Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Buildings Hiding Underground

This tranquil setting of lawns, a fountain and saucer magnolia trees is actually the roof top of the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art which was built underground at the mall. Likewise for the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art which was built underground. I need to add to this post that I read on a sign that this African "roof garden" was laid out in Muslim design since it is above the African Museum and the Moors of North Africa practiced the Muslim faith which believes in the four rivers. Muslim gardens are shaded areas laid out in four quadrants each with a water channel that flows into the central fountain. The four rivers are water, wine, milk and honey. This garden was laid out in this fashion. The Asian garden above the Asian Museum was laid out in Asian fashion but I don't have a photo of it.


4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love to see scenes like this but miss the old man reading a book or the old lady with sagging hose just staring at the fountain.

To me these are kind of illusions that never really happen but are there because they are expected to be there as part of a fairy tale like theme. Look at it. It is stunning and beautiful.

I don't see a single bird or a bear but I do see some beautiful trees, a green lawn and an awful price for maintenance.

LOL

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Anonymous said...

My apologies...

I read the magazine in the picture. Pat, my wife of 53 years (July 12th) took the picture.

Jack and Joann said...

There was an old lady staring at the fountain but she wasn't wearing hose because it was way too hot and humid on Sunday. That old lady was yours truly.

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

J&J: A very nice capture of the fountain, looks like a nice place to sit and rest.