architecture – Page 5 – John Angell

Architectural Corner – Oriental

As a nation of settlers, our immigrants have bought with the the influences of their homelands, and those from the Orient are no different.

Asian architecture – and there are many variations based on region/country – is typically wood-framed, characterized by graceful and distinctively shaped, multi-level roofs that curve upwards at the corners. Entryways almost always face south. Structures are symmetrical in layout, they may be round, square, even octagonal in shape.

Often meticulously decorated with culturally significant carvings, of animals and mythological figures, they symbolize more than just a dwelling, but a tribute to history. Red roof channel fortune, green harmony, yellow royalty. They are often surrounded by graceful gardens.

Architectural Corner – Dutch Colonial Architecture

As was typical of all New World settlers, Dutch settlers in New York, New Jersey, Delaware & western Connecticut brought their familiar architecture with them.

The Dutch Colonial homes were characterized by gambrel roofs with curved eaves, double-hung sash windows, and outward swinging wood shutters, these charming homes were originally designed with only one room (open concept before it was a thing).

Besides what was just mentioned, Dutch Colonials varied wildly in form. During the late 1800’s they had a very Victorian flare, while after 1900 their design contained more classical elements.

We see this style in D/FW from time-to-time. In fact, the very first home I ever held open was Dutch Colonial. It was on Reiger in Old East Dallas. Sweet memories…

Architectural Corner – The Shotgun Home – June 2020

(Definitely one of my favorite names for a housing style.)

Shotgun houses were a product of the

post-Civil War era, and were designed to fit as many homes into a city block as possible No more than 12’ wide, they were most popular in the Southern US, particularly New Orleans, but can be found as far as Chicago, Florida, Key West and here in Dallas.

Typically configured with no hallway, living room in the front and kitchen in the back, these homes were all about space economy. Rooms are surprisingly spacious (unhindered by parallel rooms) and high ceilings for ventilation. Some are two-storied, especially in New Orleans (see embarrassing Mardi Gras pictures), and typically elevated 3’ above ground in case of flooding.

Architectural Corner – Georgian – May 2020

Following the Elizabethan style of Renaissance architecture, the Jacobean Style is named after King James I of England. Influenced by Flemish and German immigrant craftsmen and artists rather than the previous Queen’s (Elizabeth) reign, they showed a majesty rarely seen outside of churches.

Flat roofs with open-work parapets, round-arch arcades, columns and pilasters were relied upon heavily, while other classical elements appeared more freely than in Elizabethan architecture. The style itself heavily influenced furniture design and decorative arts for years to come.

While this style of architecture was for too fanciful for the hard lives of the puritans who were its contemporaries, they are not unknown in the United States.

The Tipi – April 2020

The tipi was a essentially mobile tent, and was critical to the migratory nature of Native Americans. It was more or less a tripod wrapped in animal skins, although the Blackfoot Indians used 4 poles instead of 3.

Typically 12-25 feet tall, these structures featured a smoke flap at the top where the poles converged, and a fire pit in the center for cooking and heating. They could be easily collapsed for fast transportation (if dragging is considered fast). The tipi did a great job keeping occupants cool in the summer and warm in the winter, and there was a surprising amount of variety in terms of features.

Most tipis were not decorated, the few exceptions were painted on the outside, depicting historical battles, hunting expeditions, and visions.

Architectural Corner – Contemporary/Modern

According to Homeplans.com, the contemporary home “runs the gamut from mid-century modern to the latest designs representing current trends towards sleek, contemporary design. Contemporary-Modern design is characterized by clean, simple lines, a minimum of decoration, lots of glass, and flat or shed rooflines. Many feature unusual open floor plans and Indoor/outdoor living spaces.”

The name “Contemporary” may be a little shortsighted considering it will invariably go out of style someday, yet people will still be obligated to call it “contemporary”, but I digress.

Contemporary-modern homes feature my most hated real estate buzzword, namely “open concept floor plan”. From DIY to Discovery Channel, it’s been driven into the ground. But people want it now, even though they’re not really sure what it means…

Architectural Corner – The Dingbat

Still can’t believe this is actually the name of a housing style…

The Dingbat is a boxy, 2 or 3 story apartment/condo, consisting of relatively few units per parcel, with the living areas overhanging street-front parking. They came into prominence in the 1950’s and 1960’s, primarily in the American sunbelt.

The word itself is a bit disparaging, but dingbat refers to the star-shaped decorations (similarto typographic dingbats) that are often found on their stucco facades. Although they’re a very efficient use of limited lot sizes, they are often considered eyesores and are often the target of demolition efforts.

I’ve seen quite a few of these buildings around Dallas. There are quite a few in Oak Lawn, and one in particular on Oram in East Dallas, although I know they’re not confined to those two areas.