Architect Reveals Hidden Details of Washington, D.C. | Architectural Digest

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  • Опубліковано 11 чер 2024
  • Today Architectural Digest takes you to Washington, D.C. for a walking tour of The National Mall with architect Nicholas Potts, highlighting some complex architectural details hidden in plain sight. The development of our nation's capitol was drastically reimagined by 1902's McMillan plan, implemented primarily to improve the design of the city's monuments and parks. Nick Potts brings this evolution to life, highlighting some remaining vestiges of 19th century D.C. while explaining how the city changed around them - including the White House itself.
    Check out Nicholas Potts here:
    Website: nicholasgpotts.com/
    Instagram: / nicholasgpotts
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 231

  • @Jaffa45
    @Jaffa45 2 роки тому +1185

    These videos are far superior than the tours of celebrity homes.

  • @ColonelPanic007
    @ColonelPanic007 2 роки тому +414

    Great video. AD should make a series highlighting the architectural treasures and history of each state.

  • @hispid1
    @hispid1 2 роки тому +356

    Great stuff AD - Can we have more of these please.

    • @seekhimwithallyourheartand3358
      @seekhimwithallyourheartand3358 2 роки тому +1

      Repent to Jesus Christ
      “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
      ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭4:8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

    • @TroupeGoal
      @TroupeGoal 2 роки тому +4

      Was about to say the same. Best content on the channel.

    • @mjj7632
      @mjj7632 2 роки тому

      I agree

  • @remsan03
    @remsan03 2 роки тому +165

    It's sad that videos of celebrity homes got millions of view (which is why AD keeps making them), and yet an enlightening, educational and insightful videos like these are less popular. I hope AD keeps making these type of quality videos.

  • @LittleTut
    @LittleTut 2 роки тому +80

    I'm a DC native, NE DC, and live about 1 mile from US Capitol to the north. This video makes me want to plan to go out and explore this beautiful city as I don't go out and about to see to capture this beautiful city like I should. My mother had her retirement celebration inside of the Smithsonian Castle; she worked as a payroll clerk still have those photos taken at the celebration in the early mid 70's. She worked for the government many many years. I remember and still have the photos of rockets that stood outside of the castle, now garden area facing Independence Avenue SW DC. 🤗

    • @decounltd5485
      @decounltd5485 Рік тому

      @@nonyabuziness5082 Wow! You definitely have never visited this world class city. While there is crime in some parts of the city like any other big city in the world, there is nest to zero crime on the national mall where this video is being shot. You are clearly uninformed and a negative person.

    • @pjaybasmaignee
      @pjaybasmaignee Рік тому

      @@nonyabuziness5082 no he did not why lie?

  • @hungrysoles
    @hungrysoles 2 роки тому +65

    A very intelligent and literate look at architectural details in D.C. You should do a video on the Pension Building and the Columbia Historical Society as well as the classic foreign embassies.

  • @soledieairvideos5974
    @soledieairvideos5974 2 роки тому +43

    As someone who just moved to DC this is a really great videos and I makes me want to explore even more

  • @v-boyinla8404
    @v-boyinla8404 3 місяці тому +2

    Loved learning all this.
    This guy's narrative is A-plus.

  • @davidcattin7006
    @davidcattin7006 Рік тому +6

    Retired and moved from DC ten years ago. My walk to work took me straight across the mall, and it was amazing every time! Thanks for the memories!

  • @DaveTexas
    @DaveTexas 2 роки тому +6

    I think I’m in love...😍🥰😍 Nicholas Potts is so good at describing the architecture in a succinct, knowledgeable, technical yet accessible way. I love listening to him talk as well. A great voice. Doesn’t hurt that he’s adorably cute...

  • @waedidmyhandlechange
    @waedidmyhandlechange 2 роки тому +16

    FINALLY! I had resigned myself to the fact that this series was dead. I'm so glad you continued it.

  • @ski5566
    @ski5566 2 роки тому +23

    Would love a video like this on DC row-houses.

  • @valarya
    @valarya 2 роки тому +58

    FASCINATING and well done! Please make this a series 🙌

  • @TristouMTL
    @TristouMTL 2 роки тому +17

    Aren't you just brilliant at explaining things, Mr. Potts! Thank you for such a condensed and interesting overview!

