Herbert Smenner was one of the most prolific architects in the east central Indiana area from 1920 up until his death in 1950. During those three decades, Smenner designed some of Muncie's most beloved and recognizable buildings, including churches, schools, homes, and governmental institutions. The purpose of this study is to study trends in architecture from 1920 to 1950 through Herbert Smenner's work, to determine if he followed these trends, and to see if these trends themselves influenced his work.Smenner was a very sought after architect in Muncie and the surrounding area. His main clientele were the upper class of Muncie, as well as being the choice for many public commissions. Smenner's work, for the most part, did follow the architectural trends of the time. He worked mostly in the revival styles, which was the primary mode of choice during the 1920's and 1930's. In the early 1930's he also designed several buildings in the popular Art Deco and Art Moderne styles. His innovative design the Harrison Township School in 1924, was popular among many regional architects who came to study the unique layout of the school.Smenner was a troubled man. Throughout his career he battled illness, depression and severe issues with his temper. His work was widely appreciated, but the man faced many trials in the public eye do to his personality and legal problems. Smenner was often known as a copy artist by his peers. Many of his contemporaries felt that Smenner never had the creative skills to be a true architect, and that he was simply a wonderful draftsman interpreting the designs of others. Sadly, he took his own life at the age of 52 only leaving behind his buildings as a testament to his life and accomplishments. / Department of Architecture
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:BSU/oai:cardinalscholar.bsu.edu:handle/188008 |
| Date | January 2005 |
| Creators | Bettis, Robert J. |
| Contributors | Wolner, Edward W. |
| Source Sets | Ball State University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Format | iv, 126 leaves : ill. (some col.), plans ; 28 cm. |
| Source | Virtual Press |
| Coverage | n-us-in |
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