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The American Collage (1)
The act of joining two individuals can be found in most cultures throughout history. Marriage has been practiced in America before it was first discovered by the colonists. This country has always been a melting pot of ideas and cultures. American culture has changed significantly with the assimilation of each new practice over time. These new ideals have left both a physical and an ideological impact on this country. As America developed the physical environment grew alongside it. -
The American Collage (2)
As America developed physically, the ideals and values of marriage developed alongside it. Each new era of American architecture can be related to ideological shifts of marriage and family. From a style that represents the values of the earliest colonists to the present day manifestation of every idea before it, each structure represented in this timeline tells the story of the American families that lived within their walls. Each artifact influenced modern day American culture. -
Colonial Period
A simple style of architecture typically found with only one floor and two rooms. When night falls only the married couple had a private space to retreat to. Love was not an important value in marriage at this time but it was expected to follow the vows in the form of children. While the man of the house would work the fields, the woman raised the children and tended to the vegetable gardens. -
Victorian Era
First popularized during the peak of the industrial revolution, this style represents the first time women in masses were seen in the workplace. They were expected to work in the local factory for hours of grueling labor. At the same time there was a significant increase in the birth rate to meet the demand for child workers that was another burden for women. Every waking moment was dedicated to the factory or children. Men were only burdened with factory work at this time. -
Biltmore Estate
A unique feature seen in this Châteauesque-style mansion is the separation of the spousal bedrooms. There are two master bedrooms, one for the man and one for the woman, identical in size and shape. Public spaces in the home are shared but the married couple has their own private spaces away from children and spouse. This was an idea to strengthen the union, a practice that has fallen out of favor today. -
American Dream
White picket fence, two kids, and a dog all in the calm suburbs outside the bustling city. Following the first World War suburbs boomed and the illusion of the ideal American family became popular. The husband would spend his days working and nights at home while the wife remained at the house maintaining the homestead for him to return to. Affordable and desirable, this was the American aesthetic shown to the rest of the world. -
Playboy Mansion
This publication was the direct catalyst for the rise of the bachelor lifestyle and modern architecture. Men no longer had to be the ideal husband, they could have a space of their own without the “chains” of the expectation to start a family and create a home. Modern architecture was the face of this movement, a Playboy needs a space that is not a traditional homestead. His space and lifestyle must be new and modernized. -
"Neo" Houses
A home overwhelming suburban architecture that uses a combination of all the past styles. Today's period is the collection of all the values of our ancestors. Most men are still expected to work and women have options to either work or raise the children. Marriage is no longer done for childbirth or expectations but for the two individuals wanting to build a life together and vowing to love till death do they part. Love can be individual too, choosing to prioritize oneself over a lifetime bond. -
A Story of American Love (2)
These artifacts are the history of familial love in America. Each was a reaction to a cultural value and all evolved to create the ideals of American love today. A love that builds on the best qualities from each period, defined by an architecture that can only be described as an inspired collage. Today love is both disposable and savored, profane and sacred. It can be found between any consenting party without the social stigma. Or it can be found in the love of oneself. -
A Story of American Love (3)
Even now love begins its next evolution, from a physical structure into a digital structure. Love is becoming the three bubbles waiting for a text response, the giddy feeling when your sweetheart calls your phone. Love is found by swiping right on a photo, it is found on Instagram and Snapchat; messages sent and received. This is the next stage of not just American love but Earthly love. It is all the next chapter in the love story that is being written everyday. -
A Story of American Love (1)
Love started in a simple two room farmhouse to make the farm chores easier and continue a family's legacy. Evolved into an instrument to further capitalism, grow the workforce, and strengthen the economy of a young country. Became a form of art to strengthen the union in a time the country was divided. Transformed into a media to portray American ideals to the world and idealize love as a pure emotion. Reshaped love from a “forever” into a fling with an emphasis on the individual. -
Works Cited
A collection of citations for the artifacts