Windows to the Soul

Windows to the Soul

Picking up where the last post left off…let this be a not quite seamless transition to further observations on how we employ nature to define and manipulate the architectural space, and thus our own sense of space, and soul.

Whether plants…foliage…hedge or vine, are used to create, or frame a window, or many windows, the result is by turns arresting, intriguing, mysterious and playful.  The endless  resourcefulness of humans, harnessing the abundance and generosity of nature, responds to  to our need for connection, intimacy, solitude and privacy, through the medium of design: shape, form, texture, and color- a function of light.

In the meantime, seeing through apertures  framed in a plethora of leaves…is…fun!  And, enlivening.  And fun.

Peekaboo to the Church on the other side of the hedge…

Ivy league feel…giving a sense of the venerable…

Almost done…

If the eyes are the windows to the soul, do windows offer a view to the soul of a building?  Or, are windows the eyes through which a building views its surroundings,  and sees our souls?

Either way it seems,  some aspect of  soul is involved.

Viva la Natura!

Gamble Amble: The “Deets”

 Gamble Amble: The “Deets”
The architectural brethren team of Greene and Greene, created (with the expertise of many) The Gamble  House, a  magnificent Arts and Crafts masterpiece in Pasadena, Ca,  It is also  a National Historic Landmark and museum.  The Greenes designed the house in 1908, for the Gamble family, of Proctor and Gamble fame.

Let’s amble by some of the Gamble’s captivating details.

Hang the verdigris lantern…hows this for a house number?

More lantern: repetition of forms creates integration and harmony.

One of my favorite “deets”…. coppery patina against weathered wood.

A window on, and of, wood…

Or, two. Resonant shapes, frames and symmetry.

These doors give context to the lantern, and are beautifully balanced compositions unto themselves.

And…these! Showing off the Greenes’ use of articulated joinery, and iridescent glass which changes color throughout the day.

Sheltering eaves, metal patina, lantern, exposed timbers, articulated joinery, shingles…a marvelous makers’ tableau.

Variegated Verdigris…the age of patina on a drain pipe, against the eaves.

On the Ground: pavers tile  to brick to wood.  They all work together, providing interest, harmony and texture, a melodious materials medley.

Up above: a celebration of wood and  exposed structural timbers in a range of hues that work together, and blend with the surrounding landscape.

Do you love the above? Watch this!  http://www.finewoodworking.com/PlansAndProjects/PlansAndProjectsArticle.aspx?id=27096 and, this!  http://www.youtube.com/user/WNEDTV#p/c/4/Un1derJy54U

What captivates YOU about The Gamble House, or other Arts and Crafts architecture You have seen?

If you so choose, please share about it with us here.  We love to hear from You.

Remember, we are all ambling and gambling our way through this thing called Life, together. Happy Trails!