Today's photo is of Governmental Plaza, the Green Street side. The above complex was begun in the late 1960s and completed in 1972. The architect was Eduardo Catalano of Cambridge, Massachusetts. At one time, Catalano served as head of the Department of Architecture at NC State University (see more information here). The style is known as brutalist modern architecture. Hallmarks of this style are blocky, geometric shapes and extensive use of poured concrete. This complex is very different from most of the architecture in downtown Greensboro.
Night can be such a magical time. Darkness has a way of bringing into focus that which is right in front of us, or whatever has the most light. The Governmental Plaza looks especially striking at night. The white concrete seems to glow. By day, the plaza has a very different characteristic, also beautiful. The plaza grounds have a nice balance of indoor space and open space outside. Citizens have been known to peacefully assemble here. Some people may not be keen on brutalist architecture, but it is very characteristic of the era in which it was built, Besides, somehow it exudes "seriousness"; not unreasonable for a complex where many serious actions are taken, meetings are held, and decisions are made. Happy Thursday. See you on the plaza?
We have our share of that architecture here.
Posted by: William Kendall | Thursday, September 23, 2021 at 05:50 PM