Tennessee is filled with a myriad of sophisticated structures that are distinctly influenced by Greek and Roman architecture. The Grand Lodge of Tennessee of Free and Accepted Masons is merely one of the numerous buildings in Nashville that attempts to adopt the standards of Greek Classism. It immediately catches your attention with its regal appearance due to the largely scaled structure, intricate detailing and high relief columns projecting from the construction. After observing such an interesting design is it understandable why one would question its usability. The Grand Lodge of Tennessee was arguably built to show authority or hierarchy. The four story concrete building still manages to fit into today’s society because it resembles other buildings nearby. In a contemporary context, this structure could be used for aesthetic purposes and organization meetings rather than
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Even in the article “Classism as Power”, Henri Zerner states:
The concept of the classical implies the establishment of a norm, of a hierarchy; and what this takes is power. The connotation of class in the social sense in the word "classical" goes a long way back, and is as strong as the original one of the classroom-the classics being the great examples proposed to students. As a suprahistorical concept, then, there is no reason to believe that classicism has any meaning beyond this: the art of authority, authoritative art (34).
Therefore, because The Grand Lodge of Tennessee was built to resemble a Greek temple so that it projects a sense of authority to anyone who passes by. Standing at the base of the building’s massive steps can make a person feel pigeon-sized. The bronze light post in the front of the lodge, which feature lion characteristics, are examples of the intricate detailing that show Neoclassical
Even in the article “Classism as Power”, Henri Zerner states:
The concept of the classical implies the establishment of a norm, of a hierarchy; and what this takes is power. The connotation of class in the social sense in the word "classical" goes a long way back, and is as strong as the original one of the classroom-the classics being the great examples proposed to students. As a suprahistorical concept, then, there is no reason to believe that classicism has any meaning beyond this: the art of authority, authoritative art (34).
Therefore, because The Grand Lodge of Tennessee was built to resemble a Greek temple so that it projects a sense of authority to anyone who passes by. Standing at the base of the building’s massive steps can make a person feel pigeon-sized. The bronze light post in the front of the lodge, which feature lion characteristics, are examples of the intricate detailing that show Neoclassical