African American Classical Architecture: Then and Now

In a timely and compelling installment of Restoring Reason, Beauty, and Faith in Architecture, Phillip Smith, a revered architect, explores the historical influence of classical and traditional architecture beginning with Egyptian influence on ancient Greek and Roman architecture, and later shares the impact African American architects, designers, and builders have had on our built environment. The stage was set for a profound exploration of the intersection between cultural heritage and architectural innovation, unpacking layers of history and influence that continue to shape modern landscapes.

The conversation opened with a moving account of an explosion at a church that inflicted significant damage and led to several casualties, illustrating the vulnerability of sacred architectural spaces. This set the context for a deeper discussion on the enduring impacts of African American architects across centuries, beginning with pioneering figures like William Sidney Pittman and Julian Abel, whose designs and fortitude in the face of discrimination laid a monumental foundation for the generations that followed.

The conversation dove into the intricate web of African American culture’s influence on American architecture, stressing the necessity for racial and social justice to be ingrained in both societal attitudes and the very design of our shared spaces. Further, Smith and Professor Mellor engaged in a captivating discourse on the research and design efforts behind the International African American Museum in Charleston, revealing challenges they had faced such as HVAC issues and the meticulous plans outlined for writing a monograph.

One of the highlights of the discussion was the meticulous comparison drawn between slave cabins in Georgia to vernacular buildings in West Africa, bringing to light the cultural and architectural continuity that persisted despite the absence of direct contact, and researching the scroll patterns shared between Philip Simmons’ ironwork and those of West African traditions.

As the narrative of the episode unfolded, it also touched upon the histories of important figures such as Eliza Lucas and John Williams, centering on the latter’s role as an architectural trailblazer who, despite being enslaved, mastered trades and passed on his knowledge, ultimately impacting Charleston’s Georgian building heritage. With captivating detail, the story of the Pinckney Mansion emerged, a structure emblematic of the English Palladian villa style and a testament to the deep imprint of skilled enslaved labor on American classical architecture.

The legacy of tabby buildings at Penn Center, a material with African origins, was also discussed, showcasing how this building technique became instrumental in the architecture of South Carolina, particularly at the Church of the Holy Cross in Stateburg. Listeners learned of the meticulous process of making tabby and the significance it bears as both a material and a cultural symbol in the architectural dialogue.

Smith and Mellor delved into the Hampton Tuskegee model of education, highlighting how it not only involved students in construction but demonstrated the potential of African American individuals in the building trades. The episode paid homage to Robert Robinson Taylor and Wallace Augustus Rayfield, who both made indelible marks on the field of architecture, including Rayfield’s work on the 16th Street Baptist Church – a site tragically bombed by white supremacists.

The vibrant discussion then transitioned to Philip Smith’s introduction by Professor Mellor, focusing on Smith’s groundbreaking work with an alternative design proposal for an international African American museum. Smith’s approach sought to recontextualize classical architecture within African American communities, challenging prevailing misconceptions, and highlighting the creative input of enslaved laborers.

Smith, as an educator at the American College of the Building Arts, brought unique insights into architectural history, spotlighting figures such as enslaved craftsman John Williams and the influence of slave labor on Charleston’s storied designs, from St. Michael’s Church to the Penn Center, and the tradition of craftsmanship in African American churches.

Lastly, the episode delved into the cross-cultural connections that infused craftsmanship in Charleston, presented through Smith’s reflections on the trade secrets passed down in Indian and African American communities, and the importance of preserving these traditional skills. Listeners were drawn into the narrative of homes built by enslaved individuals from Barbados, the shared experiences of tradespeople of diverse backgrounds, and the indelible architectural styles borne from this intricate tapestry of influences.

As the episode drew to a close, the lecture did not just recount historical feats; it also served as a clarion call to recognize and honor the manifold contributions of African American architects and laborers in shaping the architectural narrative of America.