INSPIRATION: Defining Architecture
Our old friend Webster defines architecture as the art or science of building; specifically: the art or practice of designing and building structures and especially habitable ones.
I like to keep this bit of information in the back of my mind as I am scouting for local buildings to shoot for my next project. But every now and again, I come across a structure that pushes the limits of this definition. Especially the “habitable” part.
This old railroad shack is a classic example. It captured my attention from the moment I saw it. The bright rusty hinges add a spark of color against the weathered wooden boards. I like the way the door was built with the boards assembled in a herringbone pattern, as if someone wanted to add a bit of style to a utilitarian shed. Even the iron bars propped against the sides appear to be positioned as if to help hold up the shed.
Architecture comes in many shapes, sizes and styles in my neck of the woods. And sometimes, coming across a structure that pushes the limit can turn out to be just the shot I was hoping to discover.
David Heilman 
I love the “rusticness” of the photo. I, too, love old wooden buildings. 🙂
I would say it is rustic for sure…I wonder if it is still standing after all the storms we’ve had…
And yet another great find and shot. You do live in inspiration valley don’t you?
Yup …inspiration valley and historic hillsides! In fact there are towns with the same names where you live!
lovely shot (:
Thanks Big Book! The bright hinges really caught my eye as I was wandering about!
Thanks Teri, Yes it is called inspiration valley…but I bet you do too!!!
Love it! The colorful bottom half and grey upper half makes it so interesting. I love that the door is open a little. 🙂
Nice 🙂
Thanks Nandini, there sure is a lot going on with this little shed. I liked that the door was open a bit also…what’s inside???
Yes, that makes me wonder too – Mysterious things hiding inside. 🙂
Love this, David! Photos of old buildings are great, but having some old items displayed outside is even better. The rusty red hinges and latch are unexpected and interesting bright spots!
Thanks Karen, I know !!! I couldn’t believe it either. I thought to mysel,f wow look at all this cool stuff!
Great shot, I like old sheds. As someone that has made a door or two for a shed, I would think this herring bone pattern is probably an example of the science of architecture – it would function very well to keep the door square, which it looks as if it has accomplished quite well.
Thanks Ehpem, old stuff is just so cool with all the textures, patterns and color available. And indeed you are correct regarding the construction of the door…I’ve built several in my day also. I just thought it was odd to include that on this little tiny shed. I guess the builder chose to use creative license!
Incredible photograph… I love how rustic and weathered each subject is… creates unity in the composition. I also enjoyed reading what drew you to this shed… and how you found architectural design within the found objects and overall composition. The lighting and combinations of textures within the crowded frame is truly compelling. Thank you for another wonderful post!
Thanks Polly, Yes there sure is a lot going on in this one, but as you said, I think that’s what makes it work. Funny thing…there are several other sheds all grouped in the same area that need more investigating!
Craft meets Art. Great workmanship combined with aesthetic appeal. I love this.
Thanks Meanderer, this image along with the previous one may become part of the series for the book project my wife and I are putting together.
Beautiful, love the traces of color!
Thanks Sigrun, yes there are little hints of what was all over the shed!
I love the textures and colors of the wood. It would make some excellent frames! 🙂
Yes it sure would make for some excellent frames…if it falls down and nobody claims it I’ll ship it out to you!
I love old wood buildings and am fascinated by the way they begin to lean and eventually collapse completely. I always wonder how and why they fell into such neglect. This is a lovely image with its great texture and subtle hints of color.
Thanks Lee, I always have felt that also. Even if a building is inhabited they still seem to stay standing. But soon after they are vacant, the earth reclaims them. Maybe buildings can sense life inside of them.
Great find!
Funny that you mentioned the door, as it was the first thing that caught my eye. The pattern is a pleasing contrast to the shack, which is mainly built with vertical boards.
You just gave me an idea, David. I think it would be cool to go back there one night and take a photo of it, maybe with a colored light inside the shack, to add a twist to it. I have to find me a shack similar to this and experiment 😉
Thanks Gracie, hey that’s a way cool idea. I have a giant flashlight that I could put some colored mylar file folders over and fill the shack with a spooky light !!!
You have such an eye for details! love it!
(and thank you so much for commenting on my posts, your comments are such an inspiration and motivation!)
Thank you Anne for the kind words and I indeed enjoy reading your posts! They always bring a smile and traveling with you is a blast!
Great picture, really captures the colours. I suppose the follow up question would be what people consider habitable. Different circumstances mean this could be a nightmare or a lucky break.
Thanks Blackbear, I like your follow up question. Around here we have a little of both…some really really make ya wonder…
A door: one of my favourite things! Great capture of this piece of ‘architectural engineering’. Love the old wood and contrasting rusted metal. Cheers!
Thanks Steve, I am building up a collection of doors and unusual “architecture” I find them so interesting!
I like the composition of this David, plus it’s just really interesting with the tools and old rusty bits in the foreground.
Thanks Mufidah, it’s an interesting place where one could spend several hours snooping about!
Yes, dear David, I agree with you, the door pattern is standing amazing, you captured such a nice one again. Thank you, with my love, nia
Thank you Nia, I will revisit this place to photograph some of the other sheds and shacks that are there.
The older the better in my book. 🙂 Great photo, David!
Thanks Katie, there are a few more at that location just waiting for me to stop by!
I love this rustic look! Lovely image!
Thanks Kristina ! it sure is rustic and I have some more images for the future!
This is simple yet amazing! Very well done. Colors, the light…everything about it makes me feel like I am back home right there with standing next to it. I love it!
Thanks Jim, this one worked out pretty well…10 minutes after I took this photo it started to rain like a monsoon!
Love the feelings this picture evokes. Lovely shot!
Thanks Jackie, there really is some cool interesting “artifacts” at this place. It’s not a salvage yard but more like a place for the owner to store his stuff. There are several locomotives, old steam powered equipment, a couple of passenger trolleys, an old crane, 6 cabooses, and other assorted items all neatly arranged in organized clutter.