City in North America for architecture buff
Mar 2nd, 2008 | 05:40 PM
#21
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,835
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Philadelphia, for sure. I love to wander the city and look up; there's such variety and detail in the architecture.
Frank Furness was a native and his works are still to be found here; there's everything from the federalist simplicity of Independence Hall to the baroque madness of City Hall. (Okay, I am referring to the architecture there, although occasionally it could also refer to other things.)
The various neighborhoods have distinct styles, as well, and there are many gardens and green spots: the PA Horticultural Society and the Morris Arboretum come to mind at once.
There is a book put out by the Philadelphia Foundation for Architecture that I recommend; it's got walking and driving tours as well as capsule descriptions of many of the city's most interesting buildings. (They do tours, as well, I believe, although it's been a while since I've been on one.)
The Fairmount Park houses and gardens, such as the Pine Breeze Villa (Japanese tea house) would be another area that should be of interest, as well as the Art Museum/Waterworks area.
Plus all the great University City buildings like the U of PA Museum!
Frank Furness was a native and his works are still to be found here; there's everything from the federalist simplicity of Independence Hall to the baroque madness of City Hall. (Okay, I am referring to the architecture there, although occasionally it could also refer to other things.)
The various neighborhoods have distinct styles, as well, and there are many gardens and green spots: the PA Horticultural Society and the Morris Arboretum come to mind at once.
There is a book put out by the Philadelphia Foundation for Architecture that I recommend; it's got walking and driving tours as well as capsule descriptions of many of the city's most interesting buildings. (They do tours, as well, I believe, although it's been a while since I've been on one.)
The Fairmount Park houses and gardens, such as the Pine Breeze Villa (Japanese tea house) would be another area that should be of interest, as well as the Art Museum/Waterworks area.
Plus all the great University City buildings like the U of PA Museum!
Mar 3rd, 2008 | 02:24 AM
#24
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,040
Likes: 0
Mar 3rd, 2008 | 02:51 AM
#25
Original Poster
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 551
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WOW!! Thanks for the wonderful suggestions.
I had thought about Philly. Both of us have been there on business, but haven't really seen the city. I remember reading tourist information on the wonderful neighborhoods.
LA is a possibility I had not considered and one I will certainly research, as I will Miami.
I really like the idea of Quebec and New York. How much driving between Quebec and Albany?
Seafox - can you give me more information on the Hudson Valley so I can do some research? Again, how much driving is required?
My friend doesn't want to spend a lot of time driving and changing hotels. She said she would like for us not to stay in more than 2 places.
I had thought about Philly. Both of us have been there on business, but haven't really seen the city. I remember reading tourist information on the wonderful neighborhoods.
LA is a possibility I had not considered and one I will certainly research, as I will Miami.
I really like the idea of Quebec and New York. How much driving between Quebec and Albany?
Seafox - can you give me more information on the Hudson Valley so I can do some research? Again, how much driving is required?
My friend doesn't want to spend a lot of time driving and changing hotels. She said she would like for us not to stay in more than 2 places.
Mar 3rd, 2008 | 07:03 AM
#30
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,661
Likes: 0
I too enjoy different architectural styles. Under the category "historic preservation districts, particularly beautiful homes, and if they have gardens, all the better", there's so much choice.
I think the east coast cities Philadelphia and Boston of those you've mentioned have some gorgeous homes and history spanning the 17th-20th centuries. Baltimore, founded in the 1700s, has a great early 13 colonies seaport feel. Fell's Point, Federal Hill and Mount Vernon are my favourites here.
If friend is willing to go to Canada, Boston and Montreal are 6 hours apart and really give a feel for two quite different waves of early European colonization. There is a bus between the two cities if rental car is an issue. Plenty of gorgeous architecture & gardens in both.
New Orleans is terrific too, with myriad architectural influences having been held by Catholic France and Spain, before the more austere Protestant style creeped in as Louisiana was ceded to the USA. For gardens, it's one of my favourites, especially in the ahem Garden District, with the semitropical influences that the climate allows.
