[just posted at archinect/discussion...]
A, I'm curious as to why you think you previously knew nothing about
Whitemarsh Hall? Were you perchance through Chestnut Hill to see the Vanna
Venturi House or the Esherick House by Kahn?
Should Whitemarsh Hall hold a distinct place in 20th century architecture
history? Does Vincent Scully even know of Whitemarsh Hall? You would hope
(Philadelphian) Robert Venturi knows of Whitemarsh Hall--interesting how
Venturi makes much of Lutyens, yet virtually nothing of Trumbauer, who is
Lutyens' almost exact contemporary. And let's not forget African-American
architect Julian Abele, who is seen as near equal with Trumbauer when it
comes to executing the design of Whitemarsh Hall.
Is modern oblivion all around what is really to blame. Progress über alles
and God bless the garbage disposal? Is there a subconscious shame that comes
with modern oblivion that hence engenders a selective
deaf-dumb-and-blind-ness?
In another current thread here, it is said that "architects are taught to
think differently." Do architect's realize how much they are likewise
unwittingly taught to forget?
[oh, and how about Martha Stewart's coincidental Versailles sigh of relief?]
A, I'm curious as to why you think you previously knew nothing about
Whitemarsh Hall? Were you perchance through Chestnut Hill to see the Vanna
Venturi House or the Esherick House by Kahn?
Should Whitemarsh Hall hold a distinct place in 20th century architecture
history? Does Vincent Scully even know of Whitemarsh Hall? You would hope
(Philadelphian) Robert Venturi knows of Whitemarsh Hall--interesting how
Venturi makes much of Lutyens, yet virtually nothing of Trumbauer, who is
Lutyens' almost exact contemporary. And let's not forget African-American
architect Julian Abele, who is seen as near equal with Trumbauer when it
comes to executing the design of Whitemarsh Hall.
Is modern oblivion all around what is really to blame. Progress über alles
and God bless the garbage disposal? Is there a subconscious shame that comes
with modern oblivion that hence engenders a selective
deaf-dumb-and-blind-ness?
In another current thread here, it is said that "architects are taught to
think differently." Do architect's realize how much they are likewise
unwittingly taught to forget?
[oh, and how about Martha Stewart's coincidental Versailles sigh of relief?]