I Heart Peeling Paint!

...except when it's in my house and it has lead in it.

 This is at Kirigin Cellars along with the barrel-door.

50's Signage

I love old signs, and I saw a bunch in the Central Valley of California last week when I was visiting. I have no proof that this sign is from the 50's, but I think the font and the fading looks like it is from about that time period. It looks a bit art deco-y, which is why it caught my eye.

 This is in Escalon, CA, which is right by Modesto. 

Wine and Cheese in Architecture

I love when form and function are unified seamlessly in architecture and design, but it's also fun to see when concept and function are played with. I don't even mind the cheesiness, (and the wine was pretty good.)

Here, in the Santa Clara Valley, at Kirigin Cellars the doorway to the wine tasting room is a large oaky barrel.

Architecture for Social Engagement 2

The photograph is of L.A. The white complex in the foreground shows the placement of the buildings shown in the model I posted yesterday.

Architecture for Social Engagement 1

I LOVE looking at architectural models. Over the next couple of days I will include pictures of models, drawings and photographs that are in the MoMA exhibit Small Scale Big Change: New Architecture of Social Engagement. It's all about local needs in underserved communities. This is of a school or arts organization in L.A.

Mmmmmm Signage!

My favorite fast food place!




I'm glad there are none of these in the east or I would weigh a lot more than I already do.

Manteca, CA

Elephant Bar Door Handles

Need I say more?



One doesn't often find architectural elements of note at chain restaurants (now that I said that I will,) but I thought these door handles were fun.

Elephant Bar
Modesto, CA