I hope you are doing well. I have done a first draft of my paper and my professor has given me notes back. I need your help making the following edits to the assignment.
Instructions:
Write a concise (ca. 750-word, double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font, 1-inch margins), well-organized, and well-written formal analysis: a paper in which you describe, analyze, and interpret the building’s exterior.
Consider our class discussions on the formal analysis of architecture. You may wish to refer to the handout, “Architecture: Some Things to Consider,” to get you started; do not, however, use this handout mindlessly as a template.
This assignment is intended to help you further understand and articulate how a building’s formal/visual properties convey meaning. The paper is an exercise in looking. It is NOT a research paper. Do not consult any sources outside of the building itself – no books, no supers, no websites, no photos, NOTHING! If you use outside sources, you will earn a failing grade. In addition, refer to the syllabus for the consequences of both plagiarism and collaboration.
Your paper is to be an expository – in other words, an analytical – essay, and will be graded on both content and presentation. As an expository essay, your paper will be more formal than your weekly assignments; write in the third person (i.e. do not use the pronouns “I” or “you”) and do not use contractions. In addition to complete content, be aware of such writing issues as general organization and structure. Have a brief opening/introductory paragraph which includes a clearly articulated thesis/claim, followed by ordered paragraphs with discussions of discrete topics, clear transitions between paragraphs, and a closing paragraph that ties your discussion together in some way. Use complete and clear sentences, appropriate word choice, correct spelling, and proper grammar and punctuation.
Use the tools of formal/visual analysis to describe, analyze, and interpret your building: describe the building so your reader can “see” it; analyze it so your reader understands it; have a clear thesis that is your interpretation based on your formal analysis. Remember: You must build an argument in support of your thesis/claim. Lead your reader!
Attached below are handouts to help with the formal analysis and photos of the exterior of the building. The address of the building is 310 E 12th St New York, NY 10003 if you need to do additional research
Notes given from professor:
– notes based on handout, turn it into synthetic paper
– dont use subheadings
– want to build argument paragraph by paragraph, going from general to specific
– think about subject and pretend you are explaining what it is to someone who cant see it or doesn’t know about it
– start with an introduction that has thesis which is
– grab your reader in first paragraph
– overly complicated language (get rid of it), describe things
– the building is rectangular instead of shape description
– discuss window distributions
– through the words your reader can see it, then analyze it
– be clear about materials and why it contributes the message this building is sending
– write a thesis and alter it to a good opening paragraph, describe and analysis in service of that
– thesis should be answering: what message is this building sending
The exterior of 310 E 12th St in New York City is an example of early 20th-century urban residential architecture, characterized by its unadorned yet structured aesthetic. The symmetrical five-story brick building conveys a sense of stability and functionality while subtly reflecting historical trends in New York’s working- and middle-class housing. Through its rectangular form, material choices, and systematic window distribution, the building communicates a sense of order, efficiency, and resilience—qualities reflective of its era and urban environment.
Constructed of red brick, the building’s facade is uniform, emphasizing practicality over ornamentation. The material itself, a staple in New York’s architectural history, conveys durability and fire resistance—both crucial in the city’s dense urban landscape. The warm, earthy hue of the brick softens the otherwise rigid geometry, making the structure feel inviting despite its functional design. Variations in brickwork, such as decorative bands and slightly recessed panels, break up the monotony of the facade, adding subtle visual interest without excessive embellishment.
The structure’s organization is distinctly symmetrical, reinforcing an impression of stability and order. The central section, slightly recessed and featuring a fire escape, serves as a focal point, subtly distinguishing the entryway while maintaining the building’s overall balance. The recessed entry, framed by decorative horizontal brick bands, signals a transition from the street to the interior, providing a modest yet recognizable architectural gesture. The symmetry of the facade, including the consistent arrangement of windows and the evenly spaced fire escape, enhances the sense of regularity and control.
Window distribution further emphasizes the building’s functional nature. Each floor contains a uniform arrangement of rectangular, double-hung windows with dark frames, contrasting with the lighter brickwork. These windows are spaced evenly across the facade, reinforcing the building’s symmetry and repetition. The placement of windows suggests an internal logic, likely corresponding to the apartment layouts within. The absence of large, decorative window treatments or balconies underscores the building’s utilitarian purpose—providing housing rather than showcasing wealth or artistic ambition. The black window frames, set against the warm brick, create a sense of depth and contrast, subtly articulating the facade’s structure.
The fire escape system, a common feature in pre-war New York apartment buildings, adds a dynamic vertical element to the composition. Made of dark metal, the zigzagging structure interrupts the otherwise flat facade, serving both a practical and visual function. While mandated for safety, its presence also speaks to the city’s history of evolving housing regulations and fire safety concerns. This exposed metal framework contrasts with the solid brick, reinforcing the theme of utility and resilience.
The building’s lack of excessive ornamentation aligns with early 20th-century architectural trends that prioritized efficiency over grandeur. Unlike the elaborate cornices and decorative elements found in earlier Beaux-Arts or Art Deco styles, this structure embodies a straightforward, almost austere aesthetic. The few embellishments—such as the geometric brick detailing near the roofline and subtle lintel variations above some windows—are restrained, serving to provide minor visual interest without undermining the overall simplicity.
The message conveyed by 310 E 12th St is one of functionality and dependability. The use of brick suggests permanence, while the symmetrical organization and regular window pattern communicate efficiency. The fire escape, though a practical necessity, introduces a sense of urban realism, hinting at the dynamic and sometimes precarious nature of city living. This building is designed not for spectacle but shelter—a testament to New York’s ever-growing need for durable, accessible housing.
In conclusion, the exterior of 310 E 12th St reflects an architectural philosophy rooted in pragmatism. The building conveys a message of stability, resilience, and unpretentious urban living through its material choice, symmetrical form, and calculated window distribution. It stands as a quiet yet significant example of early 20th-century residential architecture, embodying the practical needs and aspirations of its time.