Design for a House, North Elevation 1878 - 1888

This is W. Strong’s "Design for a House, North Elevation". Notice the verticality of the structure, emphasized by a slender tower capped with a cross. The cross, a symbol of Christian faith, reaches far back into history as a representation of sacrifice, redemption, and a bridge between the earthly and divine. Its presence here atop a domestic dwelling suggests a sanctification of the home, an aspiration to imbue everyday life with spiritual significance. Consider the evolution of such symbols: from ancient solar crosses to their adoption by Christianity, these forms have adapted to convey new cultural narratives. The tower, a feature that evokes medieval fortifications and sacred spaces, adds a layer of historical depth, suggesting protection and aspiration. We see echoes of this vertical aspiration in Gothic cathedrals, reaching towards the heavens, or even in the ziggurats of ancient Mesopotamia, each a symbolic mountain connecting humanity to the divine. In this house design, the cross and tower combine, engaging our collective memory and speaking to humanity’s enduring quest for meaning and connection.