[notes on framed views]

Framing views is one of the oldest and best tricks in the book of design. Visitor becomes voyeur. Peering into a neighboring space, between screens and filters, inhabiting multiple places in one glance. Like a dance, our eyes crave to move rhythmically and then come to a point of rest before continuing. A series of framed views in a space guides our eyes confidently from one point to the next. Our imaginations are fed by a sense of mystery, wondering what is omitted from the frame, what lies behind a corner, or where a light source originates. We're hooked, engaged in a space, left wanting more. 

"Dog Day 88" Pen and Ink wash on paper by the author, San Marco Church, Florence Italy

Framed sky at the Baptista, Florence Italy

"Sky Wall" mixed media collage by the author

Islamic Paradise gardens are known for using framed views. Here courtyards and series of framed porticoes in Oman create ethereal light and sublime shadows:

Early Islamic map of Mecca

(Above) Binary window frame at L'Alhambra in Granada, Spain; Photo by Javier Carro
(Below) Courtyard  grove at Paradores L'Alhambra with box hedge, pen on paper, by the author

One of the most famous frames, ever. View to the Treasury at Petra, Jordan. The contrast of irregular natural rock formations to the geometric and symmetrical architectural form of the facade makes it even more remarkable:

I recently studied the work of Annette Hoyt Flanders, little-known landscape architect from the early 20th century. She was trained in the Beaux Arts tradition (think classical French gardens with box hedges). So while her designs don't look edgy, she was a master of creating outdoor living spaces and depth with her framed views. Below are some examples of this in her work and her travels to Europe from her slide collection at Smith College, never published before:

Annette Hoyt Flanders “The Descent to the Woodland, Lewis L Estate, Syosset Long Island

Annette Hoyt Flanders Century of Progress Exhibit, Chicago Symmetrical Box Hedges

Annette Hoyt Flanders Classic Garden Century of Progress Exhibit 1934

Annette Hoyt Flanders, Location and designer unknown 

Annette Hoyt Flanders, Parterre Garden, McCann Estate, Long Island

Annette Hoyt Flanders, Meadows from House Terrace, Oyster Bay, Long Island

Annette Hoyt Flanders, Location unknown, likely Italy

Annette Hoyt Flanders, Villa Gamberaia, Italy