ARCHITECTURAL DETAILS ADD RICHNESS

Given that my husband and I are both architects, it’s not surprising that one of our favorite things to do on vacation is to see architecture.  Earlier this month we took a trip around Lake Erie that included Detroit, Toronto, Niagara Falls, Buffalo and Cleveland.  

Here are some of the architectural details that I captured on camera during our trip.  Details are to architecture like jewelry is to an outfit:  they add richness and interest.

CRANBROOK HOUSE
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan

A place to sit in the garden - defined by columns, flowers, bushes and a brick pattern embedded in the walkway. Notice the relaxing symmetry.

The ornate stonework acts like a frame around the beautifully carved entry door.

A friendly shade of blue and a round window add a bit of whimsy to the greenhouse door.

A thoughfully-composed assemblage of patterns, shapes and textures - notice the contrasting band running above the arches

CRANBROOK ART MUSEUM
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan

A simple metal bench cantilevers over the sidewalk.

Notice how the stair treads transition from being rounded to being straight at the end. Notice the contrast between the smooth steps and the rough wall.

Metal trim is used to frame the window and separate contrasting styles of brick.

THE DARWIN D. MARTIN HOUSE BY FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT
Buffalo, New York

The Roman bricks used in the Martin House are more costly than standard modular bricks. Notice how the horizontal joints are recessed, emphasizing the horizontal lines of the building.

Planters like this are a trademark of Frank Lloyd Wright's prairie style homes. They add a touch of nature to the building, as well as creating a focal point.

This contemporary railing outside the Martin House visitor center is made from common 2x4’s and metal posts.

The mausoleum which Frank Lloyd Wright designed for the Martins (located at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Buffalo) uses simple geometric shapes in a bold but ordered way.

CLEVELAND, OHIO

A park building in Cleveland - I like the way that the roof trusses were continued outside to support the overhang protecting the entry.