Uploads from Brian Hoffsis, tagged usa, with geodata

Metropolis

nobody@flickr.com (Brian Hoffsis) — Wed, 15 May 2013 12:42:09 -0700

Brian Hoffsis posted a photo:

The Shade Tree

nobody@flickr.com (Brian Hoffsis) — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 06:35:58 -0800

Brian Hoffsis posted a photo:

www.bfhstudios.com/blog/the-shade-tree/

Forever Standing Strong

nobody@flickr.com (Brian Hoffsis) — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 10:49:05 -0800

Brian Hoffsis posted a photo:

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

Museum Day

nobody@flickr.com (Brian Hoffsis) — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 07:52:48 -0800

Brian Hoffsis posted a photo:

New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art buzzes on a rainy mid-summer morning.

www.bfhstudios.com/blog/museum-day/

Forever Indebted

nobody@flickr.com (Brian Hoffsis) — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 07:19:55 -0800

Brian Hoffsis posted a photo:

“Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.” - Prime Minister Winston Churchill

Temple of Knowledge

nobody@flickr.com (Brian Hoffsis) — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 05:45:39 -0800

Brian Hoffsis posted a photo:

Among the pillars of truth, liberty and justice mill the worshipers of knowledge. Free to enter and to drink from the springs of humanity.

Campus in Constant Flux

nobody@flickr.com (Brian Hoffsis) — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 04:21:43 -0700

Brian Hoffsis posted a photo:

The Ohio State University has to keep the ball rolling. In the name of ambitious progression the 5th largest city in Ohio (when class is in session) creates a steamroller of downhill momentum when set into motion. A perpetual state of renovation, building, rebuilding and expansion means that the physical campus never looks the same on any two consecutive weeks.

I stumbled on this photo that I took in January of 2011. And while an overall view would appear relatively unchanged at first glance a side-by-side would tell a different story a year and a half later. Off the top of my head I know that Cunz Hall has since completed it’s total makeover. Though obscured, I too know that there is a brand new road that wouldn’t have been present in this photo. John H. Herrick Drive travels east and west just south of Lincoln Tower Park that’s at the very center of the photo. This park I fear too is not long for this world. Surly the developers are circling that vacant space as we speak. I hear that this summer Ohio Stadium has undergone some upgrades including a brand spankin new scoreboard crowning South Stands. Probably the biggest change would be the new large chiller building that is absent west of the group of buildings to the south. Don’t blink folks, those tuition increases are truly being put to visible improvements.

Chaos in a Sea of Order

nobody@flickr.com (Brian Hoffsis) — Thu, 19 May 2011 04:47:10 -0700

Brian Hoffsis posted a photo:

www.bfhstudios.com/blog/chaos-in-a-sea-of-order/

Smack dab in the middle of one of the most drab and charmless higher learning campuses, MIT, is this. The symbolism is obvious and in your face. MIT is very boxy, its finest decorative materials are concrete and black steel and it’s so ordered that their buildings are not named, but numbered. But it’s MIT! Of course they are! I suspect they understood this and made and effort to tip the scale when they commissioned Frank Gehry to build the deconstructivist Stata Center. Of course, it’s run into its share of opposition and controversy as most Gehry projects have. But I say who would expect anything less with such an ambitious design?

The Christmas Spirit

nobody@flickr.com (Brian Hoffsis) — Wed, 26 Dec 2012 03:37:33 -0800

Brian Hoffsis posted a photo:

New York City is one of the great harbingers of the magical Christmas spirit. From the moment the Rockefeller Christmas tree is set ablaze the city swirls with a dreamy energy whisked by brisk winter winds whipping down long deep canyons of steel and stone. It spins bodies on ice skates like tops. It dances with sparkling flakes of snow, which add the final touches to remarkably unreal window displays. It infects the soul and knows no immunity.

The Grand Experiment

nobody@flickr.com (Brian Hoffsis) — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 08:03:48 -0800

Brian Hoffsis posted a photo:

“The preservation of the sacred fire of liberty, and the destiny of the republican model of government, are justly considered deeply, perhaps as finally, staked on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people.”

- George Washington

Sidecar

nobody@flickr.com (Brian Hoffsis) — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 06:52:10 -0700

Brian Hoffsis posted a photo:

“The beautification projects, some of which we witnessed on our drive in, were numerous and even ambitious considering the size of the settlement. Our small-statured host explained that the newly laid cobblestone streets below our feet were in-between phases, awaiting setting with large quantities of the local red clay, and advised us to watch our steps. Tired from the specifics my eyes wandered down to the lapel of his embroidered uniform where, just above the seal on his badge, read “Polícia Touristica de Izamal.”

