The plan was worked out by a commission of architects. But the greatest
credit must be given to Edward H. Bennett, who first conceived the
walled-city idea, and who brought his long experience in city-planning
to serve in determining the best method of utilizing the magnificent
site.

The style of architecture cannot be summed up in any one name.
Practically every historic style has been drawn upon, but there are very
few direct copies from older buildings. The old forms have been used
with new freedom, and occasionally with very marked originality. As one
looks down on the whole group of buildings, the Oriental feeling
dominates, due to the many Byzantine domes. In the courts and facades
the Renaissance influence is strongest, usually Italian, occasionally
Spanish. Even where the classic Greek and Roman elements are used, there
is generally a feeling of Renaissance freedom in the decoration. One
court is in a wonderful new sort of Spanish Gothic, perfectly befitting
California. In the styles of architecture, as in the symbolism of
painting and sculpture and in the exhibits, one feels that the East and
West have met, with a new fusion of national ideals and forms.

The material used in the buildings is a composition, partaking of the
nature of both plaster and concrete, made in imitation of Travertine, a
much-prized building marble of Italy. This composition has the warm
ochre tone and porous texture of the original stone, thus avoiding the
unpleasant smoothness and glare which characterize stucco, the usual
Exposition material.

Sculpture

In one way more than any other, the sculpture here surpasses that of