Subjects Architecture

The art and science of planning, designing, and erecting buildings or other structures. This topic overlaps with engineering, in that any building needs to be properly engineered to prevent catastrophic failures, and large architectural firms often employ engineers.

Birch’s Views of Philadelphia, 1800

Beauty from Utility: The Architect of the Southwest Sewage Pumping Station

“Fairmount Waterworks. From the forebay.” (From nature & on stone G. Lehman; Published by C.G. Childs & G. Lehman, 1833. Free Library of Philadelphia, Print & Picture Collection)

Fairmount Water Works from the forebay, 1833

Centre Square Engine House, location of one of two steam engines used in the city’s original water system. Engraving by Birch.

Centre Square Engine House, ca. 1807

Black-and-white drawing of the exterior of a small cabin showing the porch and yard

A Day in the Ma’sh – A Trucker’s Farm Yard

Black-and-white drawing of the interior of a humble cabin

A Day in the Ma’sh – In The Old Cabin Home

Bridge Street Draw, southeast corner property, June 12, 1896

Bridge Street Draw, southeast corner property, June 12, 1896

Bridge Street Draw. Southwest side of bridge. April 19, 1896. [Detail of people].

State House Garden, Philadelphia, 1800

Arch Street, with the Second Presbyterian Church, 1800

The City and Port of Philadelphia on the River Delaware from Kensington, 1800