|
|
|
We just got back from Washington, DC. Predictably, the famous sights wowed us, but it was a lesser-known architectural gem that really caught my eye; Washington Metro.
Upon descending an impossibly long escalator, the first thing that strikes you (thankfully not literally) is the huge mass of concrete used in the design. The scale is impressive.
Construction of this underground network began in ’69, with the first line completed in ’76. The architect behind this bold, Brutalist design was Chicago modernist, Harry Weese.
Though mostly built in the 70s, to me the Metro has a 60s sci-fi, futuristic feel. It also feels like it could be a Bond villain’s secret hideout. Whatever the design intent, I like it. A lot.
I also like the simplicity of the logo. And I’m amazed that the deliciously retro, tan leather seats were so comfortable…but perhaps that’s perspective, as I’m used to Boston’s T.
I can’t speak for the entire system, as we mainly traveled the Red and Blue lines, but the numerous stations we saw all featured the same symmetrical, intricate, concrete design.
They also share the same mesmerizing hexagonal flooring, flanked by studded tiles, then concrete, inset with red lights; these illuminate passing trains with a warm upward glow.
Seems I’m not the only Washington Metro fan; it made number 106 (of 150) on the 2007 American Institute of Architects (AIA) list of America’s Favorite Architecture 
We recently ticked a long standing ‘to do’ off our list; taking the fast ferry from Boston to Provincetown, Cape Cod; squeezing it in before the distinctly fall-like weather arrived.
Provincetown is famed for its gay population, and enjoys all the benefits that tend to follow almost automatically; great food, art, eclectic shopping and an ultra-friendly, relaxed vibe.
What struck me most was the vast number of dogs on show. The place is canine-friendly to the extreme; including allowing them on the almost endless, relatively quiet beaches.
But we weren’t there to laze around, relax and enjoy the beaches. Oh wait, actually we were. It was the weekend, after all. And we did our fair share of lazing, it must be said.
We did plenty of walking around too, and before going very far, discovered this stunning building, which is home to the Provincetown Art Association and Museum (PAAM).
This is my main reason for posting and explains using the ‘design’ heading. This modern addition really stands out, not least in contrast to it’s much longer-standing neighbor.
The PAAM has been a P-Town fixture since 1914, and has occupied the adjacent building since buying and refurbishing it in 1919. This contemporary wing was completed in 2005.
Visit the website of architects Machado & Silvetti to get full details of the project, which included renovation of the existing Hargood House and two breathtaking gallery spaces.
Back outside, what strikes you (or me at least) is the mix of materials. Rough-textured stone flanks the ground floor, aiding the contemporary aesthetic and adding a raw quality.
The entirety of the overhanging mid-section is a clearly defined horizontal block, wrapped in shingles; obviously, but cleverly, paying homage to the older neighboring structures.
The roof section provides yet more textural interest, with rigid horizontal wooden slats, punctuated by two enormous portrait windows, jutting out at either end of the structure.
A wall of glass on the ground floor too, which helps to illuminate the gallery space at the entrance. Some ‘interesting’ sculptures on the lawn too, if you’re into that sort of thing.
With fall here, and the inevitable onset of the Boston winter, it’s unlikely we’ll make many beach trips from here on in. Eventually though, I’m sure we’ll make it back to P-Town
Not sure I’m comfortable buying furniture from ebay, but I’m eternally envious of people’s rare and beautiful finds. So, I decided to find out what was on offer. And I’m glad I did.
I intended to round-up the best mid-century modern finds from – what I guessed would be – a pretty small haul. How wrong can you be? Masses to lust after. Including this beauty…
Looks a bit like a Carter Brothers Scoop Chair, made in 1950s North Carolina. Not sure though, as the description says Danish. Nice anyhow. Auction has ended with no sale.
These caught my eye too. Not that everything I like is green. Just happens to be a popular color for the period. These are simply described as “mid century Danish armchairs”.
Not sure who designed/made them, but they look gorgeous. Unfortunately, the price tag isn’t as appealing. You can buy the pair now for a shade under $2000. Not small change.
As there was so much, I decided to focus on chairs. This next one is a Milo Baughman-designed lounge chair, in mustard. Yet another distinctly Olli & Lime-flavored shade.
The original 1959 upholstery is described as “near perfect”, so the winning bid of $405 still looks like very good value. Hopefully this great-looking chair goes to a good home.
The identity of the next piece is unclear, even to the seller, who says it may be Kagan. As a relative novice, who am I to argue otherwise? Frankly, I don’t care. It’s stunning.
It has a few stains but I’m still very tempted to make room for this. I just need to convince Karen! The current bid – just shy of $250 – looks like a steal. I’m sure it’ll rise plenty.
There are so many more I could share but I do have work to do! I’m sure I’ll revisit this topic. I also have a feeling it won’t be too long before we snag our own ebay bargain
Further fuelling our fascination with everything mid-century modern, we just made a new book acquisition. Atomic Ranch is the perfect coffee table book…well, for ours anyway.
It’s jammed full of mid-century eye candy. But it’s not just the pictures that wow. The stories too are engaging; and give you an acute sense of each home’s unique history.