Other North American cities I love for their architectures are San Francisco (unique style, so much creative flourish in homes), Key West (palm and bougainvillea-filled gardens... with roosters, ibis and pelican thrown in for fun, good stuff), Miami (20th century so modern, but art-deco and creative lines give it an edge), NYC.
North American but not US: Quebec City (double doors to enter homes that are 6 feet tall are a reminder of the difference in height between then and now), Halifax Nova Scotia (lovely gaily painted Edwardian wooden homes gives an almost Scandinavian feel), Kingston Ontario (limestone central, the former captial of United Canada has some grand architecture due to its historic importance), Mexico City (mind-blowing architecture from pre-Aztec, Aztec, Spanish colonial... will make you re-assess all you thought you knew about this continent).
Enjoy! These are some of my favourites, but there's tons of incredibly varied architecture on this continent. You really have l'embarras du choix (the embarrassment of choice) as we say here in Quebec.
DAN
I think the east coast cities Philadelphia and Boston of those you've mentioned have some gorgeous homes and history spanning the 17th-20th centuries. Baltimore, founded in the 1700s, has a great early 13 colonies seaport feel. Fell's Point, Federal Hill and Mount Vernon are my favourites here.
If friend is willing to go to Canada, Boston and Montreal are 6 hours apart and really give a feel for two quite different waves of early European colonization. There is a bus between the two cities if rental car is an issue. Plenty of gorgeous architecture & gardens in both.
New Orleans is terrific too, with myriad architectural influences having been held by Catholic France and Spain, before the more austere Protestant style creeped in as Louisiana was ceded to the USA. For gardens, it's one of my favourites, especially in the ahem Garden District, with the semitropical influences that the climate allows.
Other North American cities I love for their architectures are San Francisco (unique style, so much creative flourish in homes), Key West (palm and bougainvillea-filled gardens... with roosters, ibis and pelican thrown in for fun, good stuff), Miami (20th century so modern, but art-deco and creative lines give it an edge), NYC.
North American but not US: Quebec City (double doors to enter homes that are 6 feet tall are a reminder of the difference in height between then and now), Halifax Nova Scotia (lovely gaily painted Edwardian wooden homes gives an almost Scandinavian feel), Kingston Ontario (limestone central, the former captial of United Canada has some grand architecture due to its historic importance), Mexico City (mind-blowing architecture from pre-Aztec, Aztec, Spanish colonial... will make you re-assess all you thought you knew about this continent).
Enjoy! These are some of my favourites, but there's tons of incredibly varied architecture on this continent. You really have l'embarras du choix (the embarrassment of choice) as we say here in Quebec.
DAN
Mar 3rd, 2008 | 10:10 AM
#33
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 26,710
Likes: 0
For New York, take a look at the AIA Guide. There is a new architectural movement in NY, that is more European and derivative of Gaudi. Numerous commercial and residential buildings are asymetrical, with colored glass skin, that is often opaque.
Personally, the residential architecture is more interesting than the commerical, particularly in the West Village.
There are those who beleive that two most beutiful structures in NYC are not buildings but the Brooklyn Bridge and Central Park.
Personally, the residential architecture is more interesting than the commerical, particularly in the West Village.
There are those who beleive that two most beutiful structures in NYC are not buildings but the Brooklyn Bridge and Central Park.
Mar 3rd, 2008 | 10:18 AM
#34
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Seattle would be great with the Gehry designed EMP
http://www.greatbuildings.com/buildi...c_Project.html
and the Seattle Public Library
http://www.gosleepgo.com/guide/us/wa...public-library
Plus the entire Pioneer Square district, and I'm sure the sculpture park would fit right in line too. Plus Seattle is great anyway....
http://www.greatbuildings.com/buildi...c_Project.html
and the Seattle Public Library
http://www.gosleepgo.com/guide/us/wa...public-library
Plus the entire Pioneer Square district, and I'm sure the sculpture park would fit right in line too. Plus Seattle is great anyway....
Mar 3rd, 2008 | 02:26 PM
#35
Original Poster
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 551
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Just got home from work and are awed by the various ideas all of you have given me.
