Trista Hageman’s Post

The gens de couleur libres community, meaning free people of color, flourished in the rapidly growing state of Louisiana between 1830 and 1840, influencing the built environment of antebellum New Orleans. Dudley identifies two important gens de couleur libres families that left a profound mark on the built environment: the Souliés and the Dollioles. Through diary entries and building records, Dudley demonstrates that these families, considered master builders, had a legacy of entrepreneurship. During the 1830s, and becoming more apparent during the 1840s and 1850s, artisans from Ireland and Germany began displacing the gens de couleur libres community as those newly arrived were more proficient in “high” styles, which was increasingly in demand. Competition between formally trained architects and the gens de couleur libres ensued. Read more in B&L Volume 30 Number 1 & 2 – Spring/Fall 2023 A review of Tara A. Dudley's Building Antebellum New Orleans: Free People of Color and Their Influence. Review by Charlette M. Caldwell. Austin: University of Texas, 2021 The University of Texas at Austin #antebellum #neworleans #louisianna #architecture #buildingsandlandscapes

Elephants! Elephants everywhere! A colleague, recounting a tale of his past, happened to mention a building (that was sort-of central to the story) that I’d never come across. Perhaps you have, but if not, let me introduce the Coventry Central Baths & Elephant. Yes. “…& Elephant.” I mean, you can see why. The planning department in Coventry must’ve been quite a place to work in the early 1960’s (not just for this remarkable thing. I happened across a review on here of a Ladybird edition dedicated to the city’s architectural vision, produced contemporaneously. Such vision. If a little flawed, human-scale-wise.) We still talk of ‘elephants in the room’ a lot. In fact, can’t think if a project that wasn’t shadowed by the elephantLurker. But can you imagine the conversations around the development in the home of Lady Godiva? Amazingly, the Coventry Central Baths & Elephant still stands, i.e. it hasn’t gone on fire. Yet. Tricky when the hulking thing is Grade II listed… but not impossible. Unlike many of its contemporary white elephants - which, as an aside, I also never knew the origin of, so accordingly I looked it up. Is an n old Thai custom of “gifting rare, expensive-to-keep (very, very pale) elephants to the reigning monarch.” Quite how the idea was transposed to buildings as a burdensome asset is less clear. UNTIL YOU SEE COVENTRY’S ELEPHANT, maybe? Seems quite obvious with hindsight. Anyway, the sad news is that no-one can see a use for the aging pachydermBuilding. Or rather, no-one appears to have the where-with-all to fund what really needs to happen- (imo) to re-open it as a sports hall. Hope someone can step in, before another amazing piece of the city-scape ends up in the elephants graveyard. Hat-tip to @MaxTuttle for the lovely story that kicked this off. #architecture #coventry #listedbuildings #elephants #sixtiesUK #planning #renovation #projects

Navigating the British planning system is not for the faint of heart, especially if your home is listed. Making progress can take years, not months. A new set of awards celebrate owners and designers who have battled — some for as long as a decade — to adapt historic properties for the 21st century. Winners of the inaugural Listed and Modern Architectural awards include the first grade I listed country estate to achieve net zero carbon emissions, and the ultimate fixer-upper: a Napoleonic fortress that stood empty for 150 years

There is something poetic about buildings in their raw state and the way they reveal textures and colours. 🧱 #underconstruction #jfa #bective #brick #brickwall #timber #construction #irisharchitecture #rawbuildingmaterials #dublin

Check out this progress picture of Gray’s restored University of Kentucky College of Design building. Look at those stairs!

They say that ‘A good deed never goes unpunished.’ It’s mad to think that Sir Christopher Wren (1632 — 1723), designer of the beautiful St Paul’s Cathedral, is also partly the reason behind some of London’s more recent carbuncles, such as the Walkie Talkie and the Cheesegrater… These behemoths aren’t just architectural folly. It’s all down to ‘St Paul’s Heights’, a statute that protects the viewing corridors of the Cathedral. It states that the view of the dome cannot be obscured from Primrose Hill, Greenwich Park or Richmond Park, where there’s a special hole cut in a hedge to preserve the view. In all, there are eight protected views that crisscross the capital. So, the Walkie Talkie, all curved up in its top-heavy-car-incinerating-sun-reflective-shape, is that way to allow for the corridor view, and equally, the steep incline and leaning back to the North of the Cheesegrater owes its shape to the same reason. It’s remarkable how what we create now can echo through the centuries. This underscores the immense power of design and its ability to shape a future that is yet unknown. ‘St Paul’s Heights’ was ostensibly aiming to do a good deed, but it has had unexpected and, some might say, negative results. I’m sure Wren would be flattered by the statute, but I wonder what he’d think of the architectural anomalies it helped create. #stpaulsheights #designforthefuture #gooddeeds

