Field Notes – Physical

Cleveland Plaza is a level of architectural intervention unusual for an older building. The canopy on steel and reinforced concrete armature gives a neat hat atop this structure. I was fortunate to get a peek into St. Michaels church down the block. The stained glass, while narrow and compact, had...

Earlier we shared our story from arriving in Birmingham through the close of the Opening Plenary on Day 1. This post will cover the time after the Opening Plenary on Monday and before leaving Tuesday afternoon. A full day of programming was available Monday afternoon. I started by heading my...

Recently Terminal A in Newark, NJ, was named the best new terminal in the world. Almost immediately upon arriving it was apparent why. Great thought went into designing an environment worthy of the travel experience. From the way finding, to seating, to public art, and retail mix with many local...

Right over the entrance of the classically influenced church building is a terra cotta panel with the words Ave Maria, for "Hail, Mary." This makes very clear whom the namesake of this church is for everyone entering in. Inside one is struck by the barrel vaulting with large arched openings...

An archway welcomes people to the Arts Walk. Large concrete planters help to prevent vehicle access. Alternating color pavement, bistro tables, bright colorful umbrellas, and festoon lights create a vibrant public space. Restaurants and bars open on to the walk further activating it.

Far in the corner close to Route 10 is a stone monument with inset terra cotta panels. Light Dispelling Darkness is both a fountain (inoperable) and a sculpture made out of terra cotta. This soft material is prone to damage, especially with the absence of water to deter people from...

Buccleuch Mansion was built circa 1735-1739 by Anthony White for his bride Elizabeth, daughter of New Jersey Royal Governor Lewis Morris. Their son, Anthony Walton White, who was born and raised here, was an aide-de-camp to George Washington and an army officer. In 1774 the Mansion was owned and occupied...

We found the Oak Ridge Park for a New Year's Day hike. While getting our steps in we ran across this distinctive gambrel roofed house. While clearly in need of some preservation, the house has a distinctive form. A two-story gabled extension projects from the main mass of the house....

The Cross Country Trail has a number of Native American archaeological sites. In Wakefield Park many of the hill and ridgetops contain sites. Native Americans utilized the available quartz outcrops, shaping the stone into knives, spear and arrow points, and other tools. They camped on high and well drained land,...

Sometimes the most non-descript of plazas can be home to special businesses. That is the case with Johnny Tequilas. We sought it out to celebrate our wedding anniversary. Their happy hour had good reviews. What we found was a warm, welcoming, and friendly business with great food and drinks.