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Main Street Architecture
Our AD EX tours continued today, this time of the major buildings on Main Street. This encompassed most of the entire history of Dallas, from the original founding by John Deely Bryan to today.
Unlike Europe, here it’s all recent history, dating back only to the 1850’s. From skyscrapers by American Pritzker winners Philip Johnson and I.M.Pei, to a hemicycle theater by Frank Lloyd Wright, and a 1970s-era observation tower named Reunion, Dallas architecture says it all. A tour of the city is a fun-filled crash course on designs by world-class architects.
Much of the history is in hotels and banks. There was huge competition to outdo the last building, resulting in one-upmanship in height, materials used and so on. In fact, at one time Dallas had the county’s largest building (Federal Reserve, 1914).
And part of the fascinating history is learning about how the buildings were used, or not used. There are several major buildings (including what is now the Statler Hotel) that were vacant for years and even decades before they were updated and repurposed.
It is almost impossible to photograph these building from the ground, the perspective makes images appear distorted. Nevertheless, I’ve enclosed some pictures to give you an idea of the buildings.
Side note: St. Patricks day is being celebrated in Dallas today, so you may see the occasional green in my pictures… especially of the AT&T Plaza!
Arts district architecture
We recently learned about the AD EX (Dallas Architecture and Design Exchange) organization. This group gives low cost tours of Dallas area neighborhood for interested people. We joined them for the walking tour of the Dallas Museum of Arts district.
The AD EX Dallas Arts District Architecture Walking Tour examines buildings and developments from the 1890’s to the present day. Led by a trained tour guide, we explored the architectural detail of the District (including the designs of four Pritzker Prize laureates) as well as the institutions, individuals, and visionaries who are a part of this neighborhood’s fascinating story.
We’ve lived in the DFW area for almost 40 years, and this is the first time we really learned about the rich history of the Arts District. We’re looking forward to more tours to come.
Barcelona architecture
The Sagrada Familia and the many works of Antonio Gaudi are the most prominent architectural features of Barcelona. No question that he inspired a new way of designing buildings. But he was not alone, we visited several other sites designed by other architects that were spectacular.
Palau de la Musica: Designed by Luis Montarer, this music hall took only 3 years to build (1905 – 1908). It uses mostly organic forms, emphasizing nature, color and light. The exterior and interior feature beautiful statues and friezes, and fantastic stained glass to highlight everything. Certainly worth a visit.
Hospital de la Santa Crue Saint Pau: A magnificent hospital site, built between 1902 and 1930. A huge complex, with significant buildings and almost a mile of underground tunnels for transport of both patients and supplies. It is now a World Heritage Site. It is truly a city within a city.
There is so much to see and take pictures of, here are a few. More can be found in our photo albums, click here and click on 2016 then cruises then Barcelona
A view of the Nativity scene
The ceiling reflects trees and nature
Some of the artwork and stained glass
But you better put up with crowds
Stained glass skylight in Musica
Behind the stage Musica
View of one of the balconies
Sculpture denoting Ride of the Valkyries
Entrance to the hospital
Some of the spectacular buildings
Another architectural viewpoint
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