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Stuart Jacome Arch 162. History of Architecture II Feb. 13, 2018 Building Blog Prof. Khorsandi Belvedere Castle Belvedere Castle is located in Central Park, NYC. Belvedere means “beautiful view” in Italian; the castle sits on Vista Rock and is the second highest elevation in Central Park, providing great views of other parts in the park.  Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux in 1865, the castle was completed in 1869. Belvedere Castle was meant to be a Victorian Folly. A folly is a structure whose main function is to be ornamental, a place of “playfulness a fantasy building” that serves no practical use. It’s architectural style is Romanesque and Gothic. Romanesque architecture comes from a combination of Roman and Gothic styles which can be characterized by round arches, vaults, and large columns. Gothic architecture style contains stone structures, clustered columns, pointed spires, complex sculptures, vaults, and flying buttresses. One of their main...

Casino at Marino A folly building is described as an ornamental building without any functional use despite its appearance. One of the most well known folly buildings, is The Casino at Marino, located in Marino, Dublin Ireland. The building was designed by a Scottish architect named Sir William Chambers. The building began construction in the late 1750s and was completed around 1775. This is one of the most well known 18th century Neo-Classical buildings in Europe. The Neo-classical movement followed the Rococo and Baroque movement, and came as a way of reintroducing new found Greek and Roman architectural styles into modern day works throughout the world.  The “Casino” means , small house, and is not an establishment designed for gambling. The buildings appearance makes it appear as if it is a small single roomed building, when in fact the interior is quite large containing 16 very decorated and ornamental rooms, such as, kitchens, servants quarters, a library, and several...