Category: Photography

The Salk Institute in San Diego

Architecture, Photography

Jonas Salk, the developer of the first inoculation for polio, had a distinct vision for the Salk Institute as he worked with scientists and architects to create a new paradigm for research and collaboration. Salk worked closely on many of the construction details of the Institute.

In December 1959, Salk and architect Louis Kahn began a unique partnership to design such a facility. Salk summarized his aesthetic objectives by telling the architect to “create a facility worthy of a visit by Picasso.” Kahn, who was a devoted artist before he became an architect, was able to respond to this challenge.

Truth to materials, unadorned marble, cast concrete and raw teak in perfect symmetry around the narrow rivulet running down toward the hidden pool make this space a place of contemplation. At both the Spring and Autumn equinox the sun sets directly in line with the water channel.

Salt Institute, San Diego
Salt Institute, San Diego
Salk Institute
Salk Institute
Pool
The pool overlooking the ocean.

North Wales in May

Landscape, Photography

It’s been a wonderful Spring in north Wales, all the hedgerow flowers are out at once and swathes of bluebells carpet the hills. The weather was wet and windy, the sun never really appeared but the colours were glorious.

Near Nefyn looking north along the rocky coastline
Near Nefyn looking north along the rocky coastline
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Bluebells in abundance on the hills of the north coast of LLyn Peninsular
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Bluebells and gorse at the same time. Gorse flowers are apparently edible and can be used in salads, tea and to make a fruit wine. I only just found that out, so not tried them yet.

 

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Looking back towards Nant Gwrtheyrn from Morfa Nefyn.

At some time in the last few months the rain and wind caused havoc in an area of Forestry Commission pine forest on the ridge near Nant Gwrtheyrn, the pines cling to the steep slope on the north of the road but a combination of heavy rain and gale-force winds caused trees to loose their grip and become uprooted and many trees to actually snap. Whole hillsides have been devastated, wrought asunder.

Torn trees
Torn trees

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Colour and Texture in Decay

Architecture, Photography

A poorly cared-for building in Clynnog Fawr in North Wales, so many textures and colours, faded red paint, purple slate, green algae, green moss, green plastic hose, rusting iron railings, I could go on! The painted out window, I waited hoping that someone would come and look out through the broken pane but no-one came. The white paint is peeling on the board door, the rough stonework is mossy  but the roof tiles are perfectly cut and aligned.

clynnog-fawr