published_or_final_version / abstract / Conservation / Master / Master of Science in Conservation

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Harvard University, 1998. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 268-274).

This dissertation examines key examples of foliate carving from the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, re-evaluating its historiographic context while refracting foliate decoration through the lens of climate in the medieval West. Looking to medieval ideas about plant life, weather, and religious devotion in France and England, this study posits that ecological change, rather than the influx of ideas in medieval universities, was a key factor in changing attitudes towards nature in the Middle Ages. The foliate program on the west façade of Notre-Dame of Amiens illustrates connections to environmental miracles, authenticity of local relics, and the Church’s attempts to intervene in natural disasters. Taking one of the most significant examples of medieval foliate sculpture, the interior foliate frieze of Amiens, a new analysis argues that sculptors knowingly made this monumental frieze look as if it were organic and alive, rather than reproducing each segment identically. Crockets, on the other hand, a site of repetition and modular adaptation, are considered an important aspect of Gothic design, especially in the quire and west front of Wells Cathedral, where innovative crocket designs appear to complement the visual identity crafted by the diocese.

The Indiana State Library and Historical Building, constructed in 1934, is an outstanding example of stripped classicism and Art Deco. The ornament on both the exterior and interior of the limestone structure portray the regional story of the development of Indiana. The monumental building is the most well‐known work by Indianapolis architectural firm Pierre and Wright. Little has been written on the Indiana State Library and Historical Building and a comprehensive architectural history has never before been compiled on this remarkable building. The subject of research pertains to the original building only. Investigation examines the architectural competition for the design, the construction process, the numerous carvings, large stained glass windows, and four murals, and the symbolism in the ornament of the Indiana State Library and Historical Building. Through research at the Indiana State Library and the Indiana State Archives and using both primary and secondary resources, the motivation for much of the ornament was discovered. Additionally, long forgotten details and symbolism were recovered. This research provides insight into the narrative as told by the architecture and ornament of the building. It may assist in the research on the 1976 addition and the 2002 renovation that has yet to be completed. Furthermore, it will likely aid in future renovations and restorations of the building. / Introduction -- Methodology -- Literature review -- A brief history -- The competition -- The architects -- Construction -- Materials -- Architectural style -- Exterior sculpture -- Leon Hermant sculptures -- Interior material -- Interior features and symbols -- Stained glass windows -- Murals -- J. Scott Williams, artist -- Conclusion. / Department of Architecture

This study looks at the degree to which Emile Galle's theories of symbolic ornamentation are observed in contemporary landscape architecture design. Galle's theories consist of three components: the first relates to the functional aspects of design, and the last two relate to the aesthetic aspects. These three components are used to evaluate three case studies. In the case studies, Bicentennial Commons in Cincinnati and Canal Walk in Indianapolis show a partial though apparent utilization of Galle's theories, while Riverwalk in Milwaukee comes closest of the three to demonstrating the application of Galle's theories in Landscape Architecture. However, none fully exhibit Galle's theories. Nonetheless, the case studies, and in particular Riverwalk, exhibit the initial stages of a renewed interest in ornamentation in which culture is symbolically represented through nature. Landscape Architects, more than ever, are being called upon to embody the meaning of the land through a cultural synthesis in an expression of past/present and man/nature. / Department of Landscape Architecture