Office Spaces #3

I have a confession to make. It's not just old, pretty buildings I love. I've got a surprising soft spot for vintage (1950s-1980s) office architecture, as well. Perhaps it's a bit incongruous, after all these buildings aren't as obviously comely as, say, a famous historic home. But there's beauty to be found in the bold lines and multitudinous windows of these workplaces, too. You just have to look a little harder.

This small office building is, I admit, a bit on the unpalatable side. There is something, however, in the blocky 80s awkwardness that I think works in its' favor. It's almost possible to see the big shoulder pads and garish suits of that era walking in and out of the offices within every Monday through Friday (and probably some time on the weekend, too). It's also one of those buildings that is easily driven by, if you weren't looking for it.  

Photo copyright Megan Petty

In Photos - Stonington, ME

Stonington, Maine. June 2013.

Photos copyright Megan Petty

Seeing Signs #1

Seen in Bar Harbor, Maine, June 2013.









photo copyright Megan Petty

A Visit to Bar Harbor

Two years ago right around this time, I was heading up to Maine for a trip with my best friend. Neither of us had been to Vacationland, and we decided it was high time we went. It was my birthday present to myself, and I do so love being on vacation on my birthday. I found Maine to be stunningly beautiful, and bucolic in a way that one just doesn't see in places like the DC metro area. The air was clear, the trees and landscapes so green.

Bar Harbor was a special place to see. The town itself is charming, and the nearby Acadia National Park offers breathtaking vistas in whatever direction you happen to find yourself looking. There's great food to be had (over the course of my Maine week I consumed quite a few delectable lobster rolls), friendly people (who seem incredibly tolerant of tourists), and plenty of historic architecture to ogle. 

Sadly, much of the town's spectacular summer "cottages," built by rich vacationers, burned in the first half of the 20th century when a huge fire swept through town. It could have been much worse, however, and the town keeps the memory of those buildings alive. Crumbling stone steps can be seen on the outskirts of Bar Harbor, some with names still etched in the gray stone. It feels a bit spooky, walking along and passing the ruins. But peaceful, too.

All told, the few days spent in Bar Harbor were wonderful. It's a great place to spend time in, and truly does offer something for everyone. More photos of Bar Harbor and Acadia below.   

photos copyright Megan Petty

Office Spaces #2

I have a confession to make. It's not just old, pretty buildings I love. I've got a surprising soft spot for vintage (1950s-1980s) office architecture, as well. Perhaps it's a bit incongruous, after all these buildings aren't as obviously comely as, say, a famous historic home. But there's beauty to be found in the bold lines and multitudinous windows of these workplaces, too. You just have to look a little harder. 

I really do love this particular office space. On a road full of homes and other small offices, this one stands out. In a way, it makes me think of imposing, ancient buildings you might find in London. No, really. Any building with an interior courtyard reached through a gated entry. This is just a modern, office reinterpretation. I haven't come across many buildings like this one, with the central pass through, so it caught my attention in a serious way. If it didn't have that distinctive feature, perhaps I would have driven right on by without giving it a second look. 





photo copyright Megan Petty

Office Spaces #1

I have a confession to make. It's not just old, pretty buildings I love. I've got a surprising soft spot for vintage (1950s-1980s) office architecture, as well. Perhaps it's a bit incongruous, after all these buildings aren't as obviously comely as, say, a famous historic home. But there's beauty to be found in the bold lines and multitudinous windows of these workplaces, too. You just have to look a little harder.

The suburbs of Northern Virginia are full of office buildings. It stands to reason. Over the years, companies that couldn't afford space in downtown DC, or companies that were local to Virginia, needed a space to call their own. This building is currently housing a post office, and is located in a small shopping strip not far from my neighborhood. I love the multi-colored brick, and the large facade of windows that hides the innards of the building. The lines are very midcentury, and I like it.




photo copyright Megan Petty