Henry Hobson Richardson, known as one of “the recognized trinity of American architecture,” is the father of the Richardsonian Romanesque architecture style. Richardson first developed this style during his work on the famous Richarson Olmsted Complex in Buffalo, New York, in 1870. Richardson’s style incorporated 11th and 12th century southern French, Romanesque characteristics. Richardson was presumably inspired by the architecture he saw during his studies at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts while in Paris during 1860. Romanesque architecture is characterized by its use of semi-circular arches, thick walls, large towers, and decorative arcading. The Richardson Olmsted Complex features many of the same qualities with two large towers, intricate arcades, and semi-circular windows throughout the building. It is made of large Medina red sandstone and brick. The roofing is copper-green and is sharply slanted. The building is made of a central administrative tower and five pavilion wards set back on each side, totaling eleven buildings in all. The buildings are all connected by two-story curved corridors.

This building was built along the San Juan Mountains in Telluride, Colorado. Maya Lin’s original intent was to create the simplest form possible situated by an aspen forest. In essence, the house is a box within a box, with no other interior walls. Although this may cause privacy concerns to arise, each room can be cut off using the sliding doors. The Box House gives amazing views of the surrounding mountains, allowing for a 270 degree panoramic view as you move through the house. Framed shutters are placed on the exterior that can be opened up to allow for an extension into the landscape. This residence also incorporates the aspen forest into the building, with holes in the wooden floors being cut around the trees. I really like the juxtaposition of the box shape of the house with the mountains in the background. This stark contrast is especially present when the area receives a lot of snowfall.

https://www.mayalinstudio.com/architecture/the-box-house

Originally, this barn was created in the 1860s on Haley Farm in Clinton, Tennessee, lifted up above the ground on two cribs of logs. Maya Lin redesigned it, but wanted to keep the original integrity of the barn. She was able to keep the original exterior of the barn while completely redesigning the interior to have a much more modern look. A library is situated inside, as well as a study space that can either be incorporated into the larger space, or kept separate depending on who is using the space. This space also  provides beautiful views of a pond and the trees behind the barn, giving the occupants a quiet and relaxing area to work or leisure. I personally really like this building, and I appreciate Maya Lin preserving the exterior of the barn to keep the rustic feel while creating a more modern feel in the interior that makes the building a lot more warm and welcoming.

https://www.mayalinstudio.com/architecture/langston-hughes-library

As Maya Lin states, “the design for the chapel comes from the Children’s Defense Fund’s motto: ‘Dear Lord be good to me / The Sea is so wide / and my boat is so small.’” The main part of the chapel resembles the boat described in this quote. Maya Lin wanted to create a juxtaposition with the existing buildings already in the area, with a stark contrast between the very straight and rectangular forms and the smooth, curved form of the chapel. Lin also wanted to create a space where many people could gather, inside or out. The outdoor space allows for a tent to be set up so people can gather and be shielded from the elements. The chapel was centered around the outdoor courtyard with connections to the administration building and other offices, allowing for the smooth flow of people between buildings.

https://www.mayalinstudio.com/architecture/riggio-lynch-chapel

Designed by Maya Lin, the Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research was created to give off the character of a campus. This building contains a green space at the center, as well as a garden for the employees and the public. The research tower is set back away from the street, while many businesses reside along street level to create a very pedestrian-friendly environment. The lower portion of the building is dedicated to office space, meeting rooms and an auditorium that was designed with a focus on community and keeping employees engaged in an open working environment. The stone façade shown in the photo was inspired by a microscopic view of coral or bone, while the iron tower takes on a more systematic and mathematical approach. The intent was to tie in nature and mathematics with medical innovation for a company that focuses on medical research. 

https://www.mayalinstudio.com/architecture/novartis

San José City hall serves as the seat to the San José municipal government and is located downtown and designed by Richard Meier. This piece of architecture served as the new centerpiece of the redevelopment of San José. Located in the heart of the city, this building serves as a physical symbol of the government. Meier wanted the focal point of City Hall would be the transparent dome, which stands out to anyone who passes by. The dome allows for a central meeting place inside the building, a large rotunda where all areas of the facility may be unified. The depths of this building include a three story council wing, public meeting rooms, retail spaces, and additional department offices. Not only did Meier ensure that this building logistically had everything it needed, but also that the sleek design impresses all who encounter it. The exterior finish is complied of stone, metal, glass, and concrete which provides this modern look. Overall, the building is technically and aesthetically successful.

The Unterhus Houses are vacation homes built by Peter Zumthor in Switzerland. They are made wood and are rather plain looking. To me they look like a shed that someone would have in their backyard. The front of the houses have glass walls allowing for natural light to fill the house. They also give you a great view of the landscape. The houses are built on the side of a hill. Even though these are modern summer homes they are built in a similar style to the other homes in the village. This seems to be what Peter likes to do. He will make some modern building but make it fit in with its surroundings, whether that’s the alps or a small village. These are nice homes, I just like darker wood so I wouldn’t live in one. 

https://divisare.com/projects/313232-peter-zumthor-ralph-feiner-the-unterhus-leis-ob-vals-switzerland