Observing Architecture

This past week we've done a few "Architectural tours" around town.  The boys have taken pictures of things they deem interesting & then they've come home to draw their discoveries.  

They've especially enjoyed using a glue gun with their blocks.  Part of me wants to "save" their toys for their intended purpose, & I have to remind myself that this IS their intended purpose.  I start to worry about having a large permanent art installment in my home that they'll never, ever want me to throw away. Then I remember this is the perfect use for all those clutter-y extra bits.

Today they made a ship with smoke stacks & ropes for tugging, an airport with air traffic control towers, & Santa's village.  I'm fascinated at how collaborative this is, "I have an idea!  Free, can I add sign to your store?"  "Sure.  I'm just going to glue a light onto your tower." I think knowing the glue gun is dangerous (& so, in danger of being taken away) helps them to move slowly & focus.

I love the little "Kisses" shop with the kiss roof, the little fish for the "Fish Market" & the placement of the Indian Elephant.  Just because.

This whole idea sprouted from Blue Yonder's Book of Days.

Some of the boy's pictures from town:

carved door

arched gate w/ brick

variegated roof + curved red tile shingles

arched walkways

carved adobe + trim + towers / turrets

These are all very "California Spanish."  We also looked for details reminiscent of home back East:

dormers + scrolled sign holders

shutters

I can't wait to until it really warms up.  Then we'll head to San Francisco & I'll show them the city how I know it: with a camera, Sharpies & a notebook, plus enough change to hop on & off the Muni bus. 

Comments

[mary smith]

Great photos of the buildings, so interesting. I think I like the first building the most!

[stefani]

very very cool! If I can dig it up, I'll send you a photo of the
"art installment" that the kids created at our local Maker Faire. They had banks of glue guns and bucks of bits so that kids (and grown ups!) could participate. It was HUGE and made me want to come home and devote a wall to participatory art.
I haven't worked up the nerve yet though :-)