Final answer:
Schinkel's Altes Museum displays a historicist approach by incorporating Classical Greek architectural elements, such as a colonnaded portico, to evoke historical grandeur and bridge the past with the present. The museum's design reflects a respect for historical forms and the cultural values associated with ancient societies, emphasizing symmetry and harmony in adherence to ancient Greek principles.
Step-by-step explanation:
To understand how Schinkel's Altes Museum shows a historicist approach, we must examine the architectural elements and design philosophy behind the museum. Historicism in architecture refers to the use of styles that are specific to a certain period in history, which Schinkel employed by incorporating Classical Greek elements into his design for the Altes Museum. This included the use of a colonnaded portico reminiscent of Classical temples, a clear reference to the historicity of ancient Greek architecture.
In the context of Schinkel's time, the Altes Museum's design was a conscious choice to evoke a sense of grandeur, culture, and learning associated with the ancient world. This historicist approach served as a bridge between the past and the present, showcasing how the museum's design was informed by a deeply rooted respect for historical forms and an intention to communicate cultural values through architecture. Furthermore, it allowed the Altes Museum to align itself with ideals of intellectual and aesthetic pursuits characteristic of ancient societies, thus fulfilling its role as a beacon of art and history.
The museum's architecture also emphasizes symmetry and harmony, both principles highly valued in ancient Greek design. The intentional revival of past architectural styles as seen in Schinkel's Altes Museum is not only a homage to the grandeur of historical empires but also an assertion of the continuing relevance of their cultural legacy to contemporary society. This historicist expression is a powerful statement of identity and continuity within the landscape of Berlin's cultural institutions.