LIGHT AND DARK IN SAO PAULO CATHEDRAL
Gothic architecture is aggressive, dark, tall and at times ominous. That wasn’t by accident, especially in the case of religious architecture. Cathedrals, churches and other religious buildings stood not only as places of worship and business, but as a monument to the religion they served. The spires on the tallest towers reach higher to the kingdom of heaven (if you’re into that sort of thing) and dwarf any worshiper who sets foot inside.
Despite the aggressive appearance and nature of these buildings, they were also designed to let in the light. Amidst the dark recesses of apses, vaulted ceilings and cloisters the stained glass windows let in light, illuminating the space. Huge bursts of color break through the otherwise dark and grim spaces to illuminate the building and in theory, the people inside.
Today we visited the Sao Paulo Cathedral, in the heart of Old Sao Paulo. The timing was perfect and as we exited, the sun began to lower, shooting beams through the stained glass windows—brightening the mosaics, reflecting on the floors and offering a bit of optimism to the many that come to pray. I tried my best to capture a few of the dark spots and present the cathedral in a more illuminated way.
I’m really letting my architecture freak flag fly here in Sao Paulo and I’m totally cool with that.
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Neoclassical architecture, never not getting it done. I think the reason it becomes so popular with people is because in every country all over the world, it’s used as a statement by the civic body. It’s intimidating, but welcoming and is meant to impress whomever is exposed to it. Corinthian columns, sweeping archways, huge vaulted ceilings and a careful eye for symmetry can be found in almost every example. Here, the Museu Paulista da Universidade de Sao Paulo had a huge accompanying garden (full of skateboarders) which you often find attached to neoclassical buildings etc., no matter where you are. Creative expression it seems, is far more universal than language…which we’re all finding quickly because none of us can fluently speak Portugese.
THEODATE POPE RIDDLE
DISCLAIMER: Today is my mother’s birthday, so send good thoughts out to the world and reblog this like crazy so she feels special. This post was her suggestion.
Most of you probably won’t know who Theodate Pope Riddle is, so let me enlighten you. She was one of the first women architects in America and paved the way for many women working in the field today. She graduated from Miss Porter’s School (now just Porter’s/my backyard) and designed her family estate, Hillstead, in town.
Hillstead
Knowing Farmington as I do, I’d expect her style to be approachable, elegant and understated…more of the J.Crew and kate spade vibe than the Lily Pulitzer vibe. Hillstead now exists as a museum housing Hokusai prints, De Gas ballet dancers and Monet’s haystacks. We also walk the dogs here, it’s fun. Enjoy!
1. Taking a stroll on the lawn
Dress by Ralph Lauren, jacket by Proenza Schouler, shoes by Celine
2. The Annual Garden Auction
Dress by Ralph Lauren, shoes by Valentino
3. Sketching in the sunken garden
Coat by Marc Jacobs, dress by Chloe, shoes by Jonathan Saunders
All images from Vogue UK.