    • @bluebox2000
      @bluebox2000 Рік тому

      I love his valley/sorority girl uptalk at the end of sentences. So cute!

  • @Francisays
    @Francisays Рік тому +6

    I've lived in DC for about 20 plus years. This video is informative and sparks a desire to learn about architecture, which was been a latent interest for some time. I would love to see more in videos that point out certain architecture structure with marked lines and it's terminology, like what you did at time mark 2:42. This really is a good video to rewatch, take notes and go out and explore. Good job. Thanks! :)

  • @andrewlee4050
    @andrewlee4050 2 роки тому +9

    Very informative, educational, and interesting, More of this please AD, Ty!

  • @kellygilbert-rios6319
    @kellygilbert-rios6319 2 роки тому +41

    That was a fantastic informative architectural tour. Thank you very much. Excellent!!

  • @sallysomers5251
    @sallysomers5251 2 роки тому +4

    I could watch this over and over and pick up something new each time. Fascinating and very well done. More like this please!

  • @theophaneantipater6333
    @theophaneantipater6333 2 роки тому +17

    History and Architecture = winner combo !

  • @pjeverly
    @pjeverly Рік тому +1

    These are such good videos. Really enjoy them all. Far more than I would ever have thought. Keep up the great work.

  • @mariamcclanahan470
    @mariamcclanahan470 2 роки тому +7

    Really enjoyed this educational and informative video! Thanks

    • @seekhimwithallyourheartand3358
      @seekhimwithallyourheartand3358 2 роки тому

      Repent to Jesus Christ
      “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
      ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭4:8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

  • @maurobrunosolavergara5041
    @maurobrunosolavergara5041 Рік тому +1

    Love every video you made with Nick. I hope you make more in the future!

  • @mjj7632
    @mjj7632 2 роки тому +1

    Keep these kind of videos coming, these are the best!

  • @laverite1050
    @laverite1050 2 роки тому +16

    The best Architectural digest video. That was my playground growing up. Would have liked him to add about the Lincoln, Jefferson, and Washington Monument while he was at it.

    • @pNo415
      @pNo415 2 роки тому

      Thank you! Was caught off guard when he left the Mall! But overall fantastic and very well done.

  • @flatout420
    @flatout420 3 місяці тому

    this architect is awesome how he describe every detail and nuances

  • @ambreeniram2268
    @ambreeniram2268 2 роки тому +4

    Thank you for sharing. All the buildings are gorgeous. Timeless marvels of architecture with rich heritage and history in every bit.

  • @akarayan
    @akarayan Рік тому +2

    Great video. I.M. Pei’s buildings are a true scar on the face of whatever city is unfortunate enough to house them. Truly sad that building is on our National Mall.

  • @BillyAlabama
    @BillyAlabama Рік тому +1

    Wonderful!! The Truman Balcony was actually added before the gutting of the White House. When Margaret’s piano leg fell through the floor engineers were dispatched for a detailed inspection. When they were finished the man reporting to Truman said something to the effect of, “Mr. President. Your balcony is the only part of the house not in immediate a state of immediate collapse.” I’ve always loved this story.

  • @strawberriebabieex3
    @strawberriebabieex3 Рік тому

    great job. really enjoyed and a discussion about architecture that should take place more often. thanks for posting it.

  • @wittyusername_6
    @wittyusername_6 2 роки тому +10

    Loved this! Please do more.

  • @ayaazthaliph2108
    @ayaazthaliph2108 2 роки тому +1

    very much enjoyed the architectural elements used through out Washington DC. Informative and AD should make more videos like these.

  • @gregcat100
    @gregcat100 Рік тому

    So informative! I really enjoy these videos! thank you.

  • @infraredthomas
    @infraredthomas 2 роки тому +3

    This was so interesting! I've been to Washington D.C. a couple of times and visited some of the featured buildings. This filled in a lot of gaps of how and why some buildings were designed the way they were.

  • @highwayaisle
    @highwayaisle 2 роки тому +4

    Enjoyed this! More of these pls!

    • @jamescollins2499
      @jamescollins2499 2 роки тому +1

      Hello Colleen , i hope you are having a wonderful day so far ?

