8/22/2010

Reflections in windows of a forgotten workstation


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These were taken at an old automobile service station that is on my way to work. It is actually a building I pass about 5 minutes before I get to my hospital, but I'd wager that many people at McLean aren't aware that this sits there.
These were taken at an old automobile service station that is on my way to work. It is actually a building I pass about 5 minutes before I get to my hospital, but I'd wager that many people at McLean aren't aware that this sits there. It is empty and just a little bit creepy because I felt like I was the only one around. Everyone else was in a car speeding by. Fascinating, I think. What I really like about this building is that there is still some architectural input and influence. They are slight and probably were kept to a minimum based on the utilitarian purpose of this building but they are still quite apparent. The curvature of the office building, the typeface of the sign's letters, the brick design. To me, these are references to another time. Perhaps this building was constructed in the 50's or 60's. What made people add a unique touch to their buildings then? Today, buildings created for this purpose are identical and located in the expected places next to strip malls and car dealerships. I like that this one is kind of lost along this lonely road, far away from any of that. A physical representation of utilitarian aesthetics that seems to have left the canonical convention. Pay attention to these hidden cues in other buildings as you walk around your city. Places in their cramped facades where someone may have added a hand's touch or an extra hour of work.

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I also found this guy next to this building. The first sight of him made me stop and gasp, literally.

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5 comments:

Unknown said...

i think it may be30th-looks like late art deco. great building. so sad that people do not get interested in such things - it is cheaper to build new one made of fluffs and sticks....

Nora Leon said...

Dear Kostya,

My brother recently proposed that I look at your blog. I'm glad to see that you are alive and kicking. Keep up the good work!

All my best,
Nora

Ankita Sarkar said...

It looks really nice. You're right--such buildings should be paid attention to. And the poor skunk. Feel bad for him.

allanvidrik said...
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allanvidrik said...

Nice pics.. Ahh, this is Silent Hill? LOL.