Proposed Fine Arts Museum, World's Columbian Exposition, Chicago, Illinois, Elevation Sketches c. 1890 - 1891

John Wellborn Root sketched these elevations for the Proposed Fine Arts Museum of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. The design speaks to more than just architectural innovation; it's a testament to a potent symbolism. Note the prominent dome, which echoes the Pantheon's oculus, a beacon of knowledge and divine connection. The use of arches, reminiscent of Roman aqueducts, suggests a bridge between antiquity and modernity. Observe how these architectural elements reflect a human desire for order and meaning. Now, cast your mind back to the Renaissance and its fascination with classical forms. The dome, employed by Brunelleschi in Florence, symbolized not just structural ingenuity but also a rebirth of cultural values. Over time, it has resurfaced—a constant echo of our collective architectural memory. It is this non-linear progression, with symbols reappearing, evolving, and acquiring new meanings, that reveals the ever-changing and enduring human spirit.