Pasadena's City Hall is the centerpiece on our table, the hood ornament on our car, our Sunday hat. We like to flaunt it, take pictures of it, drive out of our way to go by it when we have out-of-towners in the car. "That? Oh, that's City Hall." I like to say there are no bad angles there.
We like it so much, in fact, that we kicked everyone out of it for nearly three years (2004-2007) while we spent a whole lot of money on a seismic retrofit. We aim to keep the place come hell or high water (the "big one" being most locals' definition of hell).
Who were the original architects of Pasadena City Hall?
That's this week's contest question. Once again, I've linked you to the answer. You might have to read a bit to find it, but it's an interesting article. Don't let it be said that I don't promote your erudition here at PDP.
Here are the rules we play by:
1. Email the answer to the contest question to me. There's a link to my email in my profile at the upper left. You have until midnight tonight, Pasadena (Pacific) time. Answers in the comments section will be rudely ignored but probably not deleted unless they're incorrect.
2. That's all you have to do.
3. I'll put all the correct answers into a hat and tomorrow I'll find a willing neighbor/stranger/sucker to draw the winning name. I'll announce the winner in Sunday's post.
4. PRIZES!
What is this, Week 7? Gawd, how many books have I got here? Let's see...five plus one minus two, carry the twelve...Eight. I have (had) eight books I've given away six, so it's this week and next week and we're finished. Let's make it snappy!
The books I'm giving away today and next Friday in the PDP/PPM Books Contest are copies of At Home Pasadena
, a beautiful, hardbound, coffee-table book for your drooling pleasure. Designed by James Barkley and written by Jill Allison Ganon and Sandy Gillis, with photos by Jennifer Cheung and Steven Nilsson, the book is loaded with eye candy with sections on gardening, working, collecting--and an out-of-this-world section on bathing--all "at home." Play to win today and come back next Friday, because I'll have one last copy of At Home Pasadena to give away.
Big thanks to Colleen Dunn Bates and Prospect Park Media for providing us with all these fabulous books!
21 comments:
And one of the wonderful things about this kind of hood ornament is that it's pretty hard to knock off. Not that anyone would dream of doing such things in your town, Petrea! I love the light and shade here.
Great photo!
Thanks, you two.
yes great photo!
This is one of the best City Hall photos I've seen. Wonderful symmetry.
Hi magic p, thank you.
Glad you like it, Bellis. I've been saving it but I don't know what for. For today!
The city hall is pretty fabulous, especially at night when it's all lit up.
And I get to come to work here every day!
I say Myron Hunt to any Pasaden architecture question. The lighted area looks like a giant, antique keyhole.
Who was the first to use arches? The Romans? I'm sure glad someone thought to use arches. This photo is very nice. I really like it.
what a unique take on our hood ornament! Beautiful shot, Petrea.
Pay no attention to the Hiker. It's unusual for her to be incorrect, but unusual things happen here in the Dena.
I don't know who used arches first but it's such an old shape--think of openings to caves--it's probably always been used by humans for their dwellings.
I'm glad you all like the photo. I think if I worked at City Hall like Ann does, I'd bring my lunch every day so I could stay and eat in the courtyard. Do people do that? Now that I think of it I've never seen anyone eating there. Seems like a perfect spot.
"… open the door & see all the peephole."
wv: unarmani; n., what the streetfolk wear around City Hall.
I don't usually eat in the courtyard, although I have seen many, many people do so at lunch and dinner time over the years.
One of my favorites was a young couple who set a checkered tablecloth on the edge of the fountain and enjoyed some cheese and fruit on a summer's evening.
On occasions when I get writer's block and need to clear my mind, I go down to the courtyard and walk awhile among the gardens, then sit on a bench and stare at the fountain for awhile. Works every time.
I occasionally give City Hall tours, and I ask groups to meet me at the fountain. I try to arrive a little early as often as possible so I can have a few minutes of R&R in that lovely, serene setting.
OK, I've changed my mind -- I'll never retire.
Wow, you must have taken this photo from a really tall ladder! What is it about great architecture that stirs people so?
I'm wearing my unarmani right now, J.
Ann, that sounds lovely. Everyone should have such a place to clear their heads.
Katie, I don't know how to put my finger on it but architects have always known how to do it. Great edifices have long been created to impress and awe us. Think of climbing the Capitol steps, think of the Acropolis atop the hill, think of L'Opera Garnier, think of--think of the Transamerica Pyramid, even. Great architecture is art, it's communication, it's civilization at its most profound.
Did I say that? I did. Architecture speaks to me on deep levels.
Love this photo. :)
I can't play but all I can say is when this loaded I groaned with delight. Well that doesn't sound right. ( That sounds downright ...something!) I mean I loved the hell out of it P. THe arch, the figure, the light. It's fab. You know what I mean!!
V
Thank you, Ms. M! (You know, I really wanted to get rid of that car.)
V, why can't you play? Of course you can play. Jeez.
Oh, I missed this week's contest! I feel like a bear coming out of hibernation. At least I still get to appreciate the beautiful photo.
Wonderful shot!
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