I am meeting my friend for lunch later this week and will print this posting for her to read.
Why are we traveling only in North America? My friend has one in college and one getting ready to go, so she's not willing to spend on a European vacation (which I suggested), especially with the exchange rate.
I hope we can narrow down our choices to 4-5 places. I will then gather information for us to review and hopefully decide this summer. Her job is less flexible than mine and she has to plan ahead. Not sure when we are going. I usually try to travel in April/May and Sept/Oct. I guess it depends if there is a special event in the city(s) we choose.
Again, I very much appreciate all of you who have responded and if anyone has other ideas, please let me know.
I am meeting my friend for lunch later this week and will print this posting for her to read.
Why are we traveling only in North America? My friend has one in college and one getting ready to go, so she's not willing to spend on a European vacation (which I suggested), especially with the exchange rate.
I hope we can narrow down our choices to 4-5 places. I will then gather information for us to review and hopefully decide this summer. Her job is less flexible than mine and she has to plan ahead. Not sure when we are going. I usually try to travel in April/May and Sept/Oct. I guess it depends if there is a special event in the city(s) we choose.
Again, I very much appreciate all of you who have responded and if anyone has other ideas, please let me know.
Mar 3rd, 2008 | 05:21 PM
#36
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,835
Likes: 0
Just to add a little visual persuasion to my suggestion for Philadelphia....
URL=http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/334838255hjfcWf
And that's just a wee bit of the city! (I do love my city and love to share it; if you can't make it this time, do keep us in mind for the next!
)
URL=http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/334838255hjfcWf
And that's just a wee bit of the city! (I do love my city and love to share it; if you can't make it this time, do keep us in mind for the next!
)
Mar 3rd, 2008 | 08:47 PM
#38
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 148
Likes: 0
Washington DC has a building/architecture museum, I guess. Plus all those important buildings. A lot of embassies are in old mansions, too, plus some other big old houses. I haven't been there to see any of it, but planning a trip for this fall. Just an idea.
fmpden: You're right, it's Columbus. I live about an hour away, but only been through it a couple of times. I don't really remember much of the architecture, but then, I wasn't looking for it.
fmpden: You're right, it's Columbus. I live about an hour away, but only been through it a couple of times. I don't really remember much of the architecture, but then, I wasn't looking for it.
Mar 3rd, 2008 | 11:19 PM
#39
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 26,710
Likes: 0
Here is a CNN article thta ran today.
NEW YORK (AP) -- Everybody knows what the Empire State Building looks like. That's why Rick Bell, the head of the Center for Architecture, didn't put the famous skyscraper on his list of 10 great buildings to see in New York.
The Apple store in SoHo is noted for its glass bridge and staircase.
But the list from the Center for Architecture, which is the American Institute for Architects chapter in New York, does include the Condé Nast Building in Times Square, which is considered the first green skyscraper; the Apple store in SoHo, noted for its glass bridge and staircase; and the Seagram Building, the only design in New York by famed architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.
If you're an architecture buff, here are some details on why these and seven other buildings should be on your must-see list. All but one are located in Manhattan. While you're in town, you may also want to visit the Center for Architecture at 536 LaGuardia Place.
Condé Nast Building: 4 Times Square, Manhattan, by Fox & Fowle Architects, 1996-1999. This 866-foot tall skyscraper in the heart of Times Square is what Bell calls "environmentally correct," with state-of-the-art air quality and energy conservation systems. See all 10 buildings »
Brooklyn Museum: Entry pavilion and plaza, 200 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, by James Stewart Polshek, 2004. The glass and steel circular structure modernized the museum's imposing 19th century Beaux Arts facade while making it inviting and accessible, a suitable centerpiece for Brooklyn's burgeoning hipster art scene.
Prada New York: 575 Broadway, near Prince Street, Manhattan, by Rem Koolhaas, 2001. A wave of zebrawood is the centerpiece of Prada's flagship store, in Soho. "It displays the merchandise, it doesn't sell it," said Bell.
