The architectural firm of McKim, Mead & White revolutionized American institutional design during the late 19th century, creating buildings that...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
The architectural firm of McKim, Mead & White revolutionized American institutional design during the late 19th century, creating buildings that synthesized European classical traditions with distinctly American innovations. Their 1893 design for the Boston Public Library incorporated Renaissance Revival elements alongside cutting-edge steel frame construction techniques that had only recently been developed for skyscrapers. The building's success established it as a model for civic architecture across the United States, influencing library design for decades. The firm's ability to create this influential synthesis can be attributed to _____
Which choice most logically completes the text?
their extensive study of European architectural traditions during travels abroad.
the availability of new construction technologies that had not been previously applied to civic buildings.
their collaboration with European architects who brought classical design principles to American projects.
their willingness to combine established European design principles with emerging American construction innovations.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'The architectural firm of McKim, Mead & White revolutionized American institutional design during the late 19th century, creating buildings that synthesized European classical traditions with distinctly American innovations.' |
|
| 'Their 1893 design for the Boston Public Library incorporated Renaissance Revival elements alongside cutting-edge steel frame construction techniques that had only recently been developed for skyscrapers.' |
|
| 'The building's success established it as a model for civic architecture across the United States, influencing library design for decades.' |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: McKim, Mead & White revolutionized American institutional architecture by successfully combining European classical traditions with American construction innovations.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
This is a fill-in-the-blank question asking us to choose the best logical connector. The answer must create the right relationship between what comes before and after the blank.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The passage shows that their success came from combining two distinct elements: European classical traditions (like Renaissance Revival) and American innovations (like steel frame construction)
- The right answer should acknowledge both sides of this synthesis and reflect their intentional decision-making
their extensive study of European architectural traditions during travels abroad.
✗ Incorrect
- Focuses only on European knowledge, ignores American innovation side completely
the availability of new construction technologies that had not been previously applied to civic buildings.
✗ Incorrect
- Focuses only on American construction technologies, doesn't address European design principles
their collaboration with European architects who brought classical design principles to American projects.
✗ Incorrect
- Claims collaboration with European architects, but passage shows they did synthesis themselves
their willingness to combine established European design principles with emerging American construction innovations.
✓ Correct
- Captures both sides - established European design principles AND emerging American construction innovations
- Matches the passage's description perfectly