Capitol Building Research Paper

The United States Capitol Building is perhaps one of the most symbolic architectures in America. In there, both the Senate and the House of Representatives meet together to discuss policies, debate on issues, and form new laws for the nation. It is located on East Capitol Street, NE and First Street, SE. The history and construction of the U.S Capitol Building dated back to two centuries ago. In 1792, Thomas
Jefferson proposed to hold a design competition
(The United States Capitol Building) for the Capitol Building with a prize of $500. At that time, Congress needed a permanent place to hold meetings so they would not have to travel through long distances. Dr. William Thornton, an amateur architect and a Scottish physician …show more content…
Inside of the Capitol Building, on the first floor, list of areas open to the public include Hall of Columns, the Brumidi Corridors, Old Supreme Court Chamber, and the Crypt. The next floor has the chambers for both houses of Congress. The U.S Senate Chamber is a room located in the north wing. It primarily served as the meeting place for the U.S Senators. In there, each Senator has their own individual desks, placed on a multi-layered platform that faced toward the rostrum. The House of Representatives Chamber is a room located in the south wing. All the 435 representatives meet in a large assembly room. They sit in armchairs that faced toward the Speaker's rostrum. The second floor also accommodates the Rotunda, Old Senate Chamber, and National Statuary Hall. The National Statuary Hall is a semicircular room in the Capitol Building used to display sculptures made by important and famous Americans. A total of 100 sculptures contributed by the 50 states is displayed throughout the building. The Rotunda, also known as the heart of the Capitol, is an art gallery used to exhibit paintings and sculptures. In there, state funerals have been held for distinguished people, including President Abraham Lincoln. Important events such as a state visit by the head of other foreign countries are held in the Rotunda too. On the third floor, there are committee rooms, press galleries, and offices. Finally, on both the fourth and fifth (basement) floors, it contains offices, machinery rooms, workrooms, and other support areas. Overall, the Capitol Building is a magnificent and splendid