What makes the Pretoria Union Building in South Africa so different?
I always wondered if you were able to implement art into everyday life. Various classical artists such as Phyromachos, an architect that designed the Alter of Zeus built in the Hellenistic period clearly implements art and stories into architecture. Being someone that often likes to express ideas and feelings in writing and imagery, I try to notice art and poetry in everything I see, taste, listen to and learn. A sensational hunt. Sometimes, this might be in vain as not everything in life is as ethereal as musical, artistic or literature experiences. The Pretoria Union Building is what pledged the answer to my question: Poetry and art exist in any human experience, whether the experience is intentional or not.
But what made me realize that the Pretoria Union Building is associated with art and poetry, and what makes it similar to that of architecture in the Hellenistic period? It might seem strange to some people as the Pretoria Union Building is such a political emblem, and Hellenistic’s is the complete opposite. But if you look further than the shell, there is a whole pearl inside.
The Pretoria Union Building is a depiction of the history and future of South Africa. It is a national ornament that establishes our people, and brings our rainbow nation together. The statue of Nelson Mandela is an expression to say that all is welcome in South Africa, and that we are all united at the end of the day. Despite all the negativity South Africa had to go through in the past such as apartheid, the Pretoria Union Building is a reminder that we stand shoulder to shoulder. Because Neo-Classicism is not an aesthetic that is found the most popular in South Africa but in European countries, I do find the building pleasant and see it as a classical art relic.
The Pretoria Union Building was designed by Sir Herbert Baker in 1908, and took roughly 3 years to construct and was completed in 1913. The building represents various classical elements. Two of the most common elements represented in the Pretoria Union Building is the large and intimidating structure of the building, and the symmetrical order in which the building was constructed. Furthermore, the two pediments on the outer sides of the building also represent an order of Neo-Classical design. The two domes on the outer side of the building are demonstrated as wings that join the two official languages together. As part of the Greek architecture, Baker also made use of the amphitheater in the center of the building for communal gatherings, similar to that of the Agora of Athens building built in the 6th century BC. But these are not the only elements that the Union Building portrays. Its rich interior represents eaved ceilings, commonly used in the Romanesque period. Overall, Baker chose the building to be of the Italian and English Rennaissance aesthetic as well as notable Cape Dutch elements in the carved doorways and fanlights.
Researching the Pretoria Union Building I have learnt the various aspects of Neo-Classicism and observing the elements and materials. I have grown fond of the building as it encloses all the richness and poetry that Neo-Classicism proclaims. It made me realize how detailed and artistic classical architecture was characterized in the past. Such detailed forms and shapes were implemented, and architects really took visual representation to another level. A part of me wishes that we as modern civilization can revert to these classical elements, and even combine both modern and classical elements together, to create something where both worlds can be joined together. Both history and future intertwined to form something spectacular.
There are a lot of things that make the Pretoria Union Building different than most modernized buildings we see in Gauteng today. Firstly, it is one of the few buildings in Gauteng that still holds a title as a classical building amongst its other Union brothers and some art museums. Just as some architects have represented popular buildings built in the Hellenistic period, the Pretoria Union Building has a sort of drama and theatrical feel to it as it foretells the story of South Africa as a nation.
Classical architecture clearly shows that art can live in architecture, and that each building has its own movement, sound, and vibration. Some might just see a building as a piece of shelter and for one to get by without dealing with the climate alone, but that is where some individuals like myself dare to disagree. A building might just be built out of a bunch of atoms and so are we, but I see it as each building is its own person. Classical architecture just made it easier for us to get its story through to us by the various design elements it incorporates. I do believe that a building can change the way a person lives and reacts to life. It has a diverse effect on a person’s emotions.
I was never fond of history and did not give it much thought. It might be because I was too distracted with my own interests and fitting into the niche. Maybe the time was not right to experience it fondly? Now that I have carried through my research on the topic, my eyes have opened and see new horizons and it simply is that: Classical architecture really emphasizes that ‘Architecture’ cannot exist without ‘Art’. Art is what makes certain buildings act differently. They are poetic and personal, and we listen to them through our eyes. Each building tells a story, you just have to sometimes indulge yourself and look beyond its shell.
