Chattanooga Hotel Project, Chattanooga, Tennessee, Elevation c. 1892 - 1893

This elevation for the Chattanooga Hotel in Tennessee was drawn by Adler and Sullivan, Architects, in the late 19th century. At first glance, the symmetrical facade, dominated by two towers, evokes a sense of balance and order, typical of classical architecture. However, the delicate, ornamental ironwork crowning these towers speaks to a deeper symbolic language. These motifs echo similar structures found in various cultures, from the watchtowers of ancient city-states to the minarets of Islamic architecture, all functioning as visual assertions of power and spiritual aspiration. Even the arched entrance reminds us of the triumphal arches of Roman antiquity, symbols of victory and civic pride. Consider the seemingly simple finials atop each tower. In a past life, these could be stylized palmettes from ancient Egypt, symbolizing regeneration, that later morphed into the acanthus leaves of Greek capitals, and now, here they are again. This cyclical progression reminds us of how motifs evolve, are passed down, and take on new meanings, engaging our collective memory on a subconscious level.