‘Interesting’ v. Architectural Style
Why San Francisco Still Inspires
I am not an architectural critic on this road trip south, just a provocateur and reflector with images and some words.
My series of photo-based posts about change in cities has been full of incompletely developed thoughts, only skimming the surface of subjects I have written about before using different language and levels of detail. I’ve done that on purpose, in fact, to regain a discipline I once had but was suspended by relocation and change.
I remember a short 2011 piece I wrote about self-contained hill towns, their appearance and “vibe” and how I mentioned Russian Hill as an analogue. The nascent Russian Hill Neighborhood Association (on a much more accessible Twitter) retweeted the piece with glee. Somehow that fits with my opening confessions.
With these admissions behind, I’m still responding to San Francisco as I first did when 22 years old, on a visit that led to work in Palo Alto before there was a Silicon Valley. I feel the familiar, and the urge to look and look again.
These feelings follow from my last post on layers of urban development, and how they manifest particularly well in San Francisco — no doubt because of topography, cultural melting spots, and distinctly different development styles over time. The hills, like my hometown of Seattle, of course, but verging more on the drama of Lisbon, the Alfama, and the Bairro Alto.
I’m returning to color in photos to illustrate my premise, and honor memories. The cross section of building materials and spontaneous expression in San Francisco — whether they emanate from Deco, Victorian splendor, or grit — are interesting, even motivating and enervating – when combined with the wind off the Bay.
No need to label the style, or figure which is flamboyant versus monotonous. Besides, there is no greater monotony than London brick (with the newer bricks made in China) so prevalent on five years of walks in England.
More entries will appear throughout the month of August, and will generate the basis for future presentations and exhibits. All photos by Charles R. Wolfe. Do not copy.
