Charles Rennie Mackintosh continued his aesthetic movement of Gesamtkunstwerk, meaning “total work of art”, when he was commissioned to design the Willow Tea Rooms in 1898.

To provide background, tearooms were a place to socialize and enjoy a light meal of tea and finger foods. The caveat was that these tearooms were strictly for men. Catherine Cranston wanted to make a place where women could enjoy the freedom of leaving the house and experiencing the same social possibilities. In order to do so, Cranston commissioned Mackintosh to design the Willow Tea Rooms. This project would bring a respectable activity to Glasgow.

This project began in 1903 with the remodel of 217 Sauchiell Street. This was a 4 story building on one of Glasgow’s most popular shopping streets. the location was fitting for the crowd that Cranston was trying to attract. The front of the building was moved back from the street and bay windows were added. The smooth, white exterior of the Willow Tea Rooms exhibits the elegance of the establishment.

The inside of 217 Sauchiell Street held many tea rooms with differing purposes. There were both male and female distinct social rooms. Mackintosh contrasted the dark and informal men’s tea rooms with a formal, delicate environment for ladies’ tea rooms. On the ground floor was a general ladies’ tea room. This room was adorned with accents of white, silver, and rose, and had vaulted ceilings. Upstairs was the Room de Luxe, a more exclusive ladies’ tea room and gallery. It was here that Mackintosh created his famous high-backed chair. The Room de Luxe exuded luxury, as it was colored with rich hues of pink, white, and grey. The levels of the building resemble the hierarchy of society, which continues to tell a story to visitors today. In 2019, the Willow Tea Rooms won RICS Award for Building Conservation. It has been carefully restored over the last century, and researchers believe that it will be enjoyed for many more generations.

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https://worldarchitecture.org/article-links/ecpzn/-mackintosh-at-the-willow-glasgow-is-awarded-scotland-s-project-of-the-year.html

Charles Rennie Mackintosh and the Willow Tea Rooms, Part One

Charles Rennie Mackintosh was an outlier during his time as an architect in Scotland. His architecture followed the contemporary iconoclastic form, meaning the social belief in the importance of the destruction of icons and idols. This style, mixed with many cultural influences mentioned in my previous blog, was unsettling to Scotland in the early 1900s. He turned against classical styles such as Victorian and Greek-Roman design to a modern style that shocked 18th century Scotland.

Mackintosh’s style and completion of the Glasgow School of Art caught the eyes of Walter Blackie, an aristocrat who owned a large publishing house. Blackie commissioned Mackintosh to build a single family home in Helensburgh, Scotland. This was known as the Hill House.

It is said that the Hill House was designed “from the inside out.” As I mentioned in my previous blog, Mackintosh was not only an architect, but an artist and designer too. He believed that each room was a unique work of art. Rooms are set apart by their difference in geometry and use of light. White and ebony are dominant colors in the Hill House, creating delicacy in the structure. Mackintosh used changes of scale to stir surprise from room to room.

In regard to the exterior of the home, Mackintosh’s Hill House was differentiated from many buildings in the early 19th century. Cement was used to cover the exterior, giving it a stone-like smooth finish. The use of this new technology gave the house the appearance of a gleaming white castle, much like out of a fairytale picture-book. The Hill House was completed in 1904, however it did not stay in pristine shape for long. Shortly after moving in, the Blackie family experienced issues with leaks. The cement covering the home has no elasticity. When Scotland reaches freezing temperatures, the cement cracks and water leaks into the building. Ultimately, the Hill House needed complete restoration, which is currently costing 4.5 million euros! The home is covered by a chainmail tent structure. An expert on the restoration refers to this as “a modern idea in a modern dress” meaning that the home, a modern idea at the time, meets a now modern industrial-style chainmail.

Currently, the public is able to tour the unique home even with the restoration measures in place. Hill House attracts 35,000 visitors a year and those numbers are expected to increase after the restoration process is completed.

https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2019/jun/02/hill-house-helensburgh-charles-rennie-mackintosh-carmody-groarke

I have been assigned to study arguably Scotland’s most famous architect, Charles Rennie Mackintosh. He was born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1868. He was a man who wore many creative hats: architect, artist, and designer. He was commissioned to build his most well-known projects – the Glasgow School of Art, Hill House, and Willow Tea Rooms.

Referred to as Mackintosh’s “masterwork”, the Glasgow School of Art “[heralded] the birth of a new style in 20th-century European architecture.” Many cultures influenced the school, such as Scottish baronial, medieval architecture, and Japonisme. Contemporary style also played a big role in the formation of the school. Mackintosh was criticized due to his boldness of design, but after completion he was specifically praised for his use of light in the project.

