The only piece in the U.S. of Le Corbusier is located in Cambridge, next to the Harvard Art Museums. The architect accepted the design, despite a delay due to budgetary and schedule conflicts. The comic, perhaps, tragic situation is Le Corbusier visited twice the U.S during that period and yet he never saw the actual building through to its finish due to his poor health. Now, this building is used by Harvard University for the department of Visual and Environmental Studies and a theater, the Harvard Film Archive. The building serves as a venue for a great deal of events, especially films.
Another interesting building is Cambridge is the Harvard Lampoon building, on Auburn Street. The architect, Edmund M. Wheelwright, was originally from Boston -Roxbury. The information I have about the building is truly astonishing. Wheelwright was inspired by an old church in Virginia and the street’s architectural details. It is definitely worth seeing if you stop by Boston.
She wanders through Memorial Hall. I wander off, too. Like mother, like son, I guess. Memorial Hall is a Harvard University cafeteria. The interior is reminiscent of the Harry Potter dining hall. This sketch is from the back side of the building. That summer day, there were a lot of tourists, like my mother, who tried to peek at the inside. I am not sure that it is open to the public. Anyway, it was memorable experience for my mother.
The recently renovated addition to the Boston Public Library Copley Square branch was designed by John Phillips. In previous posts, I executed an interior sketch from the mezzanine. In this sketch, I discovered the exterior. I did not have a good feeling about the exterior facade and yet the interior spaces are truly useful and planned very well, with all due respect. The idea of installing seating which looks out on the street is quite considerate as it is not possible to see this included in most of today’s libraries. Perhaps it is a question of location. However, the light which showers down on us from the skylight is transcendent. It should be seen. This sketch is from a picture taken from Boylston Street.
In the summer, should you want to find fresh organic fruits, vegetables and more, farm fresh, you should go to Copley Square and meander between the stalls. It is, of course, more expensive than Whole Foods and Star Market and yet it worthwhile as the products have a savory taste. While wandering, I find myself looking upon Old South’s details. Although I have been inside it and sketched an interior space, this time I decided to draw it from the outside. The sketch was from Copley Square, looking through the church.
Every Wednesday from 6 PM to 9 PM, there is a drawing session at the MFA. Most importantly, it is free and open to the public. It is so funny as not only a lot of curious people go, but also art students. There are always so many wondering eyes. I am used to going there and sketching as much as I can and yet the struggle is real. I do not have time due to my classes. This sketch was from the grand hall from which people find their way to explore the museum and gnosh. The extension was designed by Foster + Partners. The clarity of materials and the pureness of the glass is well defined to receive sunlight in the space.
Wandering through the Plymouth, I also saw a street called “Leyden,” laid out in 1823. But this is not the original name. There were two names before this, namely, “Great” street and “Broad” street. It is noteworthy because it is the oldest continuously inhabited street in the United States. It is certainly worth seeing. There are many wooden structures from the old days and they are still standing tall.
