Patricia Tutt
ARCITECHTURAL FACADES
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The façade on a building marks a boundary. It is the element that separates inside from out, private from public, safe from vulnerable. This collection of images illustrates some of the forms it can take depending on building function, climate, available materials, cultural practice, current fashions and budget.
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Photography
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Ionic Capital: Until recently, the Great Court at the British Museum was exposed to the elements, as is evident in the pattern-staining across the top of the capital. Carved from Oolitic limestone, this elegant Greek form invariable conveys importance and prestige.
Gasometer: Simple and functional, the gasometer is nevertheless elegant, with is sweep of metal staircase rising up around the curve of the cylindrical drum. This one is in Peel.
Maze: The façade of this arts centre in Madeira gives no clues as the its purpose, being housed in a series of bunkers stepping down the hillside, only penetrable from the centre of the maze. This form of building envelope could be a fortress, but the quality of the materials and workmanship belie that interpretation.
Balconies: The seaward-facing façade of this spa in Latvia is a pierced but defended shield.
Gasometer: Simple and functional, the gasometer is nevertheless elegant, with is sweep of metal staircase rising up around the curve of the cylindrical drum. This one is in Peel.
Maze: The façade of this arts centre in Madeira gives no clues as the its purpose, being housed in a series of bunkers stepping down the hillside, only penetrable from the centre of the maze. This form of building envelope could be a fortress, but the quality of the materials and workmanship belie that interpretation.
Balconies: The seaward-facing façade of this spa in Latvia is a pierced but defended shield.
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