The school’s most famous room is the Mackintosh Library. In classic Mackintosh style, the space is highly influenced by traditional Japanese architecture. The framework was built to show off the complexity of timber posts and beams that support the structure. The cluster of lights in the middle of the room bring contrast from the dark-stained wood. Light from the windows floods the room. From the photos, I believe this room has an air of mystery to it.

In 2014, the Glasgow School of Art was tragically damaged by a fire. It is reported that the fire was started by a faulty projector exploding in the basement. The library was damaged, as well the entire west side of the structure. Thankfully, the structure of the school was left in tact. The building will be undergoing a 32 million euro refurbishment with Page/Park Architects leading the project.

https://www.dezeen.com/2018/06/05/glasgow-school-of-art-charles-rennie-mackintosh-masterwork-150-anniversary/

Although it was completed 60 years after Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s death, House for an Art Lover caught the attention of international viewers. This project established his fame among the world, not only in Scotland.

Mackintosh and his wife, artist Margaret Macdonald, drew up the plans for House for an Art Lover to enter a German design magazine competition in 1901. The goal of the competition was to make the house a work of art itself, particularly interiorly speaking. Although the pair was disqualified, the plans were still published to show Mackintosh’s out-of-the-box modern style. The head of architecture at one of Mackintosh’s previous builds, the Glasgow School of Art, drew up the technical plans. This launched his piece of art into reality.

The House for an Art Lover was built in Ballahouston Park, Glasgow. An 18-century mansion once resided on the same plot, but had burned-down years before. The exterior of this home is creme colors with a grey roof. I would describe it as a mansion with English countryside style. After entering the home, you reach the main hall. It is grand in proportion, and displays the Scottish baronial style through the designs of both the staircase and fireplace. Details in this main hall such as lanterns and straight lines are influenced by Japanese architecture. In classic Mackintosh style, rooms were styled either dark masculine or light feminine based on their uses. In this main hall, Mackintosh used dark wood to create the masculine feel. In the oval room, an after-dinner room for ladies, Mackintosh’s used white and natural light to create a light, modern atmosphere.

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Mackintosh beautifully combines practicality with art. He incorporates a large terrace and bay windows at the front of the home to allow plenty of sunlight, but places bedrooms toward the back of the house to lessen their sunlight. In addition, his characteristic high-backed chairs are not only art, but also functioning objects for the dining table! Although the meaning is unknown to us, Mackintosh points to nature by these four recurring symbols around the music room: the rose, the tree, the bird, and the egg. Mackintosh’s ability to merge functionality with detailed, meaningful art is remarkable.

The House for an Art Lover is where Mackintosh’s legacy continues to be celebrated. Since its public opening in 1996, it is one of Glasgow’s most popular destinations for the arts, and many events are held there. In fact, it even serves as a wedding venue!

https://www.dezeen.com/2018/06/06/house-for-an-art-lover-charles-rennie-mackintosh-architecture/

https://artsandculture.google.com/story/mackintosh-house-for-an-art-lover/dgWhUX7kv0jBqQ?hl=en

After watching “Eloise at the Plaza” as a young child, I dreamed of walking through the Plaza Hotel in New York City. When I finally pushed through the elegant revolving doors at age 13, my expectations were far exceeded.

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Designed by Henry Janeway Hardenbergh, the Plaza Hotel is a French Renaissance chateau-style building that was opened in 1907. Covered in white brick and copper accents, this building stands proudly at 18-stories tall. It is said that this hotel brought a sophisticated air to Fifth Avenue. In fact, the hotel achieved National Historic Landmark status in 1988. Originally costing around $12 million, the property has surely appreciated in value. Although inflation has occurred over the years, the most recent sale of The Plaza was to the El Ad Group for $675 million!

Not only was The Plaza Hotel the backdrop of “Eloise at the Plaza”, but it has also made an appearance on hit TV show “Sex and the City” and “The Sopranos.” Many famous guests have made themselves comfortable here, such as the Beatles and Donald Trump.

The elegance of The Plaza extends to every detail of its interior. After walking up the red carpet stairs and pushing through the revolving doors, you come upon the lobby. Colored with gold and red accents, the lobby makes a statement with ornate archways, pillars, and marble floors. These details give the hotel a lavish feel while maintaining tastefulness.

The Plaza Hotel left such a strong impression on me because of its grandiose, timeless design. My eye is typically drawn to buildings that are neutral in color and modern in style. The Plaza Hotel, however, made me appreciate the elegance of French Renaissance design. The marble staircases, larger-than-life chandeliers, and vaulted ceilings transported me to another world – much like “Eloise at the Plaza!”

Gallery

https://nyc-architecture.com/MID/MID056.htm

As far as destination spots go, I believe the Cyclades have not only the most astonishing views, but also the most beautiful architecture. My personal experience was with Santorini, Greece.

