Last week, I received a direct Twitter message from design consultant Paolo Feroleto of Four Design informing me of a fantastic new initiative he is running called Look Above! and asking if I would like to get involved.
Basically, the initiative is a call to action for us all to take a moment or two to look around our city and town centres and appreciate the beauty of the architectural marvels that surround us.
It is so easy to walk through town, striding from shop to shop hurriedly navigating the hustle and bustle of the crowds without so much as sparing a thought for the beauty that may be above. Spectacular architecture depicting the styles of decades and centuries gone by hides away above our heads unnoticed and neglected. If only we were to look above for a second we would realise that our town centres are not just monotonous rows of Star Bucks, charity shops, Tescos etc etc.
As soon as I read about this initiative I couldn’t wait to get involved. So last Sunday off I trotted into Bristol City Centre, camera in hand and head held high, eager to see what architectural delights awaited me. I must say I was very surprised by the amount of different architectural styles that were crammed into just one street.
Here are a small selection of photos I took on my gander up Park Street in Bristol.
And lastly, when I reached the top of Park street I came across this sad sight. Habitat plastered in closing down sale signs. The end of an era. Habitat you will be sorely missed.
I thoroughly enjoyed my little jaunt up Park Street in Bristol and it opened my eyes to the wonders that I have missed every time I have trotted up one of my favourite streets in town.
Paolo is collating imagery from towns and cities globally as a way of showcasing the architectural history that sits above our high streets. He is looking for contributions from everyone from budding photographers right through to architectural students. Selected contributions will be acknowledged on the Look Above! website and in a future book.
So if you find yourself at loss for something to do this week, grab your camera, go into town and Look Above! You might be surprised by what you see.
Please send your contributions to Paolo@four-design.co.uk
I remember when I was studying history of Interior Design in London summer 2010, I was amazed by all the historical architecture. Every where I walked, at every corner, on every street, there was something for me to capture. London was the perfect setting for me at that time. It was simply fascinating to me – all the history (good and bad). Great post Stacey!!!