The Sanctum of Liberty

nobody@flickr.com (Brian Hoffsis) — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 13:49:33 -0700

Brian Hoffsis posted a photo:

As we approached Capitol Hill the early morning sun was now blocked by the massive US Capitol Building and its facade was taking shape. For the twenty five minutes we walked along Pennsylvania Avenue, the building was prominent on the horizon at the end of the avenue yet hidden in a wash of light. I felt relieved to finally look directly at the structure, now high overhead, free from a direct view of the sun. Back-lit, the white marble dome obstructed the rays of light now casting a perfect yellow dome-shaped silhouette against the deep blue sky. I first admired the immense scale of the structure. But it was the color that soon consumed my thoughts. Where do they get such white marble? And how do they keep it so bright? Other structures, similar in style and age, that I’ve seen in Europe, seem in constant need of deep cleansing. Their surfaces are stained black from centuries of bombardment from soot and pollutants.

I had thought I had been on a tour of the Capitol Building on a school trip. Though once I entered the remarkable rotunda I was sure I had not. The coffered dome floats high overhead, higher than I anticipated. Lifted like the lid of a jar, it is separated from its rotunda by a ring of light-flooding windows. In the bath of morning light diffused from above, the detailed textures of the white marble and brush strokes of the artwork were now visible when they were not outside. The wedding cake-like layers tell the surprisingly comprehensive history of the nation.

Down below it would never be apparent how early in the morning it was. The floor of the rotunda buzzed with tourists. They huddled, snapped photos and darted about like perfectly synchronized schools of fish. All of this was quite dangerous and the risk of collisions seemed inevitable as all had their heads tilted back and their eyes intently affixed to the lofty dome. I was surprised to not find the hoards of field-tripping children that I expected. Adults, some with children, were in their stead. They were from all walks of life and impressively quiet in the cacophonous space. In the absence of rambunctious screams I heard the murmur of some half-a-dozen languages whispered in restrained respect. The air of the womb over our heads was still and warm. And all in attendance stretched to breath it.

Sun Sets on Doc's

nobody@flickr.com (Brian Hoffsis) — Tue, 15 May 2012 05:09:05 -0700

Brian Hoffsis posted a photo:

Sunrise? Sunset? I’ve always wondered if it’s possible to differentiate the two in a still photo from an unidentifiable location. My novice on the subject leaves me to believe there would be no difference – at least to someone like me. However, I’m sure there is some natural science expert who can make the distinction in the atmospheric differences in subtle hues, cloud density and environmental clues within the mise-en-scène. The atmosphere would be much cooler on sunrise than on sunset possibly contributing to such subtleties. Though as the recent “super moon” teaches us the naked eye truly can’t tell a significant difference in a 15% larger moon. Only when the moon is at the horizon can measurable size be determined. But that’s for another day. I can unequivocally assure that this is a sunset over the Gulf of Mexico.

Herald Angels

nobody@flickr.com (Brian Hoffsis) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 15:05:54 -0800

Brian Hoffsis posted a photo:

They sing and they trumpet too. But their message isn’t only glory to the new born king. It’s also to introduce the wildly popular and magical dancing light show dressing the massive facade of Sach’s Fifth Avenue. Prime viewing real estate is at a premium on a brisk December night but there are no bad seats for this show. Little is more fitting that the biggest attraction in New York at Christmastime, second only to the adjacent Rockefeller Center ice rink and tree, is a ballooning department store display. The twinkle-eyed gawkers are quite justified however in their loitering. Sach’s has managed to steal hoards of heads away from the inspiring yet rather static 65 foot Rockefeller Center Christmas spruce with its thoughtful and well-executed theater of music and simple white lights creating the perfect bookend for the Channel Gardens and Promenade and one of the greatest holiday destinations in the world. Of course this is America and the heart of America’s greatest city so it’s expected that there be a gratuitous private commercial representative to the holiday message. Intuitively crafted and expertly balanced.

Nike Anew

nobody@flickr.com (Brian Hoffsis) — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 04:38:33 -0700

Brian Hoffsis posted a photo:

No, this is not the Louvre. Not even close. It’s not Paris, France nor Paris, Ohio nor even Athens, Ohio. It’s Columbus, Ohio. So why on earth is there a life-size replica of the 2nd century BC Greek Winged Nike (or Vicotry) of Samothrace in a New World state that pronounces Versailles – Ver-sales? Well, evidently around the turn of the 20th century classic statuary replicas were all the rage in American architecture. And that’s when this lovely plaster beauty first graced this very hall – the East Reading Room of the Oxley Thompson Memorial Library at The Ohio State University. The crumbling original replica was removed in 1959 and the Reading Room was tragically divided and plundered shortly there after. When rightfully restored to it’s natural splendor in 2009 a new plaster Nike was there to oversee the studious once again. Though she has little personal significance to the library the soaring statue is a wonderful addition to an already wonderful building.

www.bfhstudios.com/blog/nike-anew/

Observing Those at Play

nobody@flickr.com (Brian Hoffsis) — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 16:08:48 -0700

Brian Hoffsis posted a photo:

www.bfhstudios.com/blog/observing-those-at-play/

Under the watchful eyes of their guardians of masonry and steel the citizens of New York frolic and play in the overgrown sandbox of their overgrown community. Even winter’s dictatorial flannel looming close overhead can’t completely repress the will of youthful recreation. While the sprite and lively spiral and salchow the now quite matured observers look down on the ancient natural landscape almost like aging grandparents enjoying a bench at a playground. There’s much to love about central park even if it’s reputation among many, even its stuffy neighbors, is less than virtuous. For those who wouldn’t think of cutting it’s length even if to just pass through, nostalgic wintry scenes such as this are unfortunately missed.

