Gustafson Guthrie Nichol, definition of spaces
Washington D.C, I do not remember how I discovered this place but I just found paradise. I need to write these words to keep in mind the strong feeling I have. It is like a feeling of extraordinary serenity, nothing can happen to me. I spent the day at the Donald W. Reynolds Center, this place that looks like the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery. I spent the day there and, then, I entered this big courtyard protected by an immense glass wall designed by Foster + Partners. Light and, in the end, discreet, it magnifies the work of these three exceptional women: Kathryn Gustafson, Jennifer Guthrie and Shannon Nichol.
Business partners and founders of the Gustafson Guthrie Nichol firm, the three designers and space architects are giving me a sublime moment of escape right here. Night is falling and the modern architectural cohesion bestows a new face on this building however historical. Tall trees, a trickle of water, a few chairs and tables, quietness eventually has its place in this world where everything goes so fast. I remember then that Jeffrey, a friend of mine from New York, had talked about his passion for the three women for a long time. H often told me that they were prodigious and gifted with a very surprising vision of the urban landscape. The human being has his place, nature has its power and design brings an innovating and yet respectful style to the places.
The images blend and this design reminds me of that landscape where I took some rest a few days ago. The “Laurie Garden” of the historical “ Grant Park” in Chicago, Illinois, was this place of relaxation and discoveries. Distantly there was the Franck O. Gehry & Associates firm’s Bandshell and The art Institute of Chicago. A vast garden, flowers in profusion, still the same feeling of serenity and this passion for nature revealed by these three wonderful associates. There were these residents dipping their feet in the water. There were these children running everywhere and I, simply admiring this piece of work. I remember closing my eyes for a long moment in order to draw this landscape in my mind. I could feel the sunset plunging this park into a multiple-color painting. Transformation of the places, creation of a unity, a new vision of the urban spaces and daily needs, I guess it is the extraordinary imagination of this exceptional group that turns the scenery into a living paradise.
Some noise brought me back to present. For a long time here I look at these men and women walking under this great glass window in this Robert & Arlene Kogod Courtyard. I wondered about the origin of these women’s talent and finally understood that each project thought by these three women makes room for the human being, nature and evolution of the landscape. A sensitivity and a creativity simply named by the Gustafson Guthrie Nichol firm and rewarded by many prizes among which is the 2011 National Design award, Landscape Architecture – Cooper-Hewitt, New York, NY.
Business partners and founders of the Gustafson Guthrie Nichol firm, the three designers and space architects are giving me a sublime moment of escape right here. Night is falling and the modern architectural cohesion bestows a new face on this building however historical. Tall trees, a trickle of water, a few chairs and tables, quietness eventually has its place in this world where everything goes so fast. I remember then that Jeffrey, a friend of mine from New York, had talked about his passion for the three women for a long time. H often told me that they were prodigious and gifted with a very surprising vision of the urban landscape. The human being has his place, nature has its power and design brings an innovating and yet respectful style to the places.
The images blend and this design reminds me of that landscape where I took some rest a few days ago. The “Laurie Garden” of the historical “ Grant Park” in Chicago, Illinois, was this place of relaxation and discoveries. Distantly there was the Franck O. Gehry & Associates firm’s Bandshell and The art Institute of Chicago. A vast garden, flowers in profusion, still the same feeling of serenity and this passion for nature revealed by these three wonderful associates. There were these residents dipping their feet in the water. There were these children running everywhere and I, simply admiring this piece of work. I remember closing my eyes for a long moment in order to draw this landscape in my mind. I could feel the sunset plunging this park into a multiple-color painting. Transformation of the places, creation of a unity, a new vision of the urban spaces and daily needs, I guess it is the extraordinary imagination of this exceptional group that turns the scenery into a living paradise.
Some noise brought me back to present. For a long time here I look at these men and women walking under this great glass window in this Robert & Arlene Kogod Courtyard. I wondered about the origin of these women’s talent and finally understood that each project thought by these three women makes room for the human being, nature and evolution of the landscape. A sensitivity and a creativity simply named by the Gustafson Guthrie Nichol firm and rewarded by many prizes among which is the 2011 National Design award, Landscape Architecture – Cooper-Hewitt, New York, NY.
Gustafson Guthrie Nichol, copyrights: Sean Ainhart - Courtesy of Gustafson Guthrie Nichol - NBBJ Architects - Timothy Hursley - Julie Harmsen
Posted: 9 March 2012 by Laetitia Leymonerie
