Thursday, March 12, 2009

Architecture: Gargoyles and Optical Illusions

The River Walk has everything! One minute you're in a tropical paradise, and around the next bend is this extraordinary panorama of architecture. This first is a very usually shaped hospital. It's somewhat pie-shaped.

As you continue down the river, the hospital then begins to look like it is a fake, thin, front, and as you look up at it, it gives the appearance that it's going to topple over on you! I'm not sure if the photos do justice to the illusion. . .

And this looks like something out of a Stephen King novel or GhostBusters . . .

. . . with the dragon gargoyles . . .

. . . and odd faces to ward off evil spirits.

15 comments:

Unknown said...

More great shots of S.A.! Love your perspective...

pat said...

DEFINITELY Ghostbusters!! What building is that? Love the gargoyles!

Erika said...

Very cool! I don't think I ever got to see that building when I was in SA, it's beautiful!

Unknown said...

WOW very interesting views. TFS!

Sharon said...

Cool! Though I am pretty sure I am going to have nightmares from them. ;)

Maria said...

What a cool looking building! Neo-gothic?

Meaghan said...

Love those dragons! So cool!

Reds said...

Beautiful gargoyles! And that building looks like it is going to fall!!

Jess said...

Wow, those are some awesomely cool buildings! Those gargoyles are fabulous!!!

Anonymous said...

Those buildings are awe inspiring. I just love how mammoth they feel, and how distorted they look almost. Very cool.

Anonymous said...

Those are awesome! Gargoyles are the coolest :) It would be weird for me to work in a hospital that tall.

Suzy said...

I'm loving these! Very cool shots!

Rachael said...

Love the perspective! I always thought it was neat how the buildings looked from the river!

Amy said...

What cool architecture! Those gargoyles are sure to scare off the bad guys! :)

Nancy said...

I was born in that very hospital....awwww, more wonderful memories of my hometown!!!! You can't show to many of San Antonio as far as I'm concerned!!! It's been too long since I've gotten to visit there and I'm loving your photos!!!!
My Granddad also had his office in that hospital...he was a dentist there!!!