The Isabella Steward Gardener Museum has just undergone an extensive renovation and  has a new addition. Architect, Renzo Piano, created a glass box within which sits a living room/reception space/library area, artists’ studio, a gift shop, offices, a performance space, a contemporary art gallery space, and a greenhouse; it is connected to the historic house/museum via a glass-enclosed corridor. I visited one recent very cold January day. The bright and open design of the addition stands in stark contrast to the dark and enclosed spaces of the original Gardener. The new gallery spaces are sparse in comparison to the
original museum which continues to be filled with layer upon layer of art and artifact. Yet, my favorite space continues to be the courtyard. The new building entrance loses out on the drama of the old entry which opened onto the incredible courtyard. And what a space! Palms, orchids, moss and other plants are set aside gravel paths, fountains, statuary and urns- literally an oasis in the center of Boston. Sadly, visitors can no longer walk those luscious paths but can only take in the view from its edges. 
 
http://www.gardnermuseum.org/explore

At the end of June I visited Trinity Church in Copley Square Boston. I had visited many times in the past- sometimes to attend a service and at other times to take a closer look at the building and grounds. I used to work on Boylston Street and had lunch in the “new” Copley Square whenever I could. Did you know that Trinity Church is considered one of the finest American buildings by the American Institute of Architects and that it established the “Richardsonian Romanesque” style that influenced architectural design throughout America as well as in Europe and Canada? I encourage you to take a closer look for yourself.

http://www.trinitychurchboston.org/building-slideshow.html

I attended the Olana Symposium on April 16th. David Schuyler (Professor of Humanities and American Studies, Marshall College) introduced the speakers; Linda Ferber (Vice President and Senior Art Historian, New York Historical Society), Harvey Flad (Professor Emeritus of Geography, Vassar College), and Laurie Olin (Landscape Architect, Olin Partnership). The discussion was filled with wonderful images and analysis of paintings from the Hudson River School, thoughtful interpretation of struggles to preserve scenic views along the Hudson River and the presentation of award-winning contemporary landscape architectural projects spanning the globe which illustrated both aggressive and gentle modifications to their existing conditions. I came home rejuvenated by the experience. Laurie Olin is exactly right- everything a landscape architect does revolves around views- preserving them, creating them, choreographing them.