NEW ORLEANS-PART 2-architechture

As many of you know, New Orleans is a mishmash of cultures. It began as a Old World city in the New World. It was a carefully planned walled town established by the french.

The french quarter was very practical. With narrow streets that were cool in the hot climate. And the closeness of the houses kept everything within walking distances.

Commercial and residential spaces existed side by side. And outdoor space was in the form of courtyards, rather than having a lawn or garden open to public view.

A gorgeous sidewalk in front of a hotel in the French Quarter. The black "pillars" are called colonettes.

A example of the beautiful iron work in the quarter. It is neither Spanish or American, it is French.
More wonderfull iron work....
Notice how the whole property is walled in...the courtyard will be in the center of this building. For privacy. Also, see the doors for the car park.

See how the window are covered by shutters. The shutters allow for privacy as well as noise prevention.
See how close the homes are to each other..........
I love how the patios are kept so nice with flowers....ironic since the humid climate was so destructive.
A glimpse into a courtyard. Looks lovely and inviting dont you think....

When New Orleans became American in 1803 as part of the the Louisiana Purchase, the existing citizens did weren't so happy. They were not consulted of the purchase, didnt speak english, and they had some bad history with the Americans. So, as more and more Americans came to New Orleans, they built a "new city" upriver and across Canal Street. The Americans did not follow the "building codes" of the original New Orleans and they built American style homes surrounded by lawns and gardens. This area is called the "Garden District"

Even though these are American built homes, you can see the Spanish influence.

As well as Greek Revival....

Very charming homesAnd we are back in the French Quarter...this is a old blacksmith shop named "Lafitte's Blacksmith" It is now a bar. Imagine that, on Bourbon Street no less.....lol
This is a close up of the construction of Lafittes Blacksmith Shoppe. Built 285 years ago, they used cypress wood and brick to construct a super strong, fire resistant, long lasting building. Very cool.
The court house in the quarter. Very pretty but a little newer than the blacksmith shoppe.
St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square...A great spot to listen to music in the street. And a beautiful building.