Category Archives: Architecture

Pentreath, Driehaus laureate

Posted on February 5, 2023 by David Brussat

I believe I first heard of architect Ben Pentreath from a video called “Three Classicists” in which he, along with George Saumarez Smith, and Francis Terry drew, in 2010, a classical scene on the walls of the Kowalski Gallery, in … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Professor Curl’s revenge

Posted on January 27, 2023 by David Brussat

1933 competition entry by Mies van der Rohe for new Reichsbank. (Stevens Curl collection) Since the publication of his masterly evisceration of modernist architecture in 2018, Making Dystopia: The Strange Rise and Survival of Architectural Barbarism, James Stevens Curl has … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Attend Penn StationPalooza!

Posted on January 19, 2023 by David Brussat

Next Thursday, Jan. 26, the three main alternative proposals for restoring some sense of dignity to Pennsylvania Station will duke it out at a forum to be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.. in the Great Hall of Cooper Union … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Development | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 29 Comments

Britain embraces tradition

Posted on January 14, 2023 by David Brussat

Buckingham Palace, official residence of King Charles III. (Architectural Digest) Dezeen reports that, in Britain, the Tory government’s minister for housing, Michael Gove, has thrown his support behind the idea of a university-level school for classical and traditional architecture and … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture | Tagged , , , , , | 6 Comments

Ancient progress in concrete

Posted on January 9, 2023 by David Brussat

The Pantheon, in Rome, is thought to be almost 2,000 years old. (getyourguide.com) A number of publications have run stories describing the recent discovery of how the ancient Romans made their concrete structures last so long. For example, the dome … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Architecture History | Tagged , , , , , | 10 Comments

“From Paris to Providence”

Posted on January 4, 2023 by David Brussat

514 Broadway, the Prentice House, in Providence, where Anna and Laura Tirocchi had their dressmaking shop. Now known as the Wedding Cake House, it is a chic hotel. (Tirocchi Archive) Providence was once a world leader in textile manufacturing, including … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Art and design | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

Best trad buildings of 2022

Posted on December 29, 2022 by David Brussat

Capital Square, in Richmond, with the original Life Insurance Co. of Virginia under construction to  next to city hall to the center left of the Virginia State Capitol, designed by Thomas Jefferson. It grows ever more difficult and hence ever … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Development | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Penn Sta. + Best 2022 Bldgs.

Posted on December 16, 2022 by David Brussat

Rendering by Jeff Stikeman of the 8th Avenue facade of a rebuilt Penn Station. (ReThinkNYC) For this hybrid post I present you with the opportunity to view images and videos of a rebuilt Penn Station alongside a plea for readers … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Development | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Latest news of Penn Station

Posted on December 11, 2022 by David Brussat

Alexandros Washburn proposal to replace existing Pennsylvania Station with one reminiscent of the original station that was demolished in 1963. (21st Century Unlimited) In the wake of news that New York developer Vornado Realty Trust, perhaps anticipating a recession, hit … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Development | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Not as sexy but just as bad

Posted on December 6, 2022 by David Brussat

Developer Jason Fane has cut costs by removing the pizzazz from his proposed tower design. Without the sinuous curves, it looks less ridiculous but would not fit into the Jewelry District any better, if built, than before its redesign – … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Development | Tagged , , , , , , , | 19 Comments