Preservation Dilemma
Sometimes the choices made in historic preservation efforts aren't always clear-cut. Increasingly, there is debate over what is worthy of preservation and what is not. Many years ago I photographed this vibrant 1960's-vintage metal facade which spanned...
Trying Too Hard
Sometimes people get it wrong in their eagerness to "get it right". This small addition to a late Victorian-era house is a good example. Whoever designed the addition (which is made of wood) clearly wanted to "respect" the original brick house by emulating window...
Wishful Thinking
Here is a house which is a nominal example of Drag Queen Architecture. Aside from the decorative flourishes atop two windows, the only alterations to the character of this house were made with color. As a Colonial Revival style house - likely built in the...
Scary Mansard Roofs
In keeping with today's Halloween theme, here are a few "mansard" roofs which should be enough to make even the most hardened Trick-or-Treater think twice before knocking: The following mansard-like roofs were grafted onto commercial...
Happy Halloween!
While every day can be architecturally frightening at the Architectural Observer, it seems fitting to commemorate our very first Halloween with some appropriate imagery:
Counterfeit Quoins
Architectural illiteracy is increasingly evident - sometimes to the point of the absurd. Take quoins for example. Quoins are the big corner blocks you see on old brick and stone buildings. Their purpose is structural, not decorative, though they typically are...
Vinyl Siding
Regarding exterior maintenance, many homeowners are convinced that "vinyl is final!" despite the fact that there is no such thing as a maintenance-free exterior. They all need upkeep. Regardless, vinyl siding remains a popular option for many. Personally, I only...
Shattered Dreams
Prior to deciding to tackle my nondescript 1960's Split-level, I was searching in earnest for the perfect small town to relocate to. You know; perfect. Perfect as in a small town with lots of intact historic architecture which was still affordable. The kind of town...
Porch Enclosure
Enclosed porches are rarely done well – especially when the porch is on the front of a house. This example has all the domestic warmth of a retail establishment. The brick columns which originally framed an open porch have lost their intended dominance; they have been...
What a Drag!
For whatever reason, lots of old houses and buildings have been "re-styled" to suit their owner's aesthetic preferences - often resulting in awkward appearances that are as cringe-worthy as drag queens competing on Amateur Night. One of the most common types of...
Historic Shutters and Blinds for the Old House – Right and Wrong
Shutters - and blinds (which are erroneously, but commonly, called shutters) - are very misunderstood. Long ago, they were practical and functional. Hanging from hinges on each side of a window or door, they could be closed to cover the opening for protection from...
Replacement Windows and Infill Uglify School Building
Public school buildings frequently fall victim to unfortunate alterations - often in the name of energy conservation or ease of maintenance. This one is no exception. This building has been significantly altered twice since its initial construction, probably sometime...