A quick reminder....

Saw this sign on the metro and couldn't resist taking a picture. A very useful reminder!
Old Buildings are as energy efficient as new ones. With Siemens answers for building modernization.

Franziskanerkirche

My Australian penpal, whom I've mentioned before, has been at it again; traveling the world! He sent me this set of photos which completely took my breath away, the Franziskanerkirche (or Franciscan Church) in Lucerne, Switzerland.

The church is the oldest in Lucerne with portions dating back to the 13th century with major renovations occuring nearly every century. Because of this, the building is a veritable museum of styles, ranging from early gothic to baroque.

The vaulted ceilings in the side chapel especially caught my fancy, seen in the top 2 photos. The polychrome plaster cherubs adorning the ceiling are unlike anything I've seen before.

The main chapel includes a 15th century pulpit and 17th century wall murals. The painted flags on the upper walls were painted when the building served as the city hall and depict locations where Swiss soldiers won battles. Who needs history books when one can just go to church!

Over the moon

I attended a concert at the Austrian Embassy last weekend and on the walk to the metro, I noticed that the roof of the new Chinese Embassy perfectly framed the moon! The embassy was recently designed by famed architect I.M.Pei and has been widely panned. What do you think of this odd building; Bizarre, right? Rendering of the whole complex below.

Thanks Fox News!

Many thanks to the Fox News design blog At Home for naming ArchitectDesign one of the top 10 design blogs of 2010! It is humbling to be included with some truly inspirational blogs, including my friend Habitually Chic. Check out the full list here!

Fall Light

Fall is here, my favorite season! One of the reasons I love it is the gorgeous light, especially the sunsets. I took this picture last weekend at the Old Yellow Mansion, remember it, on Meridian Hill Park? Hope you all have a great weekend!

Peter Pennoyer

One of the great current traditional architects is Peter Pennoyer. Everyone might not be familiar with his name, but after his new book is released this month (a monograth of his work) his name will be on everyone's lips I predict! He already has the attention of the current dean of traditional architecture (in my book), the great Robert A. M. Stern who writes the forward to the book, his former teacher and mentor.

Everyone who reads any design magazine today will be familiar with Pennoyer's work, working with many of the biggest interior design stars today. This new book goes through many of his most fascinating projects in depth, including GORGEOUSLY rendered floorplans and sections for each project (my favorite thing ever!!). No amount of photography could help one understand a building better.

One of my favorite projects shown in the section on townhouses is this project on Lenox Hill completed in 2005. The French neoclassical facade was originally designed by Henry Pelton in 1917 (on an existing 1872 townhouse) but had fallen into disrepair; So bad in fact that only the facade remained and the entire house had to be completely rebuilt.

Pennoyer is a master preservationist and restored or rather recreated the exterior while the interior was designed to be sympathetic to the houses history while becoming liveable for a family in todays world. The stunning interiors were done by Victoria Hagan. You would never guess many of the details weren't originally to the 1917 renovation!An intellectual as well as an architect, Pennoyer is able to work in many different styles and formats given his broad range of study. Showing this versatility, this 'camp' cabin from the section on country houses is designed in an Adirondack style.Playing with traditional styles for this area of New York from architects such as Robert Robertson as well as utilizing traditional Norwegian and Russian styles, the house was designed to look like an assemblage of pavilions attached through a series of covered walkways.The amazing drawings continue; I especially appreciated this section showing the house's relationship with the neighboring lake. The details in the house are stunning, such as this stair below which is of reclaimed lumber using traditional building techniques. You must get your hands on a copy of this book to fully appreciate Pennoyer's work -this is only the tip of the iceberg! Christmas list anyone?

Many thanks to Vendome for sending me a copy of this book to preview.

Do you like shoes?

While in Georgetown yesterday, I came across these 2 rather unusual cars stuck in traffic; SHOES!! I guess you call that foot traffic? I hope you are having a great weekend!

Beautiful signs

Across from my favorite bookstore in Chicago (Unabridged Books which carries an amazing collection of design and architecture books and biographies), I noticed these beautiful signs on a school.

Carved in 1892, I think they really make a statement; I'd go to school here! Have a great weekend!

I'm currently reading 'Mad World: Evelyn Waugh and the secrets of Brideshead' which I picked up at unabridged for only $6! Visit them while in Chicago!

