Before us stands an impressive example of neo-Gothic academic architecture — the Ann W. Olin Women's Building, constructed in 1927. The façade represents a masterful combination of red brick and sandstone, creating a characteristic polychromatic effect highly valued in the neo-Gothic tradition. The masonry features a rhythmic alternation of large light-colored blocks at the corners and window frames, giving the building structural clarity and decorative expressiveness.
The central portal is particularly noteworthy with its pointed arch — a classic element of Gothic style. The wooden doors in a warm brown color effectively contrast with the stone framing. Above the entrance is a decorative shield with relief ornamentation, flanked by columns with capitals. The verticality of the composition is emphasized by thin decorative pinnacles reaching upward and the characteristic Gothic finishing above the entrance.
Windows with fine glazing, executed in the Gothic tradition, provide not only natural lighting but also create a rhythmic structure across the façade. A majestic staircase with simple metal railings leads to the entrance, underlining the monumentality and significance of the building.
When designing a façade for a private home, several techniques can be borrowed: using contrasting materials to highlight architectural elements, accentuating the entrance area with a decorative portal, and applying vertical elements to create an impression of height and slenderness. Even in a modern house, the combination of brickwork with light-colored finishing elements looks appropriate, as does highlighting the entrance group.