THE MAGIC OF LIGHT

What is there that doesn't delight, when one visits the wonderful Paramount Theater in Oakland, California? A Pflueger creation, the theater is the most remarkable example of Art Deco architecture that I have had the privilege to see firsthand.

I snapped a photo of this grand ceiling light fixture, which I believe was on an upper landing near the ladies' restroom. Repeated geometric patterns and curves, as well as the sunburst motif, are typical of the style.

OTIS AND THE MODERN BUILT ENVIRONMENT

I noticed the Otis logo inside the elevator of my office building last week, and that was actually the inspiration for starting this blog. Otis has been around for over 150 years, and has outfitted modernist masterpieces of architecture with its elevators and escalators, including the Empire State Building, which opened in New York City in 1931.

I love the font, while the speed lines and rounded lozenge shape lend a Streamline Moderne feel.

A GOD OF HEALING

300 Montgomery Street at the corner of Pine, by architect George Kelham. This is a carved stone and metal panel on the side of Walgreen's, where I wait for the 1AX bus. I like the backlit effect created by the fluorescent lighting inside.

This looks very Egyptian, but after researching the staff and snake motif, it could also allude to Asclepius, the god of medicine and healing in ancient Greece. Classical Revival became a huge trend after the discovery of King Tut's tomb in 1922.