I have been to the stourhead for so many times virtually in architecture history and theory classes and now I’m finally here, bathed in sunlight with the freshest breeze. The views are absolutely fabulous and has to be seen by eyes not cameras. The Temple of Flora is at my right hand side with the side view of its temple front, while the parthenon can be clearly seen across the “lake”, calling me to move ahead. As I move along the path, the little island with the tree one it is truly the anchor of the views. The tree became companion of different buildings striking different moods. The Grotto, however, was not as great as I thought. It came up too obvious as a dark place and it ends too shortly. The grand large scale views of the lake suddenly switched to a little framed view is too abrupt. Also the single framed view is so lonely and thus became less powerful of creating a mood. The space also shows itself too clearly with no secrete or mystery in the dark space. It’s simply a dark place with in a bright appealing garden instead of a dark place that can also strikes curiosity.
The Temple of Apollo as the final touch is fabulous. The temple was hidden from the trees through out the entire journey, but since it’s the winter and the leaves are all out, I can get a glance of the overall shape. However, I was not expecting such a robust and large temple when I’m at the “lake” level. The temple reveals itself as a strong figure giving the sense of power and charm and thus became appropriate as the high peak of the story.
Stourhead
Grotto Entrance
Temple of Flora
Final Picture of Stourhead