This is the Whitehead Wing (1940) of Emory University Hospital. It's the main pedestrian entrance. But folks don't really visit hospitals on foot. Too bad because the usually empty courtyard is one of my favorite places at Emory, maybe in the whole city.
Approaching the door one must look up. It looks ancient, brand new, almost surreal, exaggerated.
This way.
Charming, human scaled, cozy.
I can't grok it in a drive-by on Clifton Road. There's no place to stop, no convenient place to park. Folks visiting the hospital see this view from the valet parking line. Most Atlanta families have been here seeking care for loved ones when their minds aren't on classic architecture.
Quite a wall. The elaborate 3rd floor windows rest on a heavy band. That way our brain will know that they can't slip off the wall. The elaborate cornice and balustrade rests on a huge beam supported by a massive pilaster at the corner. It looks solid and sturdy.
The roof top balustrade. Each baluster looks like an urn on a plinth.
Elaborate pediments on the 2nd floor windows.
The Clifton Road facade.
I'm going to the 2010 Philip Trammell Shutze Awards on February 20th in Atlanta You should too. In the run up to the awards I'm doing a batch of posts about Shutze in my "neighborhood." No pro photography or pro architecture was committed in this post.
Thanks,
Terry
terry @ surf303.com
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You're right, each time I'm at Emory hospital it's to visit ill friends or family. Some died. It never occured to me to walk around discovering architecture.
ReplyDeleteWhat a relief it would have been. Grace.
Garden & Be Well, XO Tara
This seems to be one of those great examples of architecture attempting to influence our emotions. You show many examples of the strength symbolism as well as the cozy comforting entrance and a quiet serene courtyard. Isn't this what we want to feel at a hospital no matter if we are coming for ourselves or a loved one?
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photography.
Emory Hospital has been the scene of much sadness for my family as well. Yet each time I am in the older area you posted about I have felt somehow comforted.. it is indeed serene and the courtyard is beautiful .. I am so glad it has remained and continues to grace the hospital.. wonderful post
ReplyDeleteIt was the architecture and surroundings that kept me sane during excruciatingly sad visits to the hospital. If it weren't for a beautiful quiet spot here or there I think I would have just fallen to pieces.
ReplyDeleteI'm impressed This post gives me some new thoughts .
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