United States Post Office - Columbia, SC
About:
Name: United States Post Office of Columbia, SC
Location: 1601 Assembly St. Columbia, SC 29201
Explanation:
The United States Post Office of Columbia, SC was commissioned by Lyles, Bissett, Carlisle and Wolff (LBC&W) – an architecture firm, then, centrally located in the heart of downtown Columbia. It could be argued that the buildings design was influenced by the Second National Gallery in Berlin, which was designed by a revolutionary modernist architect by the name of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. The buildings influenced conceptual design is distinctively associated with the use of symmetrically applied beams around the perimeter of the building, the levels within the building that hold an ‘open’ concept created by the use of glass curtain walls, and the buildings accessibility from street to entry-way. (111)
Description:
In regards to the buildings design: space, material used, form, location and circulation are all qualities that in-fact tie this building to the movement of modernism. The element of space is arguably one of the most influential forms of modern architecture; this being true both inside and outside of a building. The U.S. Post Office of Columbia represents this element on both ends of the spectrum. Inside, the building is separated by a series of ‘open’ levels implemented by the use of glass curtain walls, which divide individual departments of interest accordingly – this allowing residents to distinguish their destination. Large amounts of space outside of the building, also recognized as a plaza, allow for large sums of pedestrians to maneuver amongst one another in an orderly fashion. The building itself is symmetrical and is constructed of steel, glass and reinforced concrete, which is particularly evident on the secondary phase of the buildings exterior. One may not recognize the secondary phase of the building until they’ve stepped to the backside where the building is then understood to be elevated. The incorporated form of elevation allows for additional parking, municipal service and private entry for employees. The backside of the building also introduces a variation of ramps allowing individuals to access the building from behind – this new form of entry heavily influenced by modernist like Le Corbusier during the first wave of modernism. The building is centrally located within walking distance of downtown, which was intended to simplify the lives of those who work within the city limits. (257)