Discovering Richmond

Though you might not think it, photography and architecture go hand in hand.  We need them for site analysis, understanding our surroundings, capturing inspiration, and general information gathering. I'm always grabbing my camera to get inspired by my surroundings, no matter where I am. I am by no means a professional photographer but I enjoy taking pictures as a reminder of where I've been, and it helps me formulate ideas about where I want to go from there.

So for this summer, I've decided to have a photography series, based on things I see around my hometown of Richmond. There's a lot of history here, and its an architectural goldmine. The old school feel is so strong they're planning on having the new Lincoln movie filmed here. The buildings this place really shines in are residential and mercantile, with big sprawling estates not 5 minutes away from Cary town. It exemplifies the concept of vertical zoning, with live/work/play all inside the same structure.

So here's a glimpse through my camera lens, and hopefully you can use my pictures to help you in your work. These particular pictures were taken in the Fan district, on the West side of town. I've always loved this district for its history and beauty. Enjoy!

These buildings are part of an almost one block set. The center of the set is on the far right. 

An example of a live work building

Really loving the double balconies and the building color. 

They should probably get that looked at... 

A type of column capital I have never seen before.

Even though it is not part of the building design, a chair made out of a dress is still pretty interesting.

This gate reminded me of Japan

Even the backalleys here are picturesque

This house makes me wonder whether its either really old, or just really beat up.

In love with the column capitals and general facade design.

Same building as above, with a better view of the porch.

Currently admiring the balcony and color scheme of this particular building. 

A better view of the porch of the building above. 

Columns!

I am, for unexplained reasons extremely attracted to side alleys. Their practical application, I don't know but they are much more appealing to me then house right next to each other. Could it be the visual break, or do i just like small gates? The world may never know. 

More beautiful glass work on the windows

What have we learned from this? I am a sucker for columns, pretty glass, side alleys, and the color green. If I took a picture of your house, please let me know, I am not a creeper, I just like pretty houses. To all the architecture students out there, you should try getting out and taking as many pictures as possible, because you never know when you will see something that will inspire you for your next project. A picture is worth a thousand words, but Google Pictures can only do so much.