Nameless Detail

I shot this on Irving Street a month or two ago. I haven't been able to find a name for the stacked trim. They kind of look like ribbons. I couldn't recall seeing it anywhere else.


Yesterday I saw this building. It's a different application, but similar effect. Except this looks like fondant ribbons on a fancy cake to me.

The Polo Field

A bit of a departure today. I just love these stands at the Polo Field in Golden Gate Park.


They have seen better days:


But when the light hits them just right, they are pleasing to my eye.



















The view of the field? Not so great.


I haven't been to many actual events at the Polo Field, just the Bay to Breakers festival, although I have ridden my bike and jogged there many a time. I'm wondering at what point these stands were left to deteriorate.

Book Review: Illustrated Dictionary of Architecture

Occasionally, while reading through trade magazines or doing research for our business, I come across an architectural term I am unfamiliar with. Also, I was at a loss of what to call some of the things I posted on this site. Yes, I could look it up on the internet, but it's great having it all in one place, so I went to The Builder's Booksource in Berkeley to find a resource.

There are dictionaries that are more construction-related, but I decided on the Illustrated Dictionary of Architecture, partly because of the sheer number of references. As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words, and this book is full of photos, 3,000 according to the publisher. Take a look inside. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of terms, and had many "ah ha" moments learning that so many things I took for granted had their own names.

Not only are terms such as "masonry", "riprap", and "crownstone" described, but also different styles such as Art Deco and Pueblo. The work of hundreds of architects is described as well. It was fun spotting several San Francisco buildings used as examples.

This book is definitely a good reference tool.

Ding-Dong

This fancy doorbell caught my eye on Irving Street. I'm not sure what is behind the matching door on the opposite wall of the entry. A mailbox?

Favorite of the Moment

This house caught my eye because it is so geometric and Art Deco compared to so many of the meditarranean influenced Sunset homes.

Francis Scott Key Elementary

I just love this school. The details, the shape, the color. It was built in 1936.
I have no training in architecture, I'm just posting things I like (or not).

My first reaction was that the school is Art Deco.

The front:

Close-up of the pegasus:





But as I read about architectural periods, the curved corners seem to be Art Moderne.



The openwork elements appear all around the building.



I like the contrast of these tall straight elements...


with the rounded ones:


There are quite a few old photos in the Library's collection.