There are two amazing things about Courthouse 1's rotunda. First, obviously, is its height. Second, and not so obvious, is the detail not necessarily visible to the naked eye. 

This molding is found above the lunette murals found atop the entrances to the two large courtrooms on the second floor. After the off-white paint is taken away, more details become visible because the color is not longer uniform. The contrast helps the eye understand there's "something" there even if the eye can't easily make it out. Astonishingly, there's more than shades of tan up there. If you look closely you can see a green color. 

Why do architects and designers bother with this type of detail when it's too far away for humans to really see? In the time when Gothic cathedrals were built (beginning in the late 1100s of the common era), artists included many kinds of details that the humans on the ground would never really see. For example, eyes and pupils carved into the gargoyles on a cathedral. But, in the minds of those artists, the Christian God would be able to see those details. To skip those details would have been a form of dishonesty before their God. 

Over the centuries the practice remains but the reasons have evolved. The idea of "integrity of detail" or "material honesty" means that an artist doesn't take the easy way out by omitting things the eye won't see. By including details invisible to the naked eye, the artist continues the same level of care in the craftsmanship that they exercised with the larger elements. 

Modern-day artists argue that the human brain detects the differences created by the details even if the eyes can't distinguish them. The brain "knows" those details are there. The overall effect is to create a feeling of completeness that leaves the mind satisfied rather than a vague sense of disappointment. 

This image shows the dome of Courthouse 1 before the scaffolding went up.  If you look at the center with the illuminated glass you can't see all the details. But a look from the very top of the scaffolding reveals a surprisingly large amount of molding and color. 

For example, who knew there is a strip of light blue up there? Or that there are patterns of squares along the edge of the skylight? Or that the shapes feature slightly different shades of yellows and golds? Or that there are brackets and other architectural features up there? 

There are more surprises to share with you soon. 

Bill Wilson