Tom Ratchkauskas Photography: Look Up Series (Part II) - Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh's historic past made it one of the wealthiest cities in the world when at its prime. The giants of industry and commerce gave back to their city with ornate and groundbreaking structures that directly reflected the economic engine of the region. Art Deco and Neo-Gothic architecture began to dominate the landscape and planted the seed for Pittsburgh's prolific architecture community. With original ornate towers as beacons of industry, the city modeled its newer centers after the old, with a modern touch. The stunning contrast of stone, steel and glass throughout Pittsburgh also makes its architecture some of the most photogenic in the world. The following photographs highlight some of Pittsburgh's original feats of architecture and some of their modern day counterparts.

Cathedral of Learning , Heinz Chapel & Phipps Conservatory

Pittsburgh's centers of education have always stood out, and there is no better physical example of this than the University of Pittsburgh's Cathedral of Learning. Standing at 42 stories tall, the Neo-Gothic structure is the tallest educational building in the Western Hemisphere. Opening in 1937, the building was intended to reflect the ingenuity and progressiveness of the people of the region, blending classical ornate construction with that of a modern skyscraper. "Cathy" is home to grand three story tall study areas, countless classrooms and decorative nationality rooms depicting cultures and locations from around the world.

Just steps away from the Cathedral of Learning sits Heinz Memorial Chapel, gifted by H,J Heinz in memory of his mother. The chapel is meant to be interdenominational and is one of the most decorative buildings in the region. Tall arches, intricate stonework and expansive windows highlight the structure, creating an air of history. One can get lost in time as the hustle and bustle of Oakland streets and modern life fade away. The constant preserving and improvement of the structure are a testament to Pittsburgh's continuing dedication to history and progression.

Phipps Conservatory, in direct view of the above mentioned gems of architecture, was constructed in 1893 and while one of the city's oldest landmarks, is a prominent example of its present and future. A LEED certified landmark, the conservatory showcases plants from all over the world while exemplifying Victorian architecture. Steel arches and domes blend with glass panels while inside one is transported to a rainforest, dessert and other unique plant filled locations while sitting alongside amazing artwork. A presence of old style is felt together with modern renewal at Phipps Conservatory, a location that always provides fantastic photographs.

Hillman Library

Phipps Conservatory (below)

Gulf Tower & Koppers Tower

Perfect examples of Pittsburgh's Art Deco architecture sit across from each other on opposite corners of Seventh Avenue and Grant Street. The towers of Indiana Limestone remind passers by of a glorious time in Pittsburgh history when industry ruled all. Two massive headquarters for two large corporations, one consistently ranked as one of the top 10 in the country for decades. Reminiscent of Rockefeller Center and the Empire State Building, the towers were built during a renaissance of architecture, as ornate classical construction clashed with modern shapes, the height of the Art Deco era during the 1930's. The Gulf Tower is one of the most distinguishable structures in the Pittsburgh skyline with its step pyramid roof that doubles as an illuminated weather station. Koppers Tower exemplifies Art Deco with jutting corners stepping down the structure and an ornate entrance and roof.

City Lights

While architecture can be seen on a large scale with skyscrapers, it can be seen on a smaller scale with lighting. The lights below are at The Pennsylvanian (Pittsburgh's former Union Station), The Benedum Center and the Cultural District. Union Station once served as a hub for the Pennsylvania Railroad, the busiest railroad of its time. The main station has since been converted to residential and office space but retains its original opulance in the form of a domed entrance covered in lights. The Benedum Center was once known as the Stanely Theater as can be seen by the sign still illuminated on the exterior along Penn Avenue. The Cultural District is a true story of Pittsburgh revival, as a former run down part of downtown has utilized the surrounding architecture to turn the stretch along Penn and Liberty Avenues into a center of culture and nightlife, shown by the lights along new restaurants and art galleries.

William S. Morehead Federal Building & Liberty Center

During the period of the Pittsburgh Renaissance the area at the end of Grant Street saw extensive growth, including the two structures shown below. The first is the William S. Morehead Federal Building. Its 1960's construction style allows for perfect contrast, symmetry and long extending lines. Directly across Liberty Avenue form the Federal Building is a prime example of Pittsburgh architecture of the 1980's. Glass blends with stone to create jutting shapes and extremely dynamic contrast. I had passed the building that is now home to office space and the Westin Hotel (Convention Center) many times and until recently never took the time to photograph it, but the lighting led me to it. The building is connected to the new age David L. Lawrence Convention Center and is a microcosm of downtown Pittsburgh, a perfect blend of steel, glass and stone combined into unique designs.

Regional Enterprise Tower & Alcoa Corporate Center

In 1953 Alcoa opened its headquarters along Sixth Avenue. The 30 story building is covered in Alcoa aluminum making it lightweight and economically friendly. The building has many unique features like a heating and cooling system that freed up a large amount of interior space, windows that rotate 360 degrees for easy cleaning and was the first building to have an aluminum facade. Alcoa continued its environmental conservation when they moved their headquarters across the Allegheny River. The original headquarters was given to regional organizations, non profits and progressive companies. The Alcoa Corporate Center sits between the 7th and 9th Street Bridges along the Allegheny River in almost direct view of its predecessor. The structure is the best example of modern architecture in Pittsburgh, with curves that mimic the river and open up the building to the outside view and utilizing materials that are environmentally friendly while maintaining the buildings surroundings. The building is a symbol of Pittsburgh's growth outside of the Golden Triangle and its dedication to blending such growth in with its surroundings.