National Bank of North Philadelphia vs Naval Hospital Philadelphia

Comparing the National Bank of North Philadelphia and the Naval Hospital Philadelphia is interesting because they both stand in Philadelphia, PA, and were completed within 2 years of each other, but they were designed by different architects.

This offers a unique glimpse at how rival designers approached projects in the same city during the same era.

Both the National Bank of North Philadelphia and the Naval Hospital Philadelphia were designed in line with the aesthetic conventions of the Art Deco style.

At the time, this style was at the height of its popularity. So both William H. Lee and Karcher and Smith followed what was in many ways expected of them, producing designs that fit comfortably within contemporary architectural norms, rather than breaking with convention.

The National Bank of North Philadelphia is primarily residential, while the Naval Hospital Philadelphia is primarily medical.

Originally, the National Bank of North Philadelphia was designed for commercial, but over time it was converted to residential. The Naval Hospital Philadelphia by contrast has maintained its original role.

Both the National Bank of North Philadelphia and the Naval Hospital Philadelphia rely on a Frame structural system.

A frame structure uses a grid of columns and beams to carry the building's loads. This frees the walls from structural duties, allowing for flexible floor plans and larger windows.

They also employ the same type of facade, a Masonry facade.

A masonry facade gives the building a heavier, more traditional appearance. It often conceals a frame structure behind it, creating the look of solid walls without carrying the main loads.