Architecture Appreciation

It took me a while to begin to understand why I like this building. And to be honest, I’m still figuring it out. One thing I know for sure is that the arches sparked my initial attraction. The arch plays many roles here, in all dimensions, and at different scales: it frames the light that enters at the exterior wall, forms the low ceiling of the extruded window boxes, supports the rectangular overhang, and articulates the repetitive rhythm of the windows above. The arch exudes a sculptural essence combined with a dose of functionality, giving the building a dominant yet delicate demeanor. I haven’t had the pleasure of exploring the inside, but it would be interesting to discover how the curve shapes the spaces within and how it might present themselves in even finer details. The subtle (and not so subtle) roundness of the arches, exterior corners, and window frames, as well as the visual thinness of the columns provides a sense of softness that balances out the strict rectilinear elements.

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California Bank & Trust Building (originally the Sumitomo Bank Building) c. 1965.

Oakland, CA

Architects: Shigenori Iyama + Robert Tanaka

Architecture Appreciation

“The skin reads the texture, weight, density and temperature of the matter. The surface of an old object, polished to perfection by the tool of the craftsman and the assiduous hands of its users, seduces the stroking of our hand. It is pleasurable to press the door handle shining from the thousand hands that have entered the door before us; the clean shimmer of ageless wear has turned into an image of welcome and hospitality. The door handle is a handshake of the building. The tactile sense connects us with time and tradition; through marks of touch we shake the hands of countless generations.”

Architecture of the Seven Senses x Juhani Pallasmaa

Article from Questions of Perception: Phenomenology of Architecture

I was waiting outside when I saw the door handle to the Packard Lofts on Broadway in Oakland. The door itself had a look from a more recent time. The handle, on the other hand, had a much wiser glow. The grooves in the plate and the cold sensation of the metal handle sparked a nostalgic sensation of exploring spaces before the pandemic. In other circumstances, the handle would act as an invitation to transition to a different space. Nowadays, to touch it is a reminder of all the surfaces I’ve come in contact with and to be cautious of its history. But even with this cautiousness, I still felt a little joy to join the throngs of people who’ve participated in the exchange of oils that have worn down the finish. Like those shopping for cars on Oakland auto row many moons ago to those who currently reside there, I too shook its hand. I appreciate its sensual invitation to be a part of the building’s story.

Packard Lofts c.1913

Oakland, CA

Architecture Appreciation

Oakland, CA

I was strolling around Oakland & came across this building in the city at 17th & Harrison. Tucked among larger buildings, I immediately felt attracted to its proportions. If you’ve been around Oakland lately, you’ve noticed the city is rapidly transforming into a tall urban landscape filled with cream and gray stucco apartments with empty ground floor storefronts. However, it wasn’t just the scale that was attractive - the brick, the arches, and the composition were just right. The bricks were appealing not only because of its contrast to its neighbors, but it appealed to my senses - I could hold the brick, and therefore the building, in my hands. Not literally of course, but the building made sense. I could comprehend it, not just as an architect, but as someone walking down the street. As irrelevant as that might seem, being able to relate to our surroundings impacts how connected we feel to our neighborhood. When the built environment (aka anything that’s not natural) is so generic, it feels divorced from the culture and context that it sits in. Needless to say, I appreciate this little gem & hope it sticks around.

The building is currently occupied by Oakland Housing Authority, probably built around 1966.

#architecture #arches #blackarchitects #architectureappreciation