Monday, May 13, 2013




CARMEL MISSION BASILICA STRUCTURAL IMPROVEMENTS



These drawings were prepared for a presentation to the donors to the structural improvements of the Carmel Mission Basilica, who would like to know how their $7 million dollars were spent.  The odd thing about a building's structure is that it is integral to a building but rarely seen--much like the human skeleton.  In this case, considerable work was done--at great expense--to strengthen the structure, and yet upon completion of the project it looked exactly as it did before the work began.
























Here's a picture of the structural engineer giving the presentation.  It's embarrassing  to have the crucified Christ hanging over my drawing, saints around it and the grave of Saint Junipero Serra below it.  Did they really have to have the presentation at the front chancel in front of the altar?  It feels disrespectful and a reflection of a media culture.  Still, I'm proud of my graphics (although I wasn't given the time to refine them), which leaves me ambivalent.