🏠🔄 The Power of Transformation: How Two Los Angeles Architects Redefined Home Evolution. Rebecca Rudolph and Colin Thompson's journey from purchasing a modest $150,000 house to continuously reshaping it into their dream home over 24 years showcases the profound impact of architectural creativity and strategic renovation. Their story is a testament to the idea that evolving space needs don't necessarily require moving. A lesson in adaptability and foresight for professionals in architecture, real estate, and beyond. #InnovationInHousing #ArchitecturalCreativity #HomeEvolution #LosAngelesDesign

Distinctive Pyramid Skylight Project Crystal Structures designed and installed an iconic 22' x 22' pyramid-shaped skylight for The Promise Land Baptist Church in Louisville, KY. Soaring 12 feet above the roofline and topped with a cross, the daylighting solution puts a symbolic cap on the church. The project floods the sanctuary below with natural light in a way that connects congregants to the divine. While the church itself was originally built around 2005 by Abel Construction, the custom skylight by Crystal Structures remains a defining architectural feature. Though not a new installment, the skylight demonstrates how thoughtful design, engineering, and strategic placement of daylighting solutions can transform indoor spaces. In this case, enhancing the setting for communities to gather and fulfill their higher purpose. https://lnkd.in/g6cMBCxt

Connecticut, fondly known as the Nutmeg State, is more than just a name—it's a testament to a rich tapestry of history and architectural marvels. 🏡🍂 Dive deep into the lanes of this state and discover heritage homes that echo tales from the past, blending seamlessly with modern comforts. Each brick, each beam, and each window pane has a story to tell. Heritage homes are not just structures; they're time capsules, preserving memories and moments from bygone eras. Embrace the charm and legacy of Connecticut's #ConnecticutRealEstate #CTProperty #CTHomeBuying #CTHomeSelling #ConnecticutHomesForSale #RealEstateCT #HomesInConnecticut #ConnecticutRealty #CTProperties #CTRealEstateAgent #CTHousingMarket #ConnecticutLiving #CTRealEstate #CTRealtor #Connecticut #CTHomes #RealEstateAgent #jboswellteam #realestate #comehometoct #comehometohappy

🌟 Elevate Your Workspace: A&I Office Beautification Project 🌟 At A&I, we understand the importance of creating an inviting, professional workspace that reflects your brand identity. We were thrilled to collaborate with HMC Architects San Diego on their recent office beautification project, where we seamlessly integrated signage and aesthetics to enhance their office environment. 🚪 Exterior Entrance Transformation: We brought HMC's brand to life by applying precision-cut vinyl decals of their logo and tagline to the main exterior entrance. These decals serve as a welcoming beacon for visitors and reinforce brand recognition from afar. 💼 Privacy & Sophistication in the Conference Room: Privacy doesn't have to mean sacrificing style. The glass-encased conference room received a stunning transformation with a dot-pattern frosted vinyl privacy film, striking the perfect balance between openness and discretion. This subtle yet impactful addition not only adds a layer of professionalism but also enhances the ambiance of the space. 🎨 Feature Wall Magic: Walls are more than just boundaries – they're canvases waiting to be transformed. In HMC's conference room, we adorned a feature wall with a premium vinyl wall covering a graphic that encapsulates San Diego and HMC's projects, creating a focal point that sparks conversation and inspiration. It's more than decoration; it's a reflection of HMC's commitment to creating an inspiring work environment. ✨ Unlock the Potential of Your Workspace: Ready to elevate your office aesthetics? Whether it's signage, privacy solutions, custom wall coverings, or many other options, A&I is here to bring your vision to life. Let's collaborate to turn your workspace into a true reflection of your brand identity and values. 📞 Contact Us Today: Reach out to our team to discuss your office beautification goals. Together, we'll create a workspace that inspires creativity, fosters productivity, and leaves a lasting impression on clients and employees alike. #OfficeBeautification #WorkspaceTransformation #SignFabrication #PrintingSolutions #AestheticDesign #SignageSolutions #OfficeDesign #BrandIdentity #WorkplaceAesthetics #ClientSatisfaction #ElevateYourSpace #AandIRepro