Palm Springs, Palm Desert & Rancho Mirage, CA (2/22/2018)

My interest in architecture blossoms in a place like this, primarily because there is such a variety of styles to see.  The affluence of this area allows individuals and entire communities to pick and choose architectural styles, whether it be something traditional or the latest trend.  When this area had a growth spurt in the 1940s and 1950s, the so-called "modern" architecture was in vogue.  Rather square, cinder block buildings with flat or angled roof lines were popular.  That style is now called "mid-century modern" to reflect the fact that it was a temporary popularity.  You can still find this style here, even some newer construction, but many of the older examples have been renovated to look more Mediterranean, with stucco walls and peaked roofs of barrel tiles.  I never accepted the "modern" style, preferring something like Bob Hope's "flying saucer" house, or the one in Woody Allen's movie "Sleeper" (located in Colorado).  Now those homes will look modern for a very long time.

I learned of a place called Sunnylands, the estate of the late Walter and Leonore Annenberg, and the fact that it can be toured.  Unfortunately, I also learned that tours of the home or grounds are sold out through March.  Tickets for any month go on sale the 15th of the previous month and usually sell out that morning (at $48 per person).  However, there is a visitor center and garden next door that can be visited at no charge, so I did that.

The visitor center is done in a very modern style and the garden consists primarily of desert plants, including several types of cacti and several types of agave.  Trees and water features are used to add texture and cool the area for comfort.  A movie tells all about the fabulous life of the Annenbergs and shows much of their 23,000 square foot home (with 22 guest rooms).  Rather than try to summarize their story here, I invite you to read about them at Walter Annenberg and about their estate at Sunnylands.

The architecture of individual homes presents problems for me.  Only in rare cases can one see inside a home, such as historic home tours, and even to photograph a home from outside could invite suspicion.  Churches are much easier to visit, often both exterior and interior, although its becoming less likely to see inside due to security concerns.

I found some beautiful and interesting churches in this area and will share just a couple.  First, the Saint George Greek Orthodox Church.  After photographing outside, I found the door unlocked to the Priest's office and got his permission to photograph inside.  He was very gracious in allowing me to do so.

 Looking back toward the entry, I noticed the sunlight coming through the colored glass windows cast a very soothing purplish light.

 One of the many icons on the walls was this painting of Saint George Slaying The Dragon.

Catholic churches are often left unlocked so worshipers (and tourists) may enter at their convenience.  That was the case at Saint Louis Catholic Church which I spotted because of its unusual spire.  The "modern" style of the exterior did not appeal to me, but I loved the interior design.

A small park alongside a major roadway caught my eye as I drove past, speeding in an effort to stay up with the locals.  It is a memorial to cancer survivors, and I think we can all identify with the message it conveys whether we have personally had this disease or know someone who has.