An Astounding Architectural Palimpsest on CHICAGO's WestSIDE

Palimpsest • \PAL-imp-sest\ • noun = Multiple Layers.

 

The Architectural History revealed when a building is destroyed, removed or altered,

exposing all of the painted surfaces, wall textures, bricked in windows & doorways.

 

Humans are builders.

And-

"REAL ESTATE" is a finite reality (Commodity).

 

Quite often what one man builds - another man tears down

....and often in the process reveals something unique

about the past occupants.

What was there........?

 

Architects imply Palimpsest as a ghost—an image of what once was.

In the built environment, this occurs somewhat often.

Whenever spaces are shuffled, rebuilt, or remodeled, shadows remain.

Tarred rooflines remain on the sides of a building long after the neighboring structure

has been demolished;

Demolished Stairs, leave an imprint of where the painted wall surface stopped.

Dust lines recall a relocated appliance.

Ancient ruins speak volumes of their former wholeness.

 

Palimpsests can inform us, archaeologically, of the realities of the built past.

Done