North America

The first region I explored on my trip around the world was North America. I was particularly interested in visiting some landmarks in the United States. 

Site 1: I started off with the Beaux Arts Terminal Tower in the city of Cleveland, Ohio. Oris Paxton and Mantis James Van Sweringen designed the Terminal Tower, which was finally complete by the year 1930. While it started out as a rail station, today the site is a busy shopping center. Perhaps the most striking feature about this tower was its height. At fifty-two stories and 708 feet (or 771 if the flagpole is included) it was the tallest tower in America, and even the world, second only to New York City (until 1964) and is now the second tallest building in Cleveland. I also appreciated the architectural design of the site. I was impressed by its arched windows and various brass components. The entrance of the tower faced the public square. There were also five archways along with Ionic columns. I noticed a square shaft eventually shifted to multiple neoclassical-style setback stories going into a cone shape. The building mostly featured the Beaux Arts and Art Deco architectural style, meaning it featured elaborate decoration, symmetry, and columns. The site was located at the center of what is known as the Cleveland Union Terminal, which consists of multiple shops, restaurants, and office buildings. I was very fortunate to get to visit a notable landmark and shopping hub in the country of America. 

Here is a picture of the Beaux Arts Terminal Tower:

Site 2: Next, I took a plane all the way down to Lake Wales, Florida, to visit the Bok Tower. It is located in a nature reserve and botanical garden. Bok Tower was a type of bell tower known as a carillon, which is a series of hanging bells that are played by a keyboard. The carillon has 60 bells and is located at the upper third of the tower, and this struck me as one of the more notable features of the site. Edward Bok and Mary Louise Curtis Bok (Edward’s wife) were credited with developing the tower. The couple was inspired to build the tower in order to establish a place that would encourage Americans to take care of the world’s natural beauty. The tower is 205 feet in height and resembles a 19^th century church spire. Interestingly, the tower is constructed with red brick, pink etowah, and grey Creole marble. I thought that the Florida coquina shells also added an extra embellishment to the tower, which also features multiple carvings and mosaics. Additionally, I observed that iron gates as well as the book of Genesis are portrayed on the door, which is made of brass. President Calvin Coolidge dedicated Bok Tower Gardens on the first of February 1929. Today, it is a National Landmark that has provided visitors with a peaceful and laid-back experience and has been one of Florida’s most popular attractions for some time now.