My family stayed in the village of Oia, which is located on a mountain. The car service was only able to take us so far into the town; from there, we lugged our suitcases through the paved streets to the Dionyssos Cave House. In order to reach this house, our family weaved through the narrow streets of Oia with the homeowner, passing houses on both sides. Because these houses were carved out of the mountain’s volcanic rock, the houses are not spaced with any rhyme or reason. It felt like a fairytale neighborhood.

To provide you with a mental picture of the layout of our cave house, you walked through double doors into a small courtyard with a table and stairs. The stairs were steep and narrow, with the steps measuring about two feet wide and two feet tall. These stairs led to the upstairs room and the lounging deck on the roof. We would spend our evenings here looking out at the town lights and the ocean. My grandma, who was born in Greece, would teach us the language and tell us stories of her childhood. Inside the house, there were stone floors and curved ceilings in nearly all rooms. My bathroom in particular was a deep shade of blue and felt particularly cave-like. The builder of this home seamlessly incorporated natural elements such as raw stone and the mountain’s curvature while creating a clean, modern space.

Cycladic architecture is characterized by the blue and white colors that give a nod to the Greek flag and create a harmony with the sea. The white color of the buildings reflected the sunlight during the day, making Oia feel even more like heaven on earth. The elegant domes atop chapels are covered in the deepest blue. To pull everything together, the doors were predominantly painted shades of blue, and adorned with small pink flowers. The beauty of the Cyclades will live on in both my memory and my camera roll!

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https://www.vrbo.com/6543496ha?_branch_match_id=971494041934226463&adultsCount=1&oc=kq6tkA190PV7tgbg95sqb&utm_campaign=earned%3Avrbo%3Ashare%3AXXX%3AUS%3Aios&utm_content=6543496ha&utm_medium=social&utm_source=direct

The Star is located in Frisco, Texas and was spearheaded by Jerry Jones, Owner of the Dallas Cowboys. The intent behind this 91-acre complex was to establish an even stronger community using brick and mortar. Ever since its grand opening, I have been in awe of The Star’s beauty.

All of the buildings within the complex are decked out with floor to ceiling windows, a sleek design, and luxurious touches to give patrons the feel of a country club. The addition of large trees and beautifully curated landscaping are the cherry on top of the project in my opinion. Because very few homes in Frisco have much greenery, the hint of natural features allows visitors to feel connected with the earth while enjoying the luxury of a $1.5 billion project!

This past summer, I had the opportunity to shadow a commercial real estate broker that offices out of The Star’s office complex. As I walked through glass double doors that were larger than life, I was greeted with the most beautiful chandelier. As you may observe in the photo above, this is no ordinary lighting fixture. Constructed 160 mirrored rods adorned with 20,000 gleaming LED lights, the fixture could remind the guest of stars, diamonds, or fireflies. In my case, it was a symbol of where I could be working in the future.

If you were able to take your gaze off the chandelier, your eyes may travel down to the floors of Italian Bianco Perla marble. As a 20-year-old with no experience in the commercial real estate field, I felt unworthy to be in this entryway which felt like a palace. I have turned this negative feeling into motivation. As I reminisce over my time in this unique office building, I continue to increase my work ethic because I want to walk into work everyday through an entryway like the offices at The Star.

https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/dallas-cowboys-star-headquarters

https://www.dallasnews.com/arts-entertainment/architecture/2018/07/20/with-the-star-in-frisco-the-dallas-cowboys-build-a-football-oz/

Have you ever heard of the Willis Tower in Chicago, Illinois? This skyscraper stands proudly as the second tallest building in North America, climbing 110 stories tall! Completed in 1973, the original purpose of the monstrous tower was to office 350,000 Sears employees. Willis Group Holdings now occupies the tower, hence the name “Willis Tower.”

The Willis Tower is adorned with 16,100 bronze-tinted windows, 145,000 lighting fixtures, and 76,000 tons of steel. Although these elements add to the beauty of the building, they weren’t what left an impression on me.

The unique, stand-out element that the Willis Tower provides in my opinion is the Skydeck. The Skydeck is an observation deck on the 103rd floor that provides a beautiful view to the city of Chicago. Not only is this the highest observation deck in the United States, but there is an opportunity for visitors to step out above the city…

The Ledge is clear box that visitors can stand on and “float” above the city. It is constructed of three layers of half-inch thick glass. It is allegedly capable of holding up to 10,000 pounds! As a 15-year-old, I was extremely excited to get Instagram-worthy photos on The Ledge. I did not account for the fact that I was fairly scared of heights. Despite my nerves, I stepped out on The Ledge and snapped a couple fun photos with my mother and my aunt. For a moment in time, I felt like I was on top of the world… at least on top of Chicago.

That is why this building holds a special place in my memory. The unique Skydeck and Ledge transforms the building from a large office space to an experience of bravery and adrenaline for tourists. It does attract 1.7 million tourists annually, so I can imagine many feel the same as I do!

https://www.willistower.com/history-and-facts

Facts About the Ledge