[Between the Lines]

I really can’t believe that you posted that first picture as an example of a beautiful building. That building is the definition of ugly.

Whoever designed that building knew how to make it symmetrical and that is all. The doors are out of proportion - much too tall, the stairs should not span the width of the portico, but should only be in front of the doors. It would be ok to have the stairs as they are if there were doors, windows or a decorative niche between the columns on either side. But as it is, the stairs draw ones eyes forward and upward into a blank wall. The sidewalk would look better if it were the same width as the stairs too. The pediment also has absolutely no adornment. Even a simple vent would have been an improvement there.

Sorry, but that does not come anywhere near to being a beautiful building.

[annalex]

There is something hanging from the frieze, perhaps a poster.

Whoever designed that building knew how to make it symmetrical and that is all.

What we have here is quiet simplicity; you describe how the building could have been made into a Greek classic temple. The architect was perhaps a bit naive, but it does not take away from its beauty.