Harvey Travel Arts

Last weekend, Brian and I went to Chicago to see, among other things, Frank Lloyd Wrights creations. Despite his personal quirks, he was a brilliant planner when it came to architecture. Unfortunately, we don't have photographs of the inside of the houses we toured, but I can share with you some of the innovative ideas he had. Inside his own house (below, above is the Robie house), he designed a playroom instead of an attic for his children. The family was very musical, and he wanted to install a baby grand piano. However, he didn't like the fact that pianos took up so much valuable space. So, he did what any of us would do. He designed a cubbyhole above the stairwell and cut the legs off the back of the piano to fit and stabilize it above the stairs. The piano is still there today! Architects plan and design structures for the families they will be living in. Sadly enough, both of these Wright structures fell into disrepair for years before being restored. In a simila...

Today's photos are more examples of the intricate architecture of Scotland's past. Throughout Europe, one can find countless cathedrals, castles, theaters, etc. that were designed uniquely for one place. One purpose. The handiwork of the artists, sculptors, craftsmen, masons, whatever their trade is just that: hand iwork. Sure, they had basic machinery. But the carvings were done by hand. The plans were laid out by hand. Each person contributed a part of themselves. They had to apprentice for years before their work was ready for such large projects. Such incredible feats of accomplishment! Today a lot of the handiwork has been lost. Yes, there are still beautiful buildings being created. I am an enthusiast of modern architecture. I know that computers have simplified the craft. Years of education is still required to design today's modern structures. But there is a generic feel to so many of today's structures that saddens me. Truely unique buildings are still being de...