more National Building Museum

OK--my love affair with this building continues as I learn more about it.

For instance DC can be really hot in the summer and the building was constructed before air conditioning so all windows open. The plan is for cool air to enter at ground level and the hot air to leave at the top of the ceiling. Simple and efficient wouldn't you say.

I love these columns--it turns out they are about 75 feet tall and each one is made from about 70,000 bricks. This is the view from the third floor balcony.  Elegant isn't it?

They are topped with a wonderful elaborate cornice. Don't you just love all of these curves and fronds?

Around the the balcony on the third floor are bowl-like structures with eagles.Need I say more?

Looking down from the balcony you can see the fountain in the central court and the carpet with an oriental design on the floor. My booth is just off from this picture.

Yet despite all of this elaborate ornamentation, there is also a simplicity of shape and structure that I find relaxing. For instance, look at these lovely shapes in the ceiling of a hallway. Aren't they glorious?

Or these arches and more arches going into the rooms that I presume were once offices.

 Isn't it wonderful when a building can keep showing you more and more about itself and make you observe your surroundings with greater care? I also do love the fact that it was built with a budget in mind. The architect was trying to meet the needs of the widows and pensioners from the Civil War--for instance I just learned that the reason the steps are so short and wide was to make it easier for the pensioners to climb them. The steps were also built so they could be hosed down when needed.

So much to see and I haven't taken any pictures of the outside. What do you think?

an ode to the National Building Museum

Some buildings are just so fabulous it is a treat to be in them day after day. The secrets of their design unfold as you study them and live with them. The National Building Museum where the Smithsonian Craft Show is being held is one such location.  Just look at the large fountain in the central courtyard which is only a couple of booths up from my location.

The arches stretch up to a magnificent ceiling with more arches, light and windows that open to provide air circulation.

Isn't that view truly awe inspiring? Here is a view from another angle.

Look at the detail and gracefulness in these windows.

And this is the hallway around the outside of the great room. I quickly walk around the outside of the show when I need more coffee.

Even the base of the columns have ornate terra cotta designs echoes throughout the building. The columns themselves are made of bricks covered with plaster made to look like marble. I just read that more than 15,000,000 bricks were used to make this building.

Another of my favorite details are the terra cotta steps slightly worn and softened with age. Aren't they glorious and so human with their patterns.

And here is a shot of my booth against its back drop. What more could I ask for?

Maybe today I will take pictures of the light streaming in from the windows--there are about ten minutes every day when my booth seems aglow. There are also views from the balcony. So much more to explore.

Can you believe it was build at a cost of less than $900,000 between 1881-1889 for the Office of the Pension. There is much more information at http://www.nbm.org/about-us/historic-building/nbm-quick-facts.html

Have you ever been here? Seen it on TV--once you know what it looks like--many famous events are held here from Hillary's concession speech to President and Mrs Obama's first dance at the Inauguration. Heads of state meet here. There is even an exhibit on Parking Garages. Do you have a favorite buildig?