  • @xxRangerBlue
    @xxRangerBlue 2 роки тому +4

    Pierre Charles L’Enfant - There is only so much that can be covered in a 15 minute video. I think any mention of the French influence in the architecture of Washington, D.C. should warrant a mention of L”Enfant, commissioned by George Washington to design the new capitol and influenced by the broad avenues of the Paris of his youth.
    So important was L’Enfant’s contribution that his cenotaph occupies pride of place directly in front of Arlington House affording a view across the Potomac to the city influenced by his design.
    For the history of the development of the layout of Washington, D.C. see
    Grand Avenues: The Story of Pierre Charles L'Enfant by Scott W. Berg

  • @tmp1111
    @tmp1111 2 роки тому +6

    Really nice topic. DC has a lot of interesting little layout tidbits. All the traffic circles in DC were planned to confuse the enemy.

    • @MrOu83
      @MrOu83 2 роки тому +1

      tee- They (traffic circles) were not planned to confuse enemies, invaders. That’s just a myth that has been spread for ages now.

  • @emilyhoward8918
    @emilyhoward8918 2 роки тому +1

    Wonderful tour!

  • @dtv2031
    @dtv2031 2 роки тому +2

    Love this type of video. More please!

  • @fabianlawstudies9497
    @fabianlawstudies9497 2 роки тому +1

    Excellent! Thanks for sharing! 👍🏾

  • @tessat338
    @tessat338 2 роки тому +1

    It's that time of year, when the world comes to visit us here in the DCA!!! Spring break in DC to see the cherry blossoms and the flowering trees, while taking the kids to see the national monuments and the museums! My mother, best friend and I recently drove into town from just outside the Beltway to see a play at the National Theater and were parking in the Ronald Reagan office building. Sure enough, we met a family of tourists who were getting together in DC from the North (Ohio) and the South (Florida). They weren't going to see the play, but were just going to walk around the area to see the White House grounds. It was so much fun to see their enthusiasm to visit our beautiful Nation's Capitol. Taking the Metro is a good idea during the day, but I agree with their decision to use a car in the evening when the Metro trains don't run as frequently. If you are planning to drive into the city during the day to see the museums on the Mall, you have a better chance of finding parking in front of the National Gallery of Art. Also, if you are not going to go to the museum first thing in the morning, try around 12 pm, because the people who DID come first thing, often leave at that time and you can grab up their parking spaces.

  • @tigerhockey7
    @tigerhockey7 8 місяців тому

    This was FANTASTIC

  • @LaBucci
    @LaBucci 2 роки тому +4

    Yes please do more of these!

  • @boxsterman77
    @boxsterman77 2 роки тому +5

    I had read somewhere that the eschewing of ornamentation for The National Gallery of Art (West Building) was in recognition that, at it's size, had it featured much in the way of relief, pillars, recesses etc., it would have competed with, and perhaps visually surpassed the capitol--which has a smaller, albeit more prominently placed footprint.
    I think you are revealing an unfortunate trait of some architects where focus in exclusively paid to the building as a singular expression without regard to its neighbors and context. But Pope and Pei were quite mindful of the placement of their buildings. Across the Avenue, you will notice that the Candandian Embassy does a find job of taking cues from both the West and East Buildings and combing the respective themeless masterfully. Buildings that disregard context and placement are arrogant buildings--and, yes, sometimes that is the point.

  • @sandraschmied6459
    @sandraschmied6459 Рік тому +2

    Wonderful! I love going into the city. Now I will see things with a new perspective. Also, Christmas week is great time to stroll around the mall and go to museums because no one is there!

  • @rembeadgc
    @rembeadgc 2 роки тому +1

    I appreciate this run-down and elaboration on buildings that I see regularly and enjoy, not just for what they contain but also for their visual presence and what they represent about man and God.

  • @danithurber
    @danithurber 8 місяців тому

    Love this ❤ Thank you for this video

  • @samanthacbecker95
    @samanthacbecker95 2 роки тому +2

    love this! would love a video on the historic row homes in the residential very old neighborhoods of DC

  • @havingfun3619
    @havingfun3619 2 роки тому +7

    Very cool. Although I've seen them all, the history you brought to the architecture is very important.

