When used as ornament in western architecture plants have generally been rendered naturalistically as if they grew on the buildings they adorned.
Go to Post | February 14th, 2012details
Architectural Ornament in Heraldry and Emblems
When we look at architectural ornament of heraldry and emblems, we see things associated with the aristocracy. Over time the aristocracy of business and commerce subsumed that of humans. Companies and corporations commissioned heraldic crests emblazoned on shields, which were displayed on the buildings they owned and occupied.
Go to Post | October 26th, 2011Architectural Ornament in Animal and Bird Forms
The animals commonly depicted on buildings exemplify desirable human character traits. They are the focus in this second installment of the series Architectural Ornament in San Francisco.
Go to Post | September 20th, 2011Architectural Ornament in Human Forms
Modernism replaced ornament with a different vocabulary of details involving straight lines, right angles, and clean edges. Still, since we admire buildings from the time when ornament was popular, revealing the meaning of decorative motifs would broaden our understanding and increase our pleasure in passing by them. They contribute to the urban texture of our cities.
Go to Post | June 27th, 2011
