"Ah, to build, to build! That is the noblest art of all the arts. Painting and sculpture are but images, are merely shadows cast by outward things on stone or canvas, having in themselves no separate existence. Architecture, existing in itself, and not in seeming a something it is not, surpasses them as substance shadow." --Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
A Critical Review: Beijing's Architecture part I
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Architectural Analysis III: Innovative Designs I
I will try to update as much as possible in the future. Thanks for the patience!
Here are my analysis and interpretation of different storage container houses:
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Architectural Analysis II: Shanghai Expo 2010...Architecture! National Pavilions
The German Pavilion is a striking example of post-modern/futuristic architecture. The clear finish of the building provides welcoming aesthetics and the style of the pavilion is partially symbolic of Germany's strong economic position in the world; a high modern and industrial nation with aspirations for the futuristic age. One of my favorite parts of the Pavilion is the front side, marked by the characteristic colors of the German flag along with soft gray, but visually appealing words. This building, despite its arbitrary shape, is very pleasant and visually stunning proves that simple themes are very effective, however only when used correctly.
The Brazilian Pavilion
And here, is the bold Brazilian Pavilion. I like this pavilion because first of all, this design is very daring; it is not as futuristic and industrial looking and has a very unique color: green. Generally countries wanted to display their new economic strength by emphasizing on buildings that are next generation. But Brazil apparently likes to embrace what makes Brazil unique. Brazil is a developing nation, and also a fast growing one. But also, Brazil is also know for its soccer, its vivid rainforest and other things. This pavilion is a standing representation of Brazil's rainforest; in addition to its national colors (yellow and green). It does look pleasing, with a visibly striking green color that I personally think that in contrast with other pavilions will help the Brazilian Pavilion stand out.
The British Pavilion (Seed Cathedral)
The British Pavilion is one of the most futuristic and neat pavilions shown at the upcoming Shanghai Expo 2010. The first time I set my eyes on this amazing structure, I was amazed because I thought the building was transparent; there was no visible windows, doors, etc. It was difficult to this visually confusing structure that looks like a facade. At first it looked like a small red supernova ready to unleash its power, but now I know that it is made out of many cylinders of specialized glass. This parallels another similar glass pavