materials.
Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum: Completed in 1910, this building was designed by Henry Hornbostel and is considered one of the finest examples of Beaux-Arts architecture in Pittsburgh. The building's ornate façade features numerous sculptures and carvings, and its interior spaces are richly decorated with marble and other fine materials.
Rooftop of Pittsburgh Union Trust Building
Union Trust Building
Union Trust Building could not be built today. There would not be the terra cotta available nor the labor talent. Moreover, younger architects are using computer programing that doesn't have the same aesthetic as this classical architecture.
I don't have that many personal opinions, but here are two other notable architectural buildings in Pittsburgh considered among the city's most significant:
PPG Place: Completed in 1984, PPG Place is a complex of six downtown Pittsburgh buildings renowned for its striking glass façade. The buildings were designed by architect Philip Johnson and are considered a prime example of postmodern architecture.
Heinz Memorial Chapel: Located on the campus of the University of Pittsburgh, the Heinz Memorial Chapel is a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture. Completed in 1938, the chapel is known for its intricate stonework, stained glass windows, and massive pipe organ.
Continuing on this theme. RE beautiful buildings
There are too many to name in Pittsburgh. The brick masonry and detailing adorn the streetscapes of Lawrenceville, Mt. Oliver, Allentown, Castle Shannon, Mount Washington, Mt Lebanon...or I can sum it up this way. Pittsburgh has several neighborhoods that are experiencing growth and development, making them popular up-and-coming areas.
Beautiful construction projects (residential and commercial) are located throughout hundreds of Pittsburgh neighborhoods.
Remember that Pittsburgh flourished for over 100 years due to its location, access to resources (oil, water, coal, gas, farmlands and now Westinghouse's nuclear ) leveraging commodities, manufacturing, political clout, labor and freight advantages (rail and water) Because Pittsburgh had access to low-cost energy (factory inputs) it could make every house brick and commercial projects, gov offices, schools, churches are all built with a timeless aesthetic (brick and stone masonry) Some of these neighborhoods include:
Lawrenceville: Located just northeast of downtown Pittsburgh, Lawrenceville has been experiencing a resurgence in recent years. The neighborhood features a diverse mix of restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as historic architecture and tree-lined streets. It has become a popular destination for young professionals and families.
East Liberty: Located east of downtown Pittsburgh, East Liberty has been undergoing a major redevelopment in recent years. The neighborhood features a mix of new apartments and condos, as well as trendy restaurants, bars, and shops. It has become a hub for tech startups and has a growing creative community.
Bloomfield: Located just east of Lawrenceville, Bloomfield is a diverse neighborhood that is home to many Italian-American families. The neighborhood features a mix of historic homes and new developments, as well as a variety of restaurants and shops. It has a growing arts scene and is becoming increasingly popular among young professionals.
Millvale: Located just north of Pittsburgh, Millvale is a small borough that is undergoing a revitalization. The neighborhood features a mix of new businesses and historic architecture, as well as a growing arts scene. It has become a popular destination for foodies, with several notable restaurants and breweries.
Sharpsburg: Located just northeast of Pittsburgh, Sharpsburg is a small borough that is also experiencing a revitalization. The neighborhood features a mix of historic homes and new developments, as well as a growing arts and cultural scene. It has become a popular destination for young families and those seeking a quieter suburban lifestyle.
Castle Shannon. We featured Castle Shannon in this article.
Bridgeville, more on this borough next week.
The red arrows indicate a pair of peregrine falcons described below. We have been told this species are attracted to art deco architecture. On Saturday (the day before Dorothy laid her first egg at the Cathedral of Learning) our other peregrine falcon pair, Dori and Louie, were doing many courtship flights over Downtown Pittsburgh. Sharon Leadbitter filmed them from her office at the U.S. Steel Tower and sent photos and a video.
this last photo courtesy of (birdsoutsidemywindow.org)
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