The Tallest Kind on the Block

In a skyline, sometimes big things come in big packages.

When examining the skyline of Houston, Texas there are multiple different clusters from which one can distinctively define location. From the Williams Tower of the Galleria area, to the Hermann Tower of the Medical Center, The Chase Tower in the middle of the skyline district in downtown Houston creates a dark luminous figure that seems to protect the rest of the city center from opposing skyline cluster competition.

The Chase Tower stands one-thousand and one feet tall, houses seventy-five office space floors, and is marked for the late seventies-early eighties contemporary style. This style is simple and shapely. Instead of the tower being a simple square plan and a rectangular prism shape, there is a major tapered side, which creates dimension due to the buildings simplicity. One must also note the other smaller tapered corners (think of cutting the crust off of bread), which is reminiscent to the late World Trade Center Towers in New York, New York.

With simple box glass windows, and a grey stone facade, I.M. Pei implemented a salient break in the cities skyline, that for the past twenty years has marked the city of Houstons' identity.

Casablanca

In the Museum District of Houston, Texas, on exhibit behind wrought iron gates, lies an architectural gem.

The house seems to have been flown in from Cannes, and embodies the luxurious relaxed spirit of the French Riviera. The stark white facade and a light stained concrete acts as a contrast to the green lawn and oak canopies of the property.

Emphasizing symmetry and simplicity as a dogma: Note the french shuttered doors on the front-entrance, a true to Riviera style touch. The Grecian frieze, above the home, creates a strong presence that would have been compromised by a regular pitched roof. Contemporary lines, and a two on three window presence gives a strong and elevating view, which separates the living quarters below, from the resting spaces above.

This abode takes the mind on an inquisitive journey. Making one wonder...as if to be in a museum trying to understand the thought process of an artist while creating a piece of art, in this case the artist would be an architect.

-Simplicity, Style, and Symmetry,...Casablanca.

A Stair to Ascend and to Retreat

In architecture, the semi-circular and circular stair has become peripatetic and has lost the appeal to grandeur  that it once proclaimed; not anymore!

Many people do not recognize stairs as a way to ascend to another level in architecture, they only see it as a way to move to one physical level to the next. The stair has come from a simple ladder of epoch proportions, to the modern sculpture pieces such as the stairs that climb the side of the Pompidou in Paris.

The Stair that is depicted is far removed from the hustle and avant-garde climate that is Paris, France, but in the city of Houston, architects are reviving the antiquity of Antebellum that gives the South its claim to a unique charm. The home is set deep within the forests of The Woodlands. One finds themselves on a sojourn that is reminiscent of the deep forests of east Texas Piney woods. The home sits in an affluent community that whispers a reminder that one is in the presence of wealth; the simple and elegantly utilitarian design reams perfect for a family.

The entry to the home is flanked by a elegant and large dining room to the left, and a french door guarded study to the right. The participant is drawn to the next realm of this home by this stair. The circular nature of the escalade pays homage to the French tradition of ascension being a reward for the homeowner, that which leaves anyone whom does not receive the pleasure of climbing the stair left out of the privilege of privilege; things left to the minds curiosity. The railing of this stairway is magnificently done. Thin double situated iron balusters are of a master iron workers hands. These scepter-style supports are of the next level of detail. They seamlessly fit into the stairs theme: luxury. The overall color scheme is muted, although a rich wood railing, runs, and white rises and baseboards reemphasize the execution of taking this home to the next level of architecture.

The Water wall

In industrious lands of Southeast Texas, one is hard pressed to find natural wonders on display, but ingenuity replicates natures most powerful force here at this special place.
The coastline that cradles the city of Houston yields many overlooked fruits of nature. The aims of progress have gifted unto us a parallel that is not as natural as a peaceful coastal marsh, but rather an engineered center for zen. Although this is not a an organic wonder, it creates that same sense of calm.
With a simple title, architect Philip Johnson a world renowned purveyor of the International style, bestows upon the Uptown district of Houston a unique landmark. Accompanied by  the Williams Tower, Houston's tallest building and also by Johnson and partners, stands as a landmark, or watch-tower, for were the waterfall commands it's position. Both the tower and the water wall occupy a park space that has come to be a must for residents and visitors alike. Families take strolls and pictures, dogs fetch, and people relax, here in this agora of modern times. This place is a real crowd drawer and pleaser, as moments here appear to make time slow down. It calls attention to the need for connection with creation, and Johnson honed and executed this idea in the structures design.
This sixty-four feet tall, awe inspiring, semi-circular shape creates a defense wall on the outside, and a juxtaposition of an open forum on the inside. The outer shell is lined by equally spaced, vertical smooth cement columns and is adverse to the undertone of  a pebble surface cascade, for water to flow languidly. The introverted space in the center of the structure is all about the calm. With a faintly lighted stepped base, the exterior facade and construction is mirrored in the concave. The many pooling and falling water currents, make a mist that faintly coats every surface, so there is a glossy sheen to the granite base and even the admirers that lie within.
Standing in this immense structure creates a sense of absolute serenity.  Urban meditation at it's apex.

A Doorway of Champions

Under the oak canopies, over the streets of Houston, there is a jewel.

On my way to a run the other night, I was astounded by an architectural wonder. The lighting, the collaboration of styles, and the poise was amazing. To an architecture buff and student I thought it a mirage; an oasis in the desert of urban tract development.

The doorway is showcased as the "Piece De Resistance", which is highlighted by two flood lights. With only basic lighting, the doorway juxtaposes the rest of the house, which acts as a rose colored brick backdrop from which this gem shines (The base of the doorway is the same color as the house).

Classic Ionic columns set inside of a Federal frame with Doric style columns says Ancient Greece. The six panel traditional door, is set under a classic transom that in this picture lies in the shadows along with two sidelights set aside the beautiful muted hue jade green door. The transom mimics the shape of the semicircular arch in the pre-vestibule framework, that emphasizes the symmetry of this entrance, a staple of Greek ingenuity.

Let us call it a Greek Revival. Plato, Socrates, Zeus, and Athena would all be made proud by this stunning reproduction. It was clearly thought out, executed perfectly, and makes a seamless fit within the surrounding neighborhood. Not only is it architecturally philosophical, but it is also a good neighbor, and we can call that southern hospitality. This makes one wonder, where are the architects that designed this, and why do they not enlighten Houston with this magnificent ideal that they have for classical architecture.