Wedging the Winds

nobody@flickr.com (Brian Hoffsis) — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 04:57:47 -0700

Brian Hoffsis posted a photo:

www.bfhstudios.com/blog/wedging-the-winds/

It seems that every great structure comes with an equally great story. The Flatiron probably has enough for several buildings. One particular tale stuck out to me because it gives us insights beyond what the iron and masonry can provide. When built in 1902 the Flatiron was one of the tallest buildings in New York but it was the wedge-like triangle shape that was the source of alarm. It seemed to defy gravity and perplexed and captivated the public. Complicating this precarious perception was the geography of the Flatiron site. The northerly down-winds gust violently over Madison Square and down Broadway (pictured left) and Fifth Avenue (pictured right) on either side of the building. Though physically an impossibility the fear was real that the Flatiron would simply blow over.

However, it was these very winds that became the attraction more than the building itself. Hoping to get glimpses of passing women’s dresses being caught in the whirling winds the men of New York gathered. In their endless efforts of dispersing the loiterers the police began using the oh-so-appropriate old-timey phrase “23 Skidoo” (presumably referencing the Flatiron 23rd street address). It’s thought that this term eventually gave rise to our modern day command “scram.”

I’m not so sure that such a story would materialize the same these days but it does give us a little window into a century’s old social sensibilities. And light-hearted and even charming ones at that. After all, even though they talked and dressed funny they were still just people like us.

The William Oxley Thompson Memorial Library

nobody@flickr.com (Brian Hoffsis) — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 07:18:42 -0700

Brian Hoffsis posted a photo:

www.bfhstudios.com/blog/william-oxley-thompson-memorial-l...

The Ohio State University Main Library reopened last year after years of major renovation. Of course this third major renovation largely corrected baffling decisions made in previous renovations. It’s funny how things work that way.

For example, the photo here is the beautifully restored Grand Reference Hall/East Reading Room. In 1966 they realized that the library wasn’t quite big enough still and, because we know everyone was on reason-inhibiting drugs in ’66, they constructed a hasty partition that divided this lovely space into two floors (I know, empty, wasted space overhead really pisses me off too). They then essentially bricked up the windows in accordance with the new interior design and, for good measure, defaced the plaster-work just to prove that all the work was actually pre-meditated. The restoration work was beautifully done and we’re all happy to see the original room, many of us, for the first time.

The Stacks

nobody@flickr.com (Brian Hoffsis) — Tue, 31 May 2011 10:34:51 -0700

Brian Hoffsis posted a photo:

www.bfhstudios.com/blog/the-stacks/

As I’ve promised there are plenty more photos of the library and here is one of them. This was taken from the upper floor of the brand spankin’ new west wing. The central structure of the library is actually essentially the same and would be very familiar to those of us who wandered its claustrophobic stacks searching for obscure references. Well now, as you can see, they’ve been liberated with some nice new glass walls! Now we can all share and appreciate the spaces together and no longer will students develop minor anxiety disorders while simply researching an assignment.

Welcoming You Home

nobody@flickr.com (Brian Hoffsis) — Sun, 29 May 2011 07:33:50 -0700

Brian Hoffsis posted a photo:

www.bfhstudios.com/blog/welcoming-u-home/

"Well, It’s August, the Big Ten meetings have just finished, the football team has arrived for practice and it won’t be long before students flood the new Ohio Union and break out into questionable mass-choreographed song and dance again. Of course, I waited until classes were out for the summer and the glee had passed before I attempted to navigate a tripod through the crowds and avert head trauma -intentional or not – of titanium to student skull. Surprisingly, there were actually plenty of pupils around and lots of activity in her halls. Even the bar was full in mid-week.

There are many things about the new U that are curious to me, including the schizophrenic interior decoration decisions (is this the new collegiate style of the new millennium?), but I had the most trouble understanding one piece of the Union Puzzle. Chiseled into the stone just above the first floor are lines from the most beloved of all college sing-a-longs in Ohio, Ohio State’s alma mater, Carmen Ohio. While scanning the phrases that surrounded me in syrupy sentimentality, I noticed that they were all out of order. Granted, there are natural breaks created by the architecture of the atrium and the lines of the song, however, would not the most logical arrangement of the lines be to place them in consecutive order, circling the space – that is, left to right, clockwise? Though my tender moment with my alma mater was derailed by utter confusion, the new U is still pretty great in all its quirkiness."