Date of Birth: December 16, 1863
Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
Date of Death: September 22, 1942
Biography
Ralph Adams Cram was a prominent American architect born on December 16, 1863, in Hampton Falls, New Hampshire. He became one of the leading figures in the Gothic Revival style of architecture, significantly influencing the American architectural landscape. Cram studied architecture in Boston and later traveled to Rome to deepen his understanding of classical and Gothic design. In 1889, he co-founded the architectural firm Cram & Wentworth, which later became Cram, Goodhue & Ferguson. Cram’s work primarily focused on ecclesiastical and collegiate buildings, and he was instrumental in designing many significant structures, including the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City and the Princeton University Chapel. His designs were characterized by their meticulous attention to detail, historical accuracy, and an emphasis on verticality and light. In addition to his architectural practice, Cram was a prolific writer and lecturer, advocating for a return to traditional craftsmanship and Gothic architectural principles. Throughout his career, Cram received numerous accolades and was appointed as the supervising architect for the United States Military Academy at West Point. He also served as the head of the architecture department at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Ralph Adams Cram passed away on September 22, 1942, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence American architecture to this day.
5 Interesting Facts about Ralph Adams Cram
1. Ralph Adams Cram was a key figure in the Gothic Revival movement in the United States.
2. He designed over 100 churches throughout his career.
3. Cram was a devout Anglo-Catholic, which deeply influenced his architectural philosophy.
4. He was awarded the Royal Institute of British Architects’ Gold Medal in 1923.
5. Cram wrote several books on architecture, including “The Ministry of Art” and “The Substance of Gothic.”
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Ralph Adams Cram
1. “The essential element in architecture is the spiritual content.”
2. “Modernism is the enemy of the soul and the enemy of beauty.”
3. “Architecture is a visual art, and the buildings speak for themselves.”
4. “True architecture must be based on the spiritual, not the material.”
5. “Only when the spirit is elevated can the architecture be truly noble.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Ralph Adams Cram’s highest net worth is not precisely documented, but he was financially successful and widely respected in his field.
Children
Ralph Adams Cram had no children.
Relevant Links
1. [Wikipedia: Ralph Adams Cram](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ralph_Adams_Cram
2. [Princeton University Chapel](https://chapel.princeton.edu/
3. [Cathedral of St. John the Divine](https://www.stjohndivine.org/
4. [MIT Architecture Department](https://architecture.mit.edu/
5. [American Gothic Revival](https://www.britannica.com/art/Gothic-Revival-architecture