Don't Miss
Chicago: Tracing modern architecture
In Depth: Winter Getaways
Rose Center for Earth and Space: At the American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street, Manhattan, by James Stewart Polshek, 2000. This illuminated 87-foot diameter sphere, which appears to be floating in a huge glass cube, houses the Hayden Planetarium and Space Theater.
Apple Store, SoHo: 103 Prince St., Manhattan, by Ronnette Riley and Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, 2002, with Apple's creative team, including CEO Steve Jobs and others. If you're looking for the Apple Store on Prince Street, you'll be forgiven for doing a doubletake or maybe even walking right past it. The exterior is a 1920s stone and brick post office, with the original "STATION A" signage above the entrance. The inside is distinguished by clean, white space and an inviting glass staircase to a glass bridge upstairs.
Grand Central Terminal: 42nd Street and Park Avenue, Manhattan, by Reed & Stern and Warren & Wetmore, 1903-1913, restored by Beyer, Blinder & Belle, 1998. The famed train station's Beaux Arts Classical design is known for its arches, clock, constellation ceiling and cathedral windows. The building's beauty was restored in a project completed in 1998, and the corridors were enlivened with exhibition space and interesting places to eat and shop. Free tours ($10 suggested donation) sponsored by the Municipal Arts Society, Wednesdays, 12:30 p.m.; meet at the information booth on the main concourse.
Morgan Library expansion: 33 E. 36th St., at Fifth Avenue, Manhattan, Renzo Piano, 2006. Piano's expansion of the Morgan Library, a 1906 Beaux Arts building designed by McKim, Mead & White, is considered one of his masterpieces, with glass walls linking the old and new.
Chrysler Building: 405 Lexington Ave., at 42nd Street, Manhattan, by William Van Alen, 1930. This building is not as well-known as the Empire State Building, but Bell thinks it should be (even though it doesn't have a public observation deck). It's a phenomenal example of Art Deco architecture that is both elegant and fun, from the distinctive tiered crown, easily picked out from the city skyline, to the enormous gargoyles shaped like radiator caps.
Hearst Tower: 951-969 Eighth Ave., near 56th Street, Manhattan, by Sir Norman Foster, 2004. This 42-story tower was built atop the original six-story home of the Hearst media empire. The diagonal gridwork and see-through glass panels, with no vertical supporting columns, make this sleek design unique in the world.
Seagram Building: 375 Park Ave., near 53rd Street, by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Philip Johnson (design architects) and Kahn & Jacobs (associate architects), 1958. "It was this building that transformed our skyline," said Bell. The building is a perfect glass box, elegantly proportioned and set back 90 feet from the street.
NEW YORK (AP) -- Everybody knows what the Empire State Building looks like. That's why Rick Bell, the head of the Center for Architecture, didn't put the famous skyscraper on his list of 10 great buildings to see in New York.
The Apple store in SoHo is noted for its glass bridge and staircase.
But the list from the Center for Architecture, which is the American Institute for Architects chapter in New York, does include the Condé Nast Building in Times Square, which is considered the first green skyscraper; the Apple store in SoHo, noted for its glass bridge and staircase; and the Seagram Building, the only design in New York by famed architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.
If you're an architecture buff, here are some details on why these and seven other buildings should be on your must-see list. All but one are located in Manhattan. While you're in town, you may also want to visit the Center for Architecture at 536 LaGuardia Place.
Condé Nast Building: 4 Times Square, Manhattan, by Fox & Fowle Architects, 1996-1999. This 866-foot tall skyscraper in the heart of Times Square is what Bell calls "environmentally correct," with state-of-the-art air quality and energy conservation systems. See all 10 buildings »
Brooklyn Museum: Entry pavilion and plaza, 200 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, by James Stewart Polshek, 2004. The glass and steel circular structure modernized the museum's imposing 19th century Beaux Arts facade while making it inviting and accessible, a suitable centerpiece for Brooklyn's burgeoning hipster art scene.
Prada New York: 575 Broadway, near Prince Street, Manhattan, by Rem Koolhaas, 2001. A wave of zebrawood is the centerpiece of Prada's flagship store, in Soho. "It displays the merchandise, it doesn't sell it," said Bell.
