Thursday, August 28, 2014

Monday, August 25, 2014

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Monday, August 18, 2014

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

A note on Guastavino ceilings

Rafael Guastavino immigrated from Spain to the U.S. in 1881, bringing with him a building system based on the vault, an ancient way of building found all over the Mediterranean. Using layers of thin ceramic tiles cemented with thick mortar, Guastavino added his own innovations, such as using Portland cement instead of traditional lime mortar. His innovative techniques wedded to the traditional arch resulted in vaults that were strong, lightweight and fireproof. These thinner structures were also much faster and easier to build. Together with his son, Rafael Jr., Guastavino built more than 1,000 significant interiors (including more than 300 in New York City alone).

Queensboro Marketplace in the space under the Queensboro Bridge.
The Oyster Bar in Grand Central Terminal.

Friday, August 08, 2014

Look up




Guastavino's handiwork makes gorgeous even more gorgeous.

Music Pagoda

Music under the stars.

Thursday, August 07, 2014

A little brook

…At the bottom of the Prospect Park Ravine.

Tuesday, August 05, 2014

Monday, August 04, 2014

Sunday, August 03, 2014

Saturday, August 02, 2014

Friday, August 01, 2014