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Abele played a pivotal role in designing Trumbauer’s cut stone projects, becoming renowned for his expertise in limestone construction. His mastery of the Beaux Arts style—a French architectural movement blending neoclassical French, Renaissance, and Baroque influences—was particularly notable. This style is characterized by elaborate sculptural details, grand arched windows, and majestic entrances, all contributing to the creation of what are known as “noble spaces.”
One of Abele’s significant creations includes an indoor stadium at Duke University, showcasing his architectural skills.
The Impact of Beaux Arts Architecture
Dreck Spurlock Wilson, an associate professor of architectural history at Howard University and a notable figure in the field, emphasizes Abele’s affinity for 18th-century French architecture, noting that he proudly identified as a Francophile. His formative years at the Pennsylvania Museum School of Industrial Art, which heavily emphasized French methodologies, laid the groundwork for his architectural perspective. When Abele transitioned to the University of Pennsylvania, he found himself in one of the few American institutions where the principles of Beaux Arts were actively taught and practiced.
Bill Whitaker, curator and collections manager of the Architectural Archives at the University of Pennsylvania, highlights how Abele’s embrace of the Beaux Arts style was both an exercise in problem-solving and a demonstration of innovation. “It was about learning from historical precedents while adapting to contemporary shifts,” he asserts. Whitaker also points out Abele’s in-depth knowledge of French Renaissance architecture, indicating that Abele had a sincere admiration for its complexities. In his sophomore year, Abele became a member of the architecture society, eventually being elected president by his peers during his final year.
As Abele advanced in his career, he completed notable works, including Eisenlohr Hall, which serves as the residence for the president of the University of Pennsylvania. Interestingly, recent discoveries attribute this design to Abele, identified through the rare appearance of his initials on architectural drawings. “This highlights his growing prominence within the firm, showcasing his evident talent in carving out critical architectural features,” Whitaker notes. “His distinctive style was becoming more apparent in the facades he was creating.”
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