One detail spoiled everything
You knew this: that I almost never take photos of new buildings. I like old ones better.
But, when you are walking around downtown Dallas with your friend (we’ll call him “Carlos” but only because that’s his name), there’s a lot more new stuff to look at than anything else.
This place, then. I am very fond of the glass blocks, lined up like huge ice cubes. I like the way the light reflects off the column on the right into the window, making a lighter rectangle on top of everything. I like the long shadow, the way it angles down, goes straight across the wall, and then angles down again; that’s a very nice shadow line.
But what I saw when I took the picture and can’t bring myself to un-see is that duplex outlet, right there in plain sight. Why, architect of this building, did you let that happen? I want to believe that you knew how that reflected light would work, how the shadow’s angles would be so appealing, that you’d thought about all of it and made very sound design decisions. But a wall outlet? That was the very best place to put an outlet? You’re sure, architect of this building?
Dallas, Texas
photographed 3.19.2011
Posted on October 4, 2013, in architecture, Photography and tagged 365 photo project, architecture, black and white photography, dallas, dallas texas, downtown, melinda green harvey, one day one image, photo a day, photography, texas. Bookmark the permalink. 14 Comments.
One Day | One Image 
Okay, they needed an electrical outlet on the outside but don’t you think they would at least try to make it blend in a little better?
I like some new buildings to photograph. They have a geometric precision and the best ones make good use of reflective materials and color and blend in well with their surroundings.
LikeLike
Blend it in better, or use a floor outlet.
I do have some photos of new buildings, but there’s just something about an old place that’s surrendering to gravity…..
LikeLike
Considering what seems to be the distance from that wall to the window in front of, it does seem like an odd place for an outlet, although it would be out of sight to those inside the building.
LikeLike
A floor outlet might have been a better choice. I don’t know why people don’t ask me for advice – it would save a lot of errors.
LikeLike
Architects, huh? They don’t know what’s good for them. 🙂
LikeLike
They really don’t. (Unlike sometimes when I just make stuff up, I actually do know what I am talking about on this subject: I have a degree in architecture and my husband and son are both architects.)
LikeLike
I like that you didn’t remove the offending outlet but let it be the basis of your delightfully written post.
LikeLike
It’s funny that I never even thought about removing the outlet – which would have been really easy to do. I had more fun complaining about it, I guess!
I am glad you thought this was delightfully written.
LikeLike
Maybe it was the client – small budget, attitude and no taste – perhaps there is an outlet on the inside wall in the same place, easily (cheaply) connected to? Perhaps it is a subtle statement by the architect about their client?
Or maybe it was the local handyman cum garderner cum leaf blower and he needed an outlet, so he put one in (probably not GFI)? And to this day the architect doesn’t know.
Obviously at least a few architects know what’s good for them, like the ones the cluster near you.
LikeLike
The architect would, if this were called to his/her attention, blame it on the electrical engineer.
It’s odd that none of the clustered architects around me have commented on this photo, though. I wonder why…..
LikeLike
Probably the commentary. All of us waiting to pounce.
Or perhaps it would be a private comment, in person. I hope they are polite!
LikeLike
But you’d all pounce so nicely…!
LikeLike
Receptacles happen. I’m stumped by the configuration of the storefront and the wall with the glass block! What’s really going on there?
LikeLike
It IS confusing. It’s some kind of a setback that serves no real purpose that I could determine. It’s not very deep – a foot or two at the most – but at least you could plug something in.
LikeLike