nip&tuck

An Illustrated and Annotated Design Encyclopedia

Monina Ingle IDES + Fall 2010

table of contents
i influences

Egyptian Motifs Replication of Parthenon Replication of Pantheon Rococo Gothic Islamic Renaissance Palazzo Romanesque

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

ii morphology

Pediment Cartouche Dentil Palladian window Quoining

11 12 13 14 15

iii historical sites

Falling Water Agecroft Hall Maymont House

17 18 19

influences

Influences Egyptian Motifs

As the center for Mathematics, Science, and priesthood, Ancient Egyptians typical temple complex could very well be the most accurate adaptation of stylistic architecture for VCUs Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation building. Unmistakably depicting a typical temple front, it boasts massive columns and symbology that is carved into the facade. The paired obelisk that commonly marks the entrance can be found flanked by the fence that surrounds the building. The lotus palm and papyrus bud capitals that are symbolic of Upper and Lower Egypt, respectively, is seen on the iron work of the entrance doors.

Egyptian Building, VCU

Detail view of iron work on doors

Fence surrounding the building

Influences Parthenon
The facade of the Second Baptist Church resembles the Parthenons temple front--they even have the same number of classical order as seen on the front elevation. Likewise, the bulging method used on the columns to give the impression that it is standing straight from afar was adopted as well. However, just as most adaptation are not complete replicas of their latter predecessors, the church have opted to have the surrounding colonnade; the structure has engaged columns all around instead (aside from the facade).

Second Baptist Church, Richmond, VA

Influences Pantheon
The Pantheon is well known for its dome flushed with the temple front. An unmistakable illustration of this is the Congregation of Beth Ahabah. Although the dimensions of the two are not identical and the synagogue has extending structures, both domes are flanked by a temple front that is shorter in length in comparison to the dome, allowing a view of the dome from the frontal elevation. Another prominent formal characteristic of the Pantheon is the opening on the tip of the dome--the oculus. The synagogues Pantheon revival replaced this opening with a cupola. It, however, still manages to bring natural light within as seen on the interiors view; a glass mosaic was put in place.

Congregation of Beth Ahabah, Richmond, VA

Stained glass mosaic

Birds eye view of the synagogue and Pantheon

Influences Rococo
Richmonds Byrd Theater seemingly possesses the playful and frivolous characteristics that is tied with Rococo, but one can argue that its exterior facade may have Baroque influence as well due to the symmetry and the heavy structure. Classical orders are used as ornamentation on top of that. Rococo style becomes more apparent once within the building, however. The decorative coffering on the ceiling is flanked by ornate walls. Furniture chosen also signify the stylistic category. Curvilinear traits of the chair such as the turning of the arms, and the cabriole leg screams Rococo.

Byrd Theater, Richmond, VA

Perspective view of the lobby

Rococo chair

Influences Gothic
The grandeur of the Lutheran Church illustrates a general Gothic construction, and at the same time, of Romanesque. It may have been an Early Gothic structure or influenced by Romanesque style, but the facade are not as tall and lean as most Gothic churches that it would require radiating [flying] buttresses for support. The buttressing utilized, in this case, are almost like quoining--barely protruding from the structure. Throughout the fenestration, pointed arches are used, which is another formal characteristic of the Gothic style. Having done so, the stress line is pulled towards the ground, creating a more stabilized structure. The massive rose window is contained within the pointed arch as well, as opposed to a circular form.

First English Lutheran Church, Richmond, VA

Detail view of the buttress

Front entrance (1 of 3 doors)

Influences Islamic
The Landmark Theater in Richmond reflects Islamic architecture throughout the facade. Similar to Gothic architecture, the structure seems to point up towards the sky as seen on the arches, towers, and cupola. Almost as if a fusion between a Gothic and Tudor arch, the arches form a wide, curvilinear appearance that points at the tip. Adornment throughout the structure seems consistent: dynamic contours that create spiky prongs.

Landmark Theater, Richmond, VA

Detail view of balustrade

Elevation; west wall

Influences Renaissance Palazzo

The rectilinear and symmetrical (tripartite division) characteristics of this structure, among other things, is associated with Italian Renaissance. The hipped roof is low-pitched and it has numerous amount of rectilinear windows. Associated with the style is the grand staircase, which in this case, is toned down with two sets of staircase that follow one after the other. It also encompass the recessed central entrance.