  • @FalconsEye58094
    @FalconsEye58094 2 роки тому +3

    nothing has this level of detail anymore

  • @LEGACYFOCUS
    @LEGACYFOCUS 10 місяців тому

    Executive building is super gorgeous ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤...the design is perfection

  • @jplourde11
    @jplourde11 Рік тому

    More Nick Potts!!!!!!!!

  • @jelsner5077
    @jelsner5077 Рік тому +1

    Lovely presentation.

  • @tyronie
    @tyronie 2 роки тому

    I love this series

  • @1rewd133
    @1rewd133 Рік тому

    I grew up and lived in the DC metro area, and downtown DC was my playground. The city plan, architecture, and landscaping in place was not only beautiful but also a learning experience for this "lay architect", aspects of which I bring to my own one man design firm in a growing rural area. I was so lucky.

  • @thomasbowers1210
    @thomasbowers1210 2 місяці тому

    I hope we can get a video of the rest of Washington DC because I would love to hear about the details on the post office building!

  • @javierpacheco8234
    @javierpacheco8234 2 роки тому +3

    I love classical architecture or america's architecture. I hope in the future i design one when i become an architect.

  • @jakebe4915
    @jakebe4915 Рік тому +1

    This was stunning. Educational..historical..
    Bravo.. Keep it up. Do New Orleans or San Francisco next.

  • @CD318
    @CD318 Рік тому

    Nick Potts ROCKS!

  • @heyyyitshewan4816
    @heyyyitshewan4816 Рік тому

    so good!!

  • @kethsharakhlok1976
    @kethsharakhlok1976 Рік тому +2

    A good educational touring info. accompanied by excellent view of each building's grand image.
    Many foreign visitors like seeing most buildings in DC as they remind them of similar ones in Paris. ✌️🕊️

  • @Shivdotb
    @Shivdotb 2 роки тому

    Just wanna say I lovoooee these videos

  • @AndrewNation13
    @AndrewNation13 2 роки тому +9

    This guy is an awesome host to what is probably the most celebrated location on earth and all its architectural keys and intricacies .
    Thank-you sooo much my dude, Sigma 4 Life 😌

  • @derrikcupps
    @derrikcupps 2 роки тому

    Love this video

  • @NinjaBooKitty
    @NinjaBooKitty 2 роки тому +1

    Oh how I miss DC so much! This was amazing! :)

  • @lmgtulsa
    @lmgtulsa 2 роки тому +11

    This was an absolutely cool vid. Thanks for making it.

  • @tataarchitect3493
    @tataarchitect3493 2 роки тому +9

    The architect kinda looks like Anthony Bridgerton. I really love this video content, hope AD will do more of it.

    • @seekhimwithallyourheartand3358
      @seekhimwithallyourheartand3358 2 роки тому +2

      Repent to Jesus Christ
      “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
      ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭4:8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

    • @ieceineint452
      @ieceineint452 2 роки тому +1

      @@seekhimwithallyourheartand3358 so tru

  • @stevemiller7949
    @stevemiller7949 Рік тому

    Love this. So so good.🙂🙂🙃❤️

  • @ElliottLaw
    @ElliottLaw 2 роки тому +1

    Thank you.

  • @JWinslow11
    @JWinslow11 2 роки тому

    Fantastic!

  • @FORTIS-FORTUNA-ADIUVAT-HAWAII

    VERY NICE VIDEO, VERY INFORMATIVE, THANKS YOU.

  • @Allison.Marshall
    @Allison.Marshall 2 роки тому +3

    Would love to see the reasoning behind the Hirshorn Museum on the National Mall. I always thought it was a bit of an eyesore when compared to it's neighbors.

  • @Azrael8
    @Azrael8 2 роки тому +2

    You missed out on the National Archives and Navy Plaza. That's a really pretty area from an architectural standpoint.

  • @alastairdallas
    @alastairdallas 2 роки тому +3

    Wow. This man pairs a lot of history knowledge with a deep understanding of the purposes and motivations of architecture. I know a compact, well-shot and edited video doesn't just happen, either. I will look for the other videos in this series. A+ (which could be a name for the series, but I just copyrighted it. 🙂)

  • @NoneFB
    @NoneFB 2 роки тому +1

    Hi. Nice going on this! Plan on doing part II: covering the other buildings. Natural History, Archives, Native Americans, Air and Space, the new African Americans Museum. Jefferson, FDR, Lincoln, WW II, Viet Nam. Engraving, Holocaust, Washington Monument. Treasury, Red Cross, OAR. Federal Reserve, Interior. You offer much insight. Keep it going!

