-Domed Bank- still bank c. 1899 - 1934

This “Domed Bank” still bank, was created by the A.C. Williams Company. What immediately strikes you is the interplay of form and function. The bank mimics the architectural structure of a domed building, likely intended to evoke trust and security. The geometric solidity is softened by the curvature of the dome and arches. There is an interesting tension between containment and openness. The structure, while appearing solid and secure, is perforated with windows, thus hinting at transparency. The white and gold color scheme, with the patina of age, adds another layer to its semiotic structure, signifying both value and the passage of time. Ultimately, this bank is a material object but also a sign, embodying cultural ideas about finance, security, and architecture, inviting us to reflect on the structures that shape our lives and economies.