August 16th, 2013
Richardson Olmsted Complex
Former Buffalo State Asylum
Tags: Buffalo New York United States
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From the former Buffalo State Asylum in Buffalo, NY.
Having some fun with some perspective correction in post processing. While I love the drama that leaning walls and buildings can convey using an ultra-wide angle lens, I thought I'd see what happens when you "correct" for it. The results are pretty cool!
Tags: Buffalo New York United States
© All Rights Reserved
Richardson Olmsted Complex
August 16th, 2013
An amazing Kirkbridge plan that was once the Buffalo State Asylum.
History on this location:
"The Richardson Olmsted Complex, the former Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane, was a partnership between noted American architect H.H. Richardson and best known American landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. The complex of buildings and grounds, with its signature Gothic towers, is a National Historic Landmark. The complex was also known as the Buffalo State Hospital and operations continue today as the Buffalo Psychiatric Center, in modern buildings on the site.
The Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane started construction in 1870 and was completed almost 20 years later. It was a state-of-the-art facility when it was built, incorporating the most contemporary ideas in psychiatric treatment. The design of the buildings as well as the therapeutic grounds were intended to complement the innovations in psychiatric care practiced at this facility.
At the time Richardson was commissioned to design the complex he was still relatively unknown, but he was later to become the first American architect to achieve international fame. The complex was ultimately the largest building of his career and the first to display his characteristic style - what came to be known as Richardsonian Romanesque – and is internationally regarded as one of the best examples of its kind. Among many others, his genius also yielded the New York State Capital in Albany, NY, Albany City Hall in Albany, NY , Trinity Church in Boston, MA, and the Glessner House in Chicago, IL.
The complex and grounds were originally built on 203 acres of largely undeveloped farmland. The V-shaped design consisted of the central tower building with five buildings flanking on each side, connected by curved corridors. This design was representative of what was then known as the Kirkbride Plan, named after the physician who developed it. As a stage of development in the classification and treatment of mental illness, Kirkbride’s system used an architectural response to create a humane treatment environment. This curative system was premised in the belief that one’s physical and social environment could cause and cure mental illness. The Kirkbride Plan was a system of congregate care that classified patients according to affliction and degree, in wards designed for maximum light, ventilation, and privacy, and a home like atmosphere. “Although it was used at almost 70 hospitals by 1890, the Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane is an important example, owing to the rigor with which it not only adhered to, but also improved upon the Plan stipulations” (Richardson Olmsted Complex Historic Structures Report, p. 5). "
More info: www.richardson-olmsted.com/history.php
Tags: Buffalo New York United States
© All Rights Reserved
Richardson Olmsted Complex
August 16th, 2013
An amazing Kirkbridge plan that was once the Buffalo State Asylum.
History on this location:
"The Richardson Olmsted Complex, the former Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane, was a partnership between noted American architect H.H. Richardson and best known American landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. The complex of buildings and grounds, with its signature Gothic towers, is a National Historic Landmark. The complex was also known as the Buffalo State Hospital and operations continue today as the Buffalo Psychiatric Center, in modern buildings on the site.
The Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane started construction in 1870 and was completed almost 20 years later. It was a state-of-the-art facility when it was built, incorporating the most contemporary ideas in psychiatric treatment. The design of the buildings as well as the therapeutic grounds were intended to complement the innovations in psychiatric care practiced at this facility.
At the time Richardson was commissioned to design the complex he was still relatively unknown, but he was later to become the first American architect to achieve international fame. The complex was ultimately the largest building of his career and the first to display his characteristic style - what came to be known as Richardsonian Romanesque – and is internationally regarded as one of the best examples of its kind. Among many others, his genius also yielded the New York State Capital in Albany, NY, Albany City Hall in Albany, NY , Trinity Church in Boston, MA, and the Glessner House in Chicago, IL.
The complex and grounds were originally built on 203 acres of largely undeveloped farmland. The V-shaped design consisted of the central tower building with five buildings flanking on each side, connected by curved corridors. This design was representative of what was then known as the Kirkbride Plan, named after the physician who developed it. As a stage of development in the classification and treatment of mental illness, Kirkbride’s system used an architectural response to create a humane treatment environment. This curative system was premised in the belief that one’s physical and social environment could cause and cure mental illness. The Kirkbride Plan was a system of congregate care that classified patients according to affliction and degree, in wards designed for maximum light, ventilation, and privacy, and a home like atmosphere. “Although it was used at almost 70 hospitals by 1890, the Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane is an important example, owing to the rigor with which it not only adhered to, but also improved upon the Plan stipulations” (Richardson Olmsted Complex Historic Structures Report, p. 5). "
More info: www.richardson-olmsted.com/history.php
Tags: Buffalo New York United States
© All Rights Reserved
Richardson Olmsted Complex
Formally the Buffalo State Asylum
August 16th, 2013
Inside the tunnels that run under the complex.
Tags: Buffalo New York United States asylum state hospital urbex grunge tunnel Richardson Olmsted Complex history historic NY abandoned decay rusty crusty spooky creepy dark haunted Frank C. Grace Trig Photography
© All Rights Reserved