What is a book? This is a controversial question as at first glance, everyone might just think that it is an informative tool which can be read. What if I were to say that it can be an ornamental tool, of course, reserved for fancy libraries or study rooms which have never been opened in this era -due to the internet. Actually, implementing books to decorate a space is not new in the architectural field, especially for interior spaces, but the ones I have recently seen at the Boston Public Library Copley Square Branch are certainly an embellishment. The nuance of colorization is relevant to the ceiling detail and display elements. This sketch is from there. In fact, I waited almost 15 minutes in front of the door to capture this perspective it was so popular. (You know Bostonians.)

In Boston, there are a great deal of buildings which have born witness to history. This is because it is truly an old settlement from colonial times. Mostly, these buildings can be seen in Boston proper, downtown,  and the North End. To see them imparts individuals -mostly architects- the architectural in ethos of old Boston. It is possible to see how a city molted from the old into the new, traditional to modern. This sketch is from the middle of downtown, where skyscrapers defy history through their size and shape.  Perhaps the most important building in Boston is the Old State House, as it has an important meaning for all people who live in the U.S.. On July 18, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was proclaimed from the east balcony. Hence, this building is proof of history to them, and, in fact, to us -architects.

This is only a one-day trip into the city. On this trip, there is ample time to see it the way I had wanted to see it the last time, but without the tourists gawking. Everything is everywhere -too many people on plotted, flat streets. Although I relish in the city’ turmoil, this was an exaggeration as people looked crazed. I picked up lunch at a street vendor’s. It was terrible, and,  I, of course, escaped to Central Park where everything is calm and there is  no noise from the maddening crowds. But, wouldn’t you know, it was packed there as well. Instead of listening to birds’ songs, I found myself hearing children’s bawling and a street drummer who did not know how to stop. The sketch is from the park.

While taking one of my classes at the BAC, I visited the MGH Institute of Health Professions. There were several spaces which I paid attention to and yet, specifically, one that stood out was the Healing Garden. This place is located on the roof of one of the buildings. A great landscape welcomes individuals through the Charles River. It was very much an interesting experience for me as people called it “the Healing Garden” and yet there was a droning noise which was coming from the next door Liberty Hotel’s air vents, unfortunately. Despite everything, this place must be seen as it has a different feeling, being in green in the middle of mixed buildings. This sketch is from the beginning of the garden -small, but cozy.