7: Sexy Architecture

Webster’s dictionary describes the phallus (another word for penis) as “a representation of the penis and testes as an embodiment of generative power”. Key word here is power.  Power and sex are so commonly linked it is not surprising to find links between the two and architectural design. The phallus being used as a symbol of power and might gives power to the male through architecture. Time and time again we find symbols in our society to continue to prove the idea that men are the more powerful sex.

The Florida State Capitol building in Tallahassee, Florida, is both an architectural and historically significant building.  Many of the state capitols look alike, with one seemingly common theme to them.  The common theme in architectural design to these buildings is a large upright tower with smaller buildings attached on the side.   To many eyes, this can be seen as a depiction of the male phallus. For example take a look at the photo of Florida State Capitol, and see how easy it is to find the sexual innuendo. When pictures are caught at a certain angle it’s almost hard NOT to see it:

Another historic building that was found to be quiet obviously a male organ is the water tower of Ypsilanti, Michigan. (See below)

The towers phallic shape has not gone unnoticed by the public. It has been deemed the “brick dick” by locals, and is a common building for comedians to poke fun at. One of the legends to the tower is that if a student ever graduated a virgin from Eastern Michigan University, the tower would collapse.

These types of things bring up the real question of why this seems to be such a popular design for monumental and historical buildings? Could it be because of masculine power? Or merely because it is a rational architectural design to use? Or of course maybe it is not due to power, just to draw attention to the monument as humans are extremely sexual beings.

Whatever the reason, I believe it is quite comedic to have buildings that portray sex.  Maybe that’s the key to why all these buildings seem to be so historically significant.

Sources:

http://www.flhistoriccapitol.gov/

www.arborwiki.org/city/Ypsilanti_Water_Tower

www.michiganexposures.blogspot.com/2011/…/ypsilanti-water-tower.html