Category Archives: Architecture

Word on the Street

Posted on July 18, 2018 by Brian D. Butler

This week, Philadelphia had another visit by the LA-based street artist known as WRDSMTH. His wheatpaste artwork is as always heartwarming and a welcome surprise.

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Philly: Come for the history, stay for the food

Posted on July 16, 2018 by Brian D. Butler

For decades, many of us in the Philadelphia area have been baffled by the inability of anyone to make good use of the old Bourse building in the heart of the historic district. The beautiful 19th century Beaux Arts landmark … Continue reading →

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Philly’s Own High Line

Posted on June 16, 2018 by Brian D. Butler

This week, Philadelphia inaugurated the initial section of the long awaited Rail Park. The first phase of the urban greenspace runs along a formerly derelict Reading Railroad 19th century viaduct. When it is completed, the Rail Park will run for … Continue reading →

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A New Home for Readers and Writers

Posted on May 14, 2018 by Brian D. Butler

The Center for Fiction, which describes itself as “the only organization in the U.S. solely devoted to the creation and enjoyment of fiction,” has announced that its new home will open in Brooklyn, N.Y. in January 2019. The three-story complex, … Continue reading →

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Put A Ring On It

Posted on May 7, 2018 by Brian D. Butler

To celebrate the Concéntrico International Festival of Architecture and Design, the Berlin-based art collective Plastique Fantastique encircled the Instituo Esudios Riojanos in Logroño, Spain, with a gigantic faux gold ring. Unfortunately, RINGdeLUXE will only be in place through May.

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The Dutch Are Religious About Libraries

Posted on April 21, 2018 by Brian D. Butler

A few years ago, a disused 15th century church in Zwolle, Netherlands was transformed into a modern library. Now,  a 19th century church in ‘s- Hertogenbosch  has been turned into a stunning 21st century combined library/museum/community center. What a great … Continue reading →

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Copenhagen Now Has A Parkipelago

Posted on March 23, 2018 by Brian D. Butler

CPH-Ø1 is a 215 square-foot handmade floating platform with a tree planted in the center. The min-island represents the first piece in a new project from local design studio Fokstrot. The “Parkipelago” is an innovative concept in public spaces coming to Copenhagen’s inner … Continue reading →

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Why Museums Matter

Posted on March 9, 2018 by Brian D. Butler

Anyone who has ever traveled with me can attest to my museum obsession. I have been accused of being incapable of passing any museum without popping in for a visit. Of course these types of consuming passions all have an origin or … Continue reading →

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We Miss Them So Much

Posted on February 24, 2018 by Brian D. Butler

Earlier this month, the Smithsonian Museum of American Art and National Portrait Gallery unveiled the official portraits of former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. I wasn’t much impressed by the images of the paintings that I saw … Continue reading →

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Why Bibliophiles Hate Cristiano Ronaldo

Posted on February 15, 2018 by Brian D. Butler

Cristiano Ronaldo, the famous Portuguese footballer, has purchased the historic Casa del Libro bookstore building in the heart of Madrid with plans to convert it into a luxury hotel. The 95 year old bookstore is housed in a beautiful building … Continue reading →

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