Don't Miss
Chicago: Tracing modern architecture
In Depth: Winter Getaways
Rose Center for Earth and Space: At the American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street, Manhattan, by James Stewart Polshek, 2000. This illuminated 87-foot diameter sphere, which appears to be floating in a huge glass cube, houses the Hayden Planetarium and Space Theater.
Apple Store, SoHo: 103 Prince St., Manhattan, by Ronnette Riley and Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, 2002, with Apple's creative team, including CEO Steve Jobs and others. If you're looking for the Apple Store on Prince Street, you'll be forgiven for doing a doubletake or maybe even walking right past it. The exterior is a 1920s stone and brick post office, with the original "STATION A" signage above the entrance. The inside is distinguished by clean, white space and an inviting glass staircase to a glass bridge upstairs.
Grand Central Terminal: 42nd Street and Park Avenue, Manhattan, by Reed & Stern and Warren & Wetmore, 1903-1913, restored by Beyer, Blinder & Belle, 1998. The famed train station's Beaux Arts Classical design is known for its arches, clock, constellation ceiling and cathedral windows. The building's beauty was restored in a project completed in 1998, and the corridors were enlivened with exhibition space and interesting places to eat and shop. Free tours ($10 suggested donation) sponsored by the Municipal Arts Society, Wednesdays, 12:30 p.m.; meet at the information booth on the main concourse.
Morgan Library expansion: 33 E. 36th St., at Fifth Avenue, Manhattan, Renzo Piano, 2006. Piano's expansion of the Morgan Library, a 1906 Beaux Arts building designed by McKim, Mead & White, is considered one of his masterpieces, with glass walls linking the old and new.
Chrysler Building: 405 Lexington Ave., at 42nd Street, Manhattan, by William Van Alen, 1930. This building is not as well-known as the Empire State Building, but Bell thinks it should be (even though it doesn't have a public observation deck). It's a phenomenal example of Art Deco architecture that is both elegant and fun, from the distinctive tiered crown, easily picked out from the city skyline, to the enormous gargoyles shaped like radiator caps.
Hearst Tower: 951-969 Eighth Ave., near 56th Street, Manhattan, by Sir Norman Foster, 2004. This 42-story tower was built atop the original six-story home of the Hearst media empire. The diagonal gridwork and see-through glass panels, with no vertical supporting columns, make this sleek design unique in the world.
Seagram Building: 375 Park Ave., near 53rd Street, by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Philip Johnson (design architects) and Kahn & Jacobs (associate architects), 1958. "It was this building that transformed our skyline," said Bell. The building is a perfect glass box, elegantly proportioned and set back 90 feet from the street.
Mar 3rd, 2008 | 11:52 PM
#40
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 21,773
Likes: 0
Colonial Williamsburg, VA
In Pittsburgh, adding to the earlier posts: Cathedral of Learning, Carnegie Library/Museum.
In addition to Fallingwater, which was mentioned before as being not far from Pittsburgh, you can also visit Kentuck Knob. It is another FLW creation only 7 miles from Fallingwater.
Near to those is Ft Necessity (a reconstruction), worth a short stop. Minimal, primitive architecture (a circular log fence really), but how many French & Indian War sites have you seen?
In D.C. - the embassies, yes. Also the Capitol and other tourist sights. Kennedy Center. Also, Georgetown. Old Town Alexandria, VA. Leesburg, VA.
In Pittsburgh, adding to the earlier posts: Cathedral of Learning, Carnegie Library/Museum.
In addition to Fallingwater, which was mentioned before as being not far from Pittsburgh, you can also visit Kentuck Knob. It is another FLW creation only 7 miles from Fallingwater.
Near to those is Ft Necessity (a reconstruction), worth a short stop. Minimal, primitive architecture (a circular log fence really), but how many French & Indian War sites have you seen?
In D.C. - the embassies, yes. Also the Capitol and other tourist sights. Kennedy Center. Also, Georgetown. Old Town Alexandria, VA. Leesburg, VA.