Chicago Botanic Garden

Another spot in Chicago which I visited was the Chicago Botanic Garden, an amazingly HUGE and gorgeous set of different gardens a little outside of the city. My favorite part of the garden was the walled English garden. I've always wanted a little secret garden and the entrance to this one was just about perfect! Love that perfect shade of blue on the gate.

The garden was dedicated by Princess Margaret. I wonder what she thought about Chicago when she visited; I would love to hear as I'm sure it's entertaining!

This unusual folly was created in 1992 by Simon Verity as one of the focal points of the English garden. The different elements of the sculpture are meant to represent earth, air, fire and water. I'm not sure about all of that but I love the classical beauty of it!

I loved this central urn on a pedastal. Why do elements like this make a garden so much more appealing to me? Ahhh yes - they add architectural interest!!

The garden was so varied that the urn looked completely different from each angle.

I visited on what turned out to be the most perfect Fall afternoon and experienced the most beautiful light. I think the photo above reflects that.

I can't remember what this plant was, but it looked a bit like an olive tree, really beautiful! All of the plants are of course labeled but I was so happy snapping pictures (all with my phone) that I sadly don't remember what anything is!

The other side of the walled garden overlooks a lake with 2 pavilions at either end.One pavilion is open as a seating area. This would be a great place for a picnic!The other is closed, I assume for garden tool storage. Again, there was that perfect blue.

Outside of the walled garden was this allee of trees with gravel path. I always feel that gravel paths are the most gardeny, forget asphalt or even bricks!

All of the plants were really stunning and you could tell it was thoughtfully planned so something was in bloom every season of the year.

In the center of one lake was 'Evening Island' with a carillon bell. Loved hearing this when it went off!

The Japanese garden was also on a seperate island, but it was much prettier from across the lake.

Behind the walled garden was a beautiful waterfall garden that fed into the lake seen above.

Can my own secret garden have a waterfall too, please?

And what would any collection of gardens be without a rose garden.

I felt the roses were contrasted beautifully by the hardness of "Composition in stainless steel #1" by Gidon Graetz, 1985.

This garden proved that roses can be in bloom during nearly every season of the year.

I would highly recommend a visit to the Chicago Botanic gardens, especially on a beautiful day!

Jayson Home & Garden

I spent the past weekend in Chicago, one of my favorite cities, and enjoyed some beautiful fall weather. One of my stops was to Jayson Home & Garden, a legendary store that I've always wanted to visit.

The building was rather non descript from the outside I felt, but I loved the planter boxes which are apparently a Chicago law to help greenify the city. Is that a word, greenify?

The inside was surprisingly light and airy and set up in such a way as to make you feel the next great treasure was just around the corner. I loved this leather chair with the carpet covered seat and the drum sidetable. The mixture of new and vintage items kept the store feeling a bit like a flea market, but right on point with whats hot right now. I also loved this Chesterfield sofa with beautiful remnant pillow.

Of course, I'm mostly showing the vintage finds, as the other furniture is somewhat expected from a stylish store of the sort and can be seen on their website. I felt these paintings above were especially haunting.

And I bet someone will give this beautiful Victorian aesthetic gilt bamboo stool a good home, I just wish it had been me! I'm sure a lot of people would keep that original cushion as is, but I would cover it with a blue velvet I think.Probably my favorite item was this outdoor aluminum 'bamboo' table and chairs. I think it could just as easily be used indoors; the chairs are surprisingly lightweight and comfortable!

My favorite candles from Cire Trudon were also offered here. They were smart to cover them with glass cloches as the candles are so incredibly strong you don't even need to light them. I haven't lit the one on my coffee table in weeks but my apartment still smells wonderful (Proletaire is my favorite scent)!

Fittingly, this bust of Marie Antoinette watched over the candles.

One could spend hours browsing the store, all of the most interesting coffee table books were enticingly set next to every comfy sofa and coffee table! They really don't want you to leave!

Near the door, you can also buy fresh cut flowers. I normally am not a fan of brick walls in interiors, but it does make for a striking backdrop here.

The lower level (yes, there is more!) had many sale items, but was no less interesting than the main level. Whoever is in charge of their floor arragements is a very clever merchandiser!

If you ever find yourself in Chicago, I really recommend a visit to Jayson Home & Garden as it did not disappoint (This is not a paid advertisement, but if they wanted to send a candle my way I wouldn't turn it down! haha)

UPDATE: thanks for the candle!! Jayson is incredibly sweet!

Jayson is located at 1885 N. Clybourn Ave in Chicago.