  • @muahlakaparak
    @muahlakaparak 2 роки тому

    very interesting house design..nice video

  • @emmawilliams2178
    @emmawilliams2178 2 роки тому +3

    more DC content please!!!

  • @carolinejohnson22
    @carolinejohnson22 Рік тому

    Really good...

  • @DavidSmith-fv1jf
    @DavidSmith-fv1jf Рік тому

    wonderful

  • @TheNoerdy
    @TheNoerdy 2 роки тому +3

    Please do one for NYC!

  • @cestusfr
    @cestusfr 2 роки тому +2

    Even though different in style the Smithsonian reminds me of Schloss Drachenburg
    PS best video so far and i subbed years ago! please do more videos about architecture!

  • @lukedixon4832
    @lukedixon4832 2 роки тому

    Now THIS is good content

  • @laurenm3148
    @laurenm3148 7 місяців тому

    Absolutely wild to be on the Mall and not at least go over the more diverse museums and the widespread Brutalism. Some missed opportunities here for expanding on more than just Greco-Roman and Neoclassicism.

  • @NicksDynasty
    @NicksDynasty Рік тому

    Beautiful city

  • @thequietstag4366
    @thequietstag4366 Рік тому +2

    Okay, 9:05. What's with the orange statues?

    • @ginaroussos
      @ginaroussos Рік тому +1

      Thank you!! I’ve been reading thru all these comments like why has no one mentioned the weird orange statues that are in front of multiple buildings?? I was hoping someone knew what it was lol. I’m guessing it was some kind of art installation? If you find out plz let us know

  • @holabrand6599
    @holabrand6599 2 роки тому

    I love this 🥰🥰🥰

  • @LMays-cu2hp
    @LMays-cu2hp 2 роки тому

    Very nice...

  • @Michaelengelmann
    @Michaelengelmann Рік тому +2

    We have similar brick townhomes in Old City, Philadelphia. The first US capital. Wonder how Philly would look if it was always the capital or it moved then came back

  • @LeetMath
    @LeetMath 2 роки тому +1

    the executive building is crazy to look at, it seems really extreme with use of columns

  • @Allaiya.
    @Allaiya. 2 роки тому +1

    I love the neo-classical style.

  • @dr.jorgerice6881
    @dr.jorgerice6881 Рік тому

    I wish the Library of Congress was included. Great video though!

  • @mellonmarshall
    @mellonmarshall 2 роки тому +2

    this is col, but can I ask what is with the orange people that all out and about in the Smithsonian, please

  • @Lychiis
    @Lychiis 2 роки тому

    wow!! Early!

  • @ElarBela
    @ElarBela Рік тому +1

    Nicholas Potts, Sir, where is the renaissance with zet/zi pronunciation from?

  • @artiemicheline816
    @artiemicheline816 Рік тому +1

    Can you do the Willard hotel in dc

  • @marinedrive5484
    @marinedrive5484 2 роки тому +3

    I had no idea that The National Mall is so eclectic - I've only visited it once many years ago, on my first trip overseas from NZ. Each of the buildings is very interesting in its own right. However, I can't help but think that it would have been better - from a purely aesthetic point of view - to have continued to build in the neoclassical style; paying homage to the original Georgian buildings. It's not necessarily a hodgepodge, but it could have been better coordinated. Well done AD for producing these informative videos.

  • @selrahcf
    @selrahcf 2 роки тому +3

    More of this! Less of the Kardashian crap.

  • @handballtrick
    @handballtrick 2 роки тому +2

    Go to some iconic factories AD.

  • @towner868
    @towner868 Рік тому +3

    The Native American Museum is conspicuously absent.

  • @longfeet1384
    @longfeet1384 4 місяці тому +1

    Where is the ice cream 🍦

  • @brandoniswhoiam
    @brandoniswhoiam 2 роки тому +3

    I’m more shook… by the fact that it’s a MALL.

    • @MatthewCaban
      @MatthewCaban 2 роки тому

      Malls were originally tree lined promenade. Look at history of Pall Mall in UK