sandr018

Last week the Mid-Atlantic chapter of the ICAA toured a fantastic classical structure by Bertram Goodhue , the National Academy of Sciences . Like much of his work it defies categorization but lets call it 'Beaux Arts' or 'Classical architecture' for now.  Finished in 1924 it was recently renovated by local firm Quinn Evans who did an outstanding job restoring this masterpiece. The above image, from Quinn Evan's website, shows the Academy from the national mall.  Goodhue was a sort of modernist of his time and while the structures on the mall have to be classical he called this 'Alexandrian' in style, after ancient Egypt, to pass approval. Notice the battered (sloped) walls and a lot of Egyptian details.  The white marble facade features discrete stone pilasters at the windows and bronze plaques between the windows showing famous figures from the history of science. The ornamental bronze cornice features owls and lynx, the symbols of wisdom and observation...

In the wealth of saved emails from penpal Neil, Powis Castle stands out as a remarkable building site. The medieval castle dates from the 13th century but has been improved and built upon until the present time. The gardens however are the real thing to see here. Taking advantage of the hilltop site, the baroque gardens original to the 17th century, terrace down the hillside creating dramatic views of the castle in Italian style.  They were extensively restored by Violet Herbert , Countess of Powis, beginning in 1911 and becoming her life's work until her death by car crash in 1929. Although a castle is essentially a fortress, a military stronghold, the multiple rebuilding of the structure and addition of expansive windows have created a palace over time. I'm sure the original occupants wouldn't recognize their early home 800 years later. Perhaps the courtyard entrance below which remains the most unchanged would appear familiar. One can see why such an old fortress would ...