TRIUMPH OF THE BAROQUE

This is the bigger sister of the previously posted fountain in Guarda. And how much bigger! This fantastical concoction of mythological beings dominates the top of a hill overlooking the city. The architecture seems practically pulverized in mermaids's tails, wavy capitals and tentacle-scrolls, but nonetheless there is a strong design structure underneath. As mentioned this was part of an estate which disappeared long ago and then was integrated into a monotonous fascist piazza/garden.

FAUCETS

Faucet types in the historical chemical laboratory of the "Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa"

MÃE D'ÁGUA

The main cornice at the Mãe d'Água in Lisbon. This was one of the main water reservoirs in town, terminating the huge aqueduct of Águas Livres. The simple detailing reveals the utilitarian nature of the building, its refinement the elegance of ages past. Under Lisbon's harsh light, the moldings become bold, shadows deep and planes of light disappear into the texture of the limestone.

WATER SPOUT

Water spout, public fountain at Covas do Douro, Pinhão

FAUCET

Church of São Bento da Vitória, Porto

PEDESTAL SINK

Casa de Serralves, Porto

The Casa de Serralves has the appeal of being a coutry house entirely done in the Art Deco/ Moderne style, as opposed to the more prevalent apartment renovations of the period. Now turned into an art museum, it is unfortunately stripped of most of its original furniture, some of which came from the ateliers of Ruhlmann in Paris. This lavatory's design origins are unknown; the great Porto Beaux-Arts architect Marques da Silva had worked on the project as well.