The Santa Barbara County Courthouse

“Dios nos dio campos, el arte humana edifico ciudades” -Varro (50 A.D.)

Translated, “God gave us the country; the skill of man hath built the town.”

If there is a more perfectly simple description of the endeavors of architecture and planning, I have never heard it.  Both versions of this quote can be found above arched openings welcoming visitors into the Santa Barbara County Courthouse – arguably, the most quintessential example of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture in California.

I should probably begin by citing when the building was built, the name of the architect and then follow that up with all the artists, sculptors and stone masons that contributed their separate verses to this masterful song but I fear that would distract from the true message of this inspiring place.  The Santa Barbara County Courthouse is a raucous carnival of architectural function and folly.  Windows, doors, arches, wrought iron grilles and other decorative elements are arranged almost haphazardly, seemingly with little regard for logic and reason, yet driven by function and somehow inviting and comfortable.  Here, symmetry is a myth and order is an after thought, but beauty is in abundance, at a monumental scale.

Let’s take a quick look at the main entry along Anacapa Street.  A giant stone arch opens to a breezeway and central lawn.  You’ll notice the roof rafters are not equally spaced.  At one end the last rafter is kicked out at a slightly different angle but at the other end there is a corbel adorned with acanthus leaves and cherubs.  A quatrefoil window sits nicely centered above the arch, but at the same time a small square gable vent occurs offset from the ridge – which is also offset.  The stonework itself is heavier to the left than it is to the right.   One column rests on a plinth with a carved ornamental crest whereas the other appears to sit on a pile of random stone blocks which serve as the backdrop for a fountain.  This is not a classical piece; it’s jazz.

The crescendo of this composition is the clock tower which doubles as a point of reference in the downtown area and as the prime spot to enjoy a 360-degree view of Santa Barbara.  Oh, and it also tells time, on all four sides, with hourly chimes that can be heard throughout most of the city.  The clock room is open to the public and definitely worth a quick stop on your way up to the top.

What makes this all work together is that it is consistently inconsistent.  However, this is not irresponsible design but simply an unconventional approach to design.  There is a quirky charm that shares, with you, the history of its making.  It’s a celebration of the vernacular – the architectural language of locality, constructability and functionality.

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