word of the week: RUSTICATION
2010 September 5
Rusticated base of the Rookery
RUSTICATION: masonry with a raised, rough or otherwise irregular surface texture separated by deep joints. It’s typically seen at the base of a building.
School of the Art Institute
Pictured here are two very different types of rustication: rough-hewn as seen on the Rookery, or smooth, raised and clearly outlined as seen in the masonry on the base of the School of the Art Institute (originally the Illinois Athletic Club).
7 Responses
Trackbacks and Pingbacks
- Thalia Hall « BLUEPRINT: Chicago
- 1430 W. Berwyn « BLUEPRINT: Chicago
- 1430 W. Berwyn | BLUEPRINT: Chicago
Comments are closed.
As best as I can tell, the key point about “rustication” is that the face of the stone masonry units are set out from their joints; it’s hard to see the irregularity in the masonry stones in the AIC building you site: yes they aren’t flat, but they seem to me to be regular otherwise.
Nicely put. I don’t think I was trying to say that the AIC’s stones were irregular (they are very regular) — instead I was more trying to say that they aren’t rough though still “raised”. But I like how you explain rustication as “masonry units set out from their joints”. Always appreciate your comments Rick.
But, evenso, I LOVE (not just like like) your blog.
wonderful to hear!