Bela Lajta. The Vocational School. (Taking Pictures in the Rain)

Bela Lajta (1873-1920) was one of the most innovative and original architects of his time.  (He did the Jewish School for the Blind with its remarkable fence which I wrote about earlier.)  Although he trained with the masters (Alajos Hauszman and  Odon Lechner) he quickly went his own way.  He was highly individual and imaginative.  One of the hallmarks of his work is the intricate graphic design which makes the often  simple lines  of his buildings remarkable.

The tile above comes from the Technical School on Vas utca 9-11, which Lajta built between 1909 and 1913.  The building is fairly austere and relies more on graphic design than color to achieve its effect--a quality which makes it a good candidate for photographing on a cold, gray day. ( I mention this because we have had a lot of rain, sleet, and snow this visit, which has made for some creative thinking about how to spend our days.)  

However, close attention to its details awards.  What is particularly interesting is how technical  images woven  into more traditional organic imagery.

And (because it's a school) Lajta's favorite owl

We were lucky to be allowed inside as well.

The original ceiling  decoration.

And all the beautiful tiles and glass.

#LajtaBela
#VasUtcaVocationalSchool