(Residence) Monument Avenue, Richmond, VA

Section of entrance

Diagrammatic view of the facade

Influences Romanesque
Much of the revival houses in downtown Richmond are a mix of various influences. One can argue that this residence is a mixture of Queen Anne [as seen on the tower and other castlelike qualities] and Renaissance. Due to the variety of influence, it illustrates a sense of patchwork; just like the radiating chapels of the Romanesque churches. Besides the turret and the arched and gabled entrance, a sort of buttressing or perhaps quoining flanks the facade.

(Residence) East Leigh Street, Richmond, VA

View of arched entrance

Elevation of entrance

morphology

Morphology Pediment
Pediments are initially used for temple fronts and held by Classical orders, which is still found on residential houses and, more commonly, on governmental structures. They frequently protrude from the structure. This architectural form was then translated on top of windows and doors. An example below is a hooded window having a cartouche at the center. Adopted during our modern times, they may blend with the structure as well, hardly extended out if at all.

(Residence) W. Franklin, Richmond, VA

Raleigh Building, VCU

YMCA, Richmond, VA

11

Morphology Cartouche
Carved tablet adorned with scrolls, volute, and other curvilinear forms that initially reveals a family crest is called a cartouche. They are normally found on the center of a structure across a pediment. Over the course of time, it has been translated as a less focal point of the structure that may be carved unto the stone. Or serve as mainly for ornamentation.

Gresham Court, Richmond, VA

Stuart Court Apartments, Richmond, VA

Robert E. Lee Memorial, Richmond, VA

12

Morphology Dentil
Ornamentation that are placed under the cornice that resemble teeth are called dentil molding. They are initially a series of rectangular blocks that fill the cornice. Throughout the adaptation, however, the number of molding and its placement may vary. It may even cover the form of the pediment.

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Princess Anne St,, Fredericksburg, VA

(Residence) W. Clay, Richmond, VA

(Residence) W. Franklin, Richmond, VA

Morphology Quoining
The protruding stonework of the angle of a structure is referred to as quoining. They are generally seen as alternating in size. They may be seen as painted as well. Or a combination of both.

W. Franklin, Richmond, VA

Jackson Ward, Richmond, VA

Fan District, Richmond, VA

11

historicalsites

Historical Sites Falling Water

View from the living room fireplace

Mr. Coffmans man cave

Falling Water
Frank Lloyd Wrights Falling Water in Pennsylvania was an epitome of the architect himself: unpredictable and reckless. What was once the residence of the Coffmans not only a union of nature and architecture through its superficial structure, at the same time, it constantly directs the observer to the nature in a psychological manner. Through the use of furnishings that are closer to the ground, the outdoors is continually in view. The boulders where the structure was built on top of was given a waxy, shiny finish that reminds you of the moist rocks around the structure. Another notable aspect that Wright have pursued are the bevelled windows that may be seen throughout much of the rooms. Not only is the construction impressive considering the date it was built, it allows you to once again be drawn to the panoramic view of nature.

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Historical Sites Agecroft Hall

Perspective view of the Great Hall

Tudor arches throughout the structure

Achecroft: Edge of the Field

Originally built in Lancashire, England (1400s), the structure was weakened by the effects of coal mining within the area that forced Robert Langley to sell it in auction. It was then shipped and rebuilt on Windsor Farms in Richmond, Virginia. The Tudor-style structure initially possessed 60,000 square footage, which shrunk to 20,000 sq. ft. after the damages that occurred due to the shipping across seas. As it was overlooking Lancashires Irwell river, the manor house has a view of James river. Renaissance was on a rise during the time it was built, hence superstition inhibit the populations daily lives. To ward of evil spirits that lurk among mortality, a cat was placed within the foundation of the structure--if rats were the enemy, it was only proper to see cats as the defender of everything that is good.

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Historical Sites Maymont House

Floor plan of first floor

Exhibition of wealth through applied metal

Maymont Mansion
Completed in 1893, James and Sallie Dooley have devoted resources and time in the course of 30 years to build their French inspired house. The Dooley mansion was named after Sallies middle name and mont, which stands for mountain in French. The construction took place during the Gilded Age--an era of dramatic change post Civil War. Although poverty rose among the working class, industrial production and leisure time soared as well. To display ones wealth and status, ornamental estates proliferated, grasping inspirations from exotic and historic architecture. The Dooleys were known to socialize a great deal; this was taken into account when the first floor was constructed. To the left of the entrance is where the ladies would mingle, known as the drawing room. It was decorated appropriately, having pink walls and feminine furnishings. On the other hand, the men have their own gathering place--the library. It was painted blue and filled with wooden furnishings. The same dark wood was also applied throughout the walls and ceilings.

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