Federal Reserve Bank
Boston, Massachusetts
Hugh Stubbins, arch, 1977

Boston is better known for the iconic Hancock tower by I.M. Pei--which is on it's own account great--, but this, for me, is the quintessence of clean, functional, honest and at the same time sculptural high-rise architecture. The functions are so legible, the lines so clean.
The 'supporting' functions--in every sense of the term-- are all within the two vertical pillars, between which the floors/column-free working spaces are spanned. The two-storey opening at the bottom reinforces the functional separation between the body and the base, as well as breaking down the mass, making the whole structure visibly much lighter.
The triangular sun-screens which allow for solar gain only in the winter also break up the wind, thus making the plaza in front much more comfortable (while also giving the building the nickname 'The Washboard').

Loading comments...

Loading contexts...

Make:	Canon
Model:	Canon EOS 600D
Exposure:	0.004 sec (1/250)
Aperture:	f/8.0
ISO Speed:	100
Focal Length:	11 mm
Lens:	11-16mm