Rachofsky House- Dallas

 

The Dallas/ Ft. Worth area offers many museums to visit.  However, one of the hidden gems of Dallas, is the Rachofsky House, designed by world renowned architect Richard Meier.  This residential development offers a unique experience with not just its aesthetic architectural features but, presents itself as a house of contemporary art.  Unfortunately, the house is no longer accessible to the public but, you can visit the Warehouse to view its international exhibitions.  You can sure drive by it and take a peak through the gate.

I was able to visit this residence a few years back with my family and I have to say, touring this private establishment is any architect's dreams.  Hidden from the congested Preston Rd, traffic, tucked behind a walled divider,  the residence deters its existence from the general public.  The fluid transitions from room to room, from public gathering spaces, to private bedrooms, creates a divide as if you were in low key museum.  You are free to roam at your leisure from space to space from its open front lawn to the human scaled installations and reflection pool.  The conclusion of the tour has you walking around the structure, you have a clear perception of how every wall, joint, column, and glazing, connects with one another.  It's hard to narrow down what my favorite part of this home is but, one of the most fascinating and beautiful parts of the building is its interaction with the nature/ landscaping that it sets in.  You see the reflection of the sky, light, trees, and grass against the windows.  The crisp white horizontal lines of the facade, creates a sense of a different tiered terrain that is formed by the surrounding of the lawn on three sides, leaving with the sight of the entrance of the building in your rear view mirror.

Dallas, has several other mesmerizing hidden structures like the Rachofsky House, each with its own identity.

Have any to share?  Stay tuned to see what else Dallas has to offer.

TBT: Redevelop the Boulevard

About 2 years ago, one of my graduate projects was featured at the Chicago Architecture Foundation, thanks to my instructor.    Working in the architecture field, I have to say any sort of recognition whether it be through school or work brings a sense of pride and accomplishment to myself.

The premise derives from the juxtaposition of urban life and its segregation and the open spaces created.  We closely looked at a specific point, Garfield Boulevard, South Side, Chicago conceptualizing how to "Redevelop the Boulevard" from an architecture stand point- not as social workers.  What once was a lively, jazz filled development, now is just a mere deserted thoroughfare between Midway Airport and Hyde Park.  The project is not about how to "improve" but to make slight instances to recreate what already exists.

My class was divided into three groups, with different sections of the boulevard.  My group focused primarily on bringing in the existing activities and "displaying" its nature to the "public" and how to use learned conditions of streets to explore a solution to the problem-emptiness based on the program of the boulevard.

Take a look at my take of the groups' solution.

There is something to be said about urban design and its impact to every single neighborhood.  There is this strong fascination of how things, people and the environment come together to create a whole along with emphasizing primarily on the user.  I would like to see what can be brought on for the city of Dallas.

What's your take?

Classic Cold Brew

A lot has changed over the past couple of weeks to where a new household routine has developed.  I recently started a new job with a new commute with a new vibe.  The seasons are changing from cold to hot in just days, just like my life style.  I was a night owl, who woke up 15 minutes before needing to be out the door, rushing to get dressed, grab a banana and get to work in such a sour mood.  I got jealous of coworkers and friends telling me how productive they were in the mornings, with their routines including, going to the gym, making breakfast, showering,  getting ready and making a cup of coffee and catching up on current events.

So, I took matters in my own hands.  I am slowly acclimating myself to being better for my standards.  I am they type of person that needs to ease into a habit.  So naturally, I start my week off with a French pressed Cup of Joe.  However, with it being nearly 80 degrees outside, I prefer a cold blend coffee.  Cold brewing coffee is very easy, although you should factor in time.  When I say start you week off right, I literally mean start on Sunday because the brewing process takes about 12 hours. I know you are probably thinking that you why not just use your Keurig/ standard coffee maker and press a button.  Trust me, this is a great change in taste.  Also another perk is that, one brew lasts me the entire week.  Keep in mind I drink about 2/3 cups a day.

Recipe/ Ingredients

6 tbsp coarsely ground coffee of your choice

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp nutmeg

3 cups of water

1 French Press

Step 1:  Mix all your dry ingredients (in your French Press)

Step 2:  Add water

Step 3:  Place in refrigerator over night-  be sure to not press the coffee yet.

Step 4:  Wake up and Press your coffee.

Step 5:  Pour the Cold Brew into a drinking container- (I usually pour over Ice)

Step 6:  Add your cream and sugar- optional  & Enjoy

Let me know what you think!