I have recently had a chance to take a look at the famous Niels and Mellie Esperson Buildings. Its construction was completed in 1941 and now it is regarded as one of the most famous attractions in Houston (Reynolds 131). This architectural complex can be discussed in connection with the topics raised during the class, namely globalization, gender, empire, orientalism, and identity. On the whole, the analysis of these questions can give people better understanding of how American culture evolved.
Moreover, this example demonstrates that culture often transcends national borders. Moreover, it is closely related to the norms and values existing in a certain society. These are the main issues that should be discussed in this paper. In my opinion, this architectural masterpiece can be of greatest to people who want to have a better idea about Houston and the history of this city.
First of all, the Esperson Buildings shows that architecture transcends national borders. It cannot be limited to only one country, region or culture (Reynolds 131). In part, it is the result of the globalization process. This is the term which is used to describe the movement of people or ideas across national borders. This concept can also be defined as international integration (Marter 549). It is often argued that this process began in the late twentieth century.
Nevertheless, this integration began much earlier, at least in the early nineteenth century. For example, this architectural complex was partly inspired by Italian Renaissance that was developed in the fifteenth century (Reynolds 131). In particular, one can speak about the use of such elements as columns, dome, as well as terraces (Reynolds 131). Similar buildings can be found in Rome, Venice, Florence or other Italian cities.
Nevertheless, this architectural complex can be viewed as a traditional American skyscraper. The very idea of a skyscraper emerged, because people had to find more effective uses of land (Reynolds 131). It should be noted that the Esperson Buildings were constructed by at the time when many architects preferred such a style as post-modernism. According to it, a designer or an artist can freely combine different national styles (Reynolds 131).
His creative freedom should not be limited by any formal boundaries (Reynolds 131). On the whole, the Esperson Buildings show that art is created when different ethnic cultures interact with one another (Reynolds 131). This is one of the reasons why this architectural complex stands out among other buildings in Texas. So, to a great extent, this architectural complex is also the result of the globalization process.
The second topic that should be examined is gender, especially the stereotypes about gender and the role of women in society. In this case, one can speak about the importance of Mellie Esperson who initiated the construction of this architectural complex. It should be taken into account she was one of the few women in the United States who played an important role in the business world of Houston (The Mellie Esperson Documentary Project unpaged).
To a great extent, Mellie Esperson was able to break popular stereotypes according to which women could not participate in business activities or create successful projects (The Mellie Esperson Documentary Project unpaged). Not every person, who lives in Houston, knows that it was Mellie Esperson who commissioned the construction of these buildings (The Mellie Esperson Documentary Project unpaged).
It seems that Mellie Esperson is different from the female characters who were discussed during the classes. For instance, one can mention such a character as Umm Hamida from the novel Midaq Alley. She is accustomed to the idea that women are dependent on men and she cannot understand why a woman can “remain single for so long” (Mahfouz 40). In his book Sea of Poppies, Amitav Ghosh also explores this theme.
In particular, he mentions women who care only about “shawls, jewelry, and jobs for their relatives” (44). The book Season of Migration to the North written by Tayeb Salih also describes the subservient position of women in the Sudanese society (8). Mellie Esperson would not be the role model for the characters described in these books.
Additionally, such as concept as an empire should also be discussed in the paper. In this context, the term empire should not be understood only as a powerful state that colonizes other countries or nations. It is also used to describe a powerful company or corporation.
These buildings were constructed for Niels Esperson who was a very successful entrepreneur in Houston and the entire Texas (Marter 549). To a great extent, this architectural complex was supposed to demonstrate the power and efficiency of corporate America (Marter 549). In this case, one can draw parallels between the contemporary urban landscape of America and Roman Empire. At that time, buildings had to reflect the power and greatness of the Empire.
The same thing can be said about the Esperson Buildings that had to illustrate the greatness of the United States and the rapid growth of its economy. So, one can say that architecture often reflects the political and economic situation in the country and its development in the course of history. This is one of the main issues that should be taken into account.
Furthermore, it is vital to speak about such an issue as the relationship between Western and Eastern cultures. The differences between these cultures have always been important for architects, writers as well as artists (Said 11; Chen 8). Very often, they are believed to be in conflict with one another. Additionally, in many cases, the role of Oriental culture is overlooked by Western scholars (Said 11). The Esperson Buildings can be viewed as an example of Western architecture.
The oriental elements are not present in this architectural complex. Overall, its influence is not noticeable. This is one of the traits that immediately attract attention to these buildings that represent distinctly Western art that is based primarily on the Italian tradition of architecture. This is one of the trends that emerged in American architecture in the first half of the twentieth century.
The relationship between Western and Eastern cultures is explored in the books studied in the class. For instance, one can mention Tayeb Salih’s Season of Migration to the North. In particular, one should focus on such a character as Mustafa who tries to reconcile his Western education and Sudanese cultural heritage, for instance, when he secretly recites poem in English, but does not to admit that he studied in England (Salih 23).
On the whole, the Esperson Buildings can be regarded as a great example of the post-modern American architecture. It shows that works of art can incorporate different styles and movements that could be developed in different countries. Moreover, these buildings suggest that in many cases, people should not rely too much on popular gender stereotypes.
Additionally, one should bear in mind that modern architecture reflects the values and norms of a certain society, especially the need for efficiency and the willingness to demonstrate ones power or strength. This is why the Esperson Buildings are worth attention.
Works Cited
Chen, La. Tradition and Modernity: A Humanist View, London: BRILL, 2001. Print.
Ghosh, Amitav. Sea of Poppies, London: John Murray, 2008. Print.
Mahfouz, Naguib. Midaq Alley, New York: Transworld, 2011. Print.
Marter, Joan. The Grove Encyclopedia of American Art: Aalto, Oxford University Press, 2011. Print.
Reynolds, Richard. Texas Then & Now: Text And Contemporary Rephotography, Austin: Big Earth Publishing, 2005. Print.
Said, Edward, Orientalism, New York: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group, 1979. Print.
Salih, Tayeb. Season of Migration to the North, London: Heinemann, 1991. Print.
The Mellie Esperson Documentary Project. The Magnificent Espersons. 4 Sep. 2011. Web.