We got the magazine first, a week ago. Opening it gave me that oddly familiar feeling a child gets with a brand new comic. I feel an addiction (or is that subscription?) coming on.
It – and the book – are filled with inspirational ideas; you can see we’ve marked some pages already. I hope one day we can put these ideas into practice in our own home.
In all seriousness, we’re pretty much set on owning a house like this at some point. Until then, we’ll keep the books on the coffee table, and keep admiring from a distance
Time for an architectural indulgence now. To me, one building says ‘Boston’ like no other; the Prudential Tower. And it’s not just visually interesting, it’s ingrained in local culture.
This 1964 skyscraper is Boston’s second tallest, at 749 feet. The building’s exterior is wonderfully textural and tactile. I love the intricate pattern created by the window panels.
The windows have unexpected uses too. Clearly visible from Fenway Park, ‘the Pru’ is used as a beacon of support, when the Red Sox compete during baseball’s post-season.
The color of the top-section lights can be changed. We noticed several variations around Christmas-time and, appropriately, red, white and blue for the 4th of July celebrations.
I like the view from the Christian Science Plaza, where the 700-foot long reflecting pond has the desired effect of showcasing the surrounding buildings. Some sight, day or night.
It’s another one of those buildings that divides local opinion, but I’m firmly in the ‘love it’ camp. There are some ugly 60s buildings in Boston, but this certainly isn’t one of them
These two pieces of paper art were gifts, created by our close friend – and UK PR – Jay, who also happens to make damn fine cupcakes. Anyway, I think they’re pretty stunning.
This one’s called ‘pinwheels’ in homage to our forthcoming design (not long now) which also uses pinwheels to form the pattern. It’s launching September, in case you don’t know.
And Jay’s called this ‘one in a million’. The shadows give both these designs a wonderful depth and three-dimensional quality, really bringing these delicate little butterflies to life.
Not literally of course; thankfully they’re made of paper. They’re so tactile-looking though, I just want to touch them. But I can’t, as Jay expertly framed both pieces before arrival.
I know she’s sold similar pieces, so would probably create one of these designs to order. If you think one would suit your wall, let me know and I’ll see if I can ‘hook you up’
We’ll tire (no pun intended) of our bike infatuation soon enough, then the blog will be relatively wheel free. But, as we’re still firmly in the honeymoon period, I had to share.
These Knog Beetle lights are super-cute yet stylish, which is why I categorized them in ‘design’. They’re certainly in-brand for O&L and look right at home on our Linus bikes.
Not hugely powerful, but perfect for the semi-urban routes we’ll be traveling. And they’ll come in handy, as dark descends earlier here than we’re used to. Happy weekend all!
Spotted this UK property on WowHaus. The house is an impressive 60s contemporary within Cumbria’s desirable, stunningly beautiful, but not exactly ‘happening’ Lake District.
This 4-bed/2-bath is just under 2000 sq ft, plus garage/boiler room. The housing style is somewhat rarer in the UK (than the US), meaning you don’t often get chance to compare.
What strikes you first is the price tag. At £1.3 million (about $2.1 million) it would put a serious hole in all but the largest of pockets…and it’s not even anywhere near London!
Compare this home, in Oregon’s Lake Oswego. It’s much larger, at almost 3000 sq ft, plus garage. Oh, and it also boasts a lake view, hot tub, sports court and boat easement!
A little more on offer, shall we say, but broadly comparable. So you’d expect the price to be similar. Not so. It’s just under $440,000 (£270,000). Around 1/5th of the price!
As part of our ongoing fascination with all things mid-century modern, we recently paid a visit to Reside, specialists in designer furniture, lighting and other objects of the period.
We looked around this newly-opened location, in Boston’s South End. They also run a long-established store from Cambridge, and the website inventory is pretty impressive…
The pieces aren’t cheap, but they are all originals, so the chances are you’ll be getting something rare. Your best bet is to visit in person as stock moves fast. We’ll be back
I mentioned our surprise at discovering pockets of mid-century modern housing around Boston. Well, last weekend, we further indulged our curiosity, with a visit to Lexington.
Six Moon Hill was the first of several mid-century developments in Lexington; a town better known for its colonial housing, and its link to the American Revolutionary War.
This planned community was conceived by The Architects Colaborative, led by Walter Gropius, founder of the Bauhaus School and a ‘modern’ architect of huge significance.
Two-dozen or so houses were built around 1948, featuring characteristic cantilevered and flat roofs, wood siding and expanses of glass. More have sprung up since; the last in 2004.
I love the way these houses blend with the landscape. Everything is green and peaceful. You get an instant sense of calm just walking around. Living here must be very soothing.
On that note, some of the original residents still live here. And it’s easy to see why. Homes in this neighborhood occasionally come on the market, but price tags are predictably high.
The neighborhood has a strong community focus; sharing and maintaining recreation areas plus a swimming pool…though I didn’t feel it polite to photograph people bathing!
As mentioned, there are other similar developments in Lexington, and nearby towns. I feel a weekend hobby developing! Expect to see more examples over the coming months…
|
|
|
