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When analyzing this very important architectural quality, we must take into consideration why the design looks the way it does. Since we are not the chief architects for Macalister Hall, we can only speculate as to why the architect chose to make the building seven floors instead of seventeen, or why it is of a brick orange appearance instead of hot pink stucco. Aesthetics play a major role in marketing because for potential client's, appearance sells. When conveying design ideas, elevations as well as photographs are excellent ways of aesthetically showing what the building will look like.
Legend: Limitations As with any great design, stylistic consistency as well as symmetry and environmental harmony are desired so that the building basically does not stand out from the norm. To ensure that Macalister Hall would have an appropriate facade suitable for Drexel University, certain limitations were probably set. It practically had to blend in and create the mirage of an ongoing building which realistically just connected it to the pre-existing Creese Student Center. Philadelphia building codes were probably also in effect restricting the height of the building due to safety issues. Property lines and right-of-ways could have been the determining factor as to why the building does not come out more towards the pavement. For a more in depth explanation of the aesthetics of Macalister Hall, next we shall look more at the site. The site which is mostly comprised of some greenery (trees and shrubs) blends quite well with the bright orange brick giving a more collegiate appearance and yet maintaining an inner city setting. In other words, it looks rather homey! Without these plants, too much of the brick would be exposed not allowing for a mixture of a natural look which complements the design. However, the greenery had to of course be kept to a minimum so that the corner of 33rd and Chestnut did not turn into a forest blocking site distances of pedestrians crossing the street or motorist driving.
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