The Backsides of Buildings.

Nürnberg Castle, Nürnberg, Deutschland. Jan 2011.

Nürnberg Castle has much more famous facades, but I like this one: between the castle's inner walls, moving down the hill through tunnels to the gate, there's a break in the tunnels, and an unexpected vertical view of the sky. In my mind, there are always reasons behind architectural moments like this - usually a completely practical one - such as providing a strategic opportunity to pour boiling water on invaders' heads, or the mason ran out of stones, or later generations needed to make a quick addition to an old space. 

Perhaps that why architecture born of necessity, or practicality, is sometimes the most beautiful, and why I love the backs of buildings, barns, and workspaces. When designers [trained or otherwise] are freed from the expectation that they make Architecture or Something Beautiful And Important, perhaps that's when they can really get to work - inspired by what's there [revealing, interpreting, utilizing], and the desire to make something that works - in every sense of the word. To wit: Zumthor's Shelter for Roman Ruins, in Chur, Switzerland: utility, purpose, economy, wood, steel, and light. YES.

Shelter for Roman Ruins, Zumthor. photo: B. Moedinger. Jan. 2011

Shelter for Roman Ruins, Zumthor. Jan 2011.