Last month in Philadelphia, I was walking down the street, telling David that I'd seen a fascinating documentary, "My Architect" about Louis Kahn, produced by his son Nathaniel. When I looked up, I was thrilled to see the sign and realise I was standing in front of Louis Kahn's office. I also saw a small park near the antiques district that is named after Kahn.
Among Kahn's most famous designs is the capital of Bangladesh. Respected architects including I.M. Pei and Frank Gehry talk about Kahn's work in the documentary.
Last night I was flipping through a book I've had for years, Laura Cerwinski's In a Spiritual Style, when I came across a quotation by Louis Kahn. "The room is the beginning of architecture. You do not say the same thing in one room as you say in another, that's how sensitive a room is. A room is a marvelous thing, a world within a world. It's yours and offers a measure of yourself."
The top of the art deco building reminds me of the Chrysler Building in New York.
This photo was taken from a different angle and a different street, on a different day.
City views.
The city's giant clothespin sculpture at 15th and Market Streets. Designed by Claes Oldenburg, this 20-foot curiosity was featured in a scene in the Dan Ackroyd/Jamie Lee Curtis film Trading Places.
Isn't the blue art deco building beautiful?
Decorative detail.
Leaded windows on this old brick building with a stone eagle and portico.
A gold Philadelphia eagle, the city's historic symbol of liberty and freedom.
Purported site of the first American photograph.
An historic building next to an art supply store's mid-20th-century facade.
The Quaker Bank building.
Traditional brownstones in a downtown neighborhood.
An ornate door.
One of Philadelphia's many unique artists' murals throughout the city. See more here.
An edgy storefront complete with fake bullet holes in the Northern Liberties neighborhood. Read more about this diverse, artistic area here and here.
An old brick building for sale in Northern Liberties. Wish I had the money to buy it, gut it and create a live/work space.
A special treat
One of the best bits of my trip to Philadelphia was having lunch at the Capital Grille with the witty and talented Karen of Artsortments. She is charming and clever and fun and we didn't have nearly enough time together. We plan to make up for that during my next trip to Philadelphia.
Karen brought me a beautiful handmade card using copper, decorative gold trim and various materials. Check out Artsortments to see Karen's gorgeous original creations.
Relyn, thank you for the kudos! I, too, appreciate quirky things. Life would be rather dull without them. :)
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 18 January 2009 at 02:15
I love these pictures and feel especially inspired by that enormous clothespin. Quirky things like that make me very happy.
Posted by: Relyn | 17 January 2009 at 22:55
Di, that wheel is part of an old-fashioned pulley!
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 14 January 2009 at 16:53
These images are amazing. Why is there a wheel hanging down on the City Views image? Was someone chucking it out of the window :)
Posted by: Di Overton | 14 January 2009 at 15:18
Hi Madeline - Thank you! If you get the chance to visit, I think you'll enjoy Philadelphia.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 14 January 2009 at 10:31
I've never been to Philadelphia. It's a beautiful city, at least by your eyes. Thanks for the photo journey.
Posted by: Madeline | 14 January 2009 at 08:23
I'm not a fan of VOA. When I was a reporter at the UN, the VOA reporter was
clueless about anything to do with the Middle East. Yes, I know it's not
fair to tar all VOA reports with one brush, but anything that is a
mouthpiece for the US government - at least under the Bush administration -
is suspect, in my book. I think the humanitarian aid workers - particularly
UNRWA - have a clearer picture of what's happening on the ground.
After initially building schools, etc., in Gaza, once it assumed power,
Hamas has caused nothing but grief for the Palestinians. Hamas in no way
represents most of the Palestinian people or what they believe. It's very
sad that the ego and stupidity results in such widespread bloodshed and
violence. As for who broke the truce first, the UN says it was Israel,
making an incursion acoss the border and killing suspected militants.
"It should be noted that the breakdown of a truce between Hamas and Israel
had been observed for several months by both sides. The truce was maintained
by Hamas despite the failure of Israel to fulfill its obligation under the
agreement to improve the living conditions of the people of Gaza. The recent
upsurge of violence occurred after an Israeli incursion that killed several
alleged militants within Gaza."
–Richard Falk, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights on
Palestinian territories occupied since 1967
In retaliation, Hamas began firing rockets. It is idiotic behaviour on both
sides, this tit for tat business. Sadly, too many innocents are caught up in
the process. And with the borders sealed, it's like a giant prison.
If you'd like to continue discussing Gaza, will you please email me at
[email protected]? Thank you.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 13 January 2009 at 22:17
It is really simple:
See the current VOA web page:
http://voanews.com/english/2009-01-13-voa39.cfm
Quote: Hamas continues to fire rockets into civilian areas of southern Israel, and the Israeli government says is it will not end the offensive until the rocket fire stops.
What could be clearer? Peace for peace.
It is very clear now: Hamas made a big mistake in forswearing the truce. I do agree that the whole thing is a mess. Perhaps things be more peaceful if i Israel just lobbed a rocket at Gaza City every time Hamas launched one at Israel. Seriously.
P
Posted by: Account Deleted | 13 January 2009 at 21:41
Yes, Hamas is doing the Palestinians - or the Israelis - no favours. But
that doesn't excuse the Israelis' disproportionate use of force and refusal
to allow reporters and enough humanitarian aid into Gaza - or the seriously
wounded or those with no place to go - out of Gaza. They should open the
borders. For too long, Gaza has been a tinderbox waiting to explode.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 13 January 2009 at 20:54
Any problems with Hamas?
p
Posted by: Account Deleted | 13 January 2009 at 20:14
I can't believe that typo! That's what happens when in a hurry and forgetting to proofread. I've fixed it now; thanks for pointing it out. As for Israelis, I have Israeli friends and I have nothing against Israelis in general. I do, however, have a problem with what the Israelis are doing in Gaza.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 13 January 2009 at 20:00
Louis is a KAHN not at KHAN. Don't worry he was not Israeli.
Posted by: Account Deleted | 13 January 2009 at 19:53
Thanks, Jeanie. Not sure about the connection, other than appreciating his architectural talents. One of the things I like most about Philadelphia is its diversity - the art deco mixed with traditional mixed with modern.
Posted by: Paris Parfait | 13 January 2009 at 19:34
Merci bien, Lala. Most people prefer not to see; thank you for always noticing.
Posted by: Paris Parfait | 13 January 2009 at 19:33
Yes, Philadelphia is a city in which to remember our government's origins - very inspiring.
Posted by: Paris Parfait | 13 January 2009 at 19:32
Rosemary, I had no idea you'd been there so many times! It IS a lovely city. I like the fact that it's so manageable in terms of size - you can walk or take the subway practically everywhere.
Posted by: Paris Parfait | 13 January 2009 at 19:31
I think you'll like the documentary, Chris. Besides his architectural genius, Khan had a very interesting personal life.
Posted by: Paris Parfait | 13 January 2009 at 19:30
Fabulous images. I think for some reason you are supposed to pay attention to Louis Khan. Too many connections, too close. That deco blue was fabulous and it was good to see the Dick Blick store!
Posted by: jeanie | 13 January 2009 at 15:58
Absolutely love the peg !!
also thank you Tara for posting this video of former Israeli soldier...
à bientôt--
:-)
Posted by: my castle in Spain | 13 January 2009 at 13:50
All the pictures are amazing! The murals are breathtaking. ; ) Such rich history the city holds.
Posted by: Christina | 13 January 2009 at 06:24
great clothespin sculpture!
Posted by: elizabeth | 13 January 2009 at 06:08
I spent every weekend there for over a year when my brother was there for his rehab after his accident. I adored all the art deco and beautiful buildings. I have some lovely photos somewhere (?). Thanks for bringing back the feeling of awe again. xo
Posted by: Rosa | 13 January 2009 at 00:37
yep. dreamy.
and the doc you mention is now first on my Flix list.
Posted by: Chris | 12 January 2009 at 23:15
I linger on these like I'm dreaming...
Posted by: Chris | 12 January 2009 at 23:11
Ah, I re-read the sign and it says the first "surviving" photograph. And I can imagine that's true. :)
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 12 January 2009 at 20:11
Thank you, Marilyn, for the kind words about the photos. Yes, isn't Karen's art wonderful? She has such talent.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 12 January 2009 at 20:10
It's funny how we pass things every day, often without noticing. But when we look through a camera lens, we see something different. I think the "outsider" often sees things the "insider" misses. xoxox
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 12 January 2009 at 20:10
Yea! Hopefully next time you can meet me there. I agree with you about the historic building. I would have liked to see the interior, especially the curved portion of the building. xoxox
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 12 January 2009 at 20:08
Barbara, thank you. Yes, take some photos of Atlanta and post them on your blog, please!
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 12 January 2009 at 20:07
Karen's art is amazing! How I wish I could be so creative. I enjoyed the pictures of Philadelphia too.
Posted by: Marilyn | 12 January 2009 at 17:57
The comments in my head as I looked through this post are almost identical to Gillian's so...ditto to hers! The images? I loved them all, I love seeing a city from a visitor's perspective. I wonder if those who pass by those great places every day still see how amazing they are? Enjoy your day, smooches
Posted by: Leau | 12 January 2009 at 17:30
The historic building next to the art supply is my favourite. I love the detail, the windows.
Lunch with Karen would have been fun! You lucky girl. Zipping all over the planet meeting bloggers! :)
Philadelphia is now on my radar as a must see city.
xox
Posted by: Gillian daSilva | 12 January 2009 at 16:54
Wow! What a beautiful post about a beautiful place. I love the windows and the shades of blue, the old and the new. My faves are the 'eyes' on the Quaker bank building and the 'conspiracy' sign in neon. Makes me anxious to get out and about here in Atlanta! So glad you were able to share the view with a friend, and share the beauty with us.
Posted by: Barbara | 12 January 2009 at 16:39
Constance, thank you! I'm so glad Karen and I finally had the chance to meet, as well. Hope your week is off to a good start. xoxox
Posted by: Paris Parfait | 12 January 2009 at 16:34
Thanks so much, Robin. Yes, I will treasure Karen's special card and bring it out next Christmas as part of my decorations.
Posted by: Paris Parfait | 12 January 2009 at 16:33
Thanks for the kudos. Ha ha! Yes, I've become a bit cynical, after eight years of the Bush administration. And for all we know, maybe somebody in some small town somewhere made the first photograph in America, but was too shy to tell anyone. :)
Posted by: Paris Parfait | 12 January 2009 at 16:32
Thank you for this post Tara.
Your photos are breathtaking!
SO glad you and Karen got to meet.
You are both such special people!
Interesting about the first camera and
thanks for mentions the book In Spiritual Style.
Sound good.
Happy Monday!
xox
Constance
Posted by: rochambeau | 12 January 2009 at 16:30
Beautiful images, all! The Chrysler-like building is magnificent, the Quaker building, the ornate door, the golden eagle...
Only a journalist would say "purported" first American photograph, even if there is a big sign saying so. :-))
Posted by: dutchbaby | 12 January 2009 at 15:33
Pretty card. Isn't it nice to have someone make you a handmade card? I have a special reader who has sent me two handmade gems over that last 2 years and I treasure them. I love your shots of Philly. I really dig the close-pin and the Quaker building!!
Posted by: My Melange | 12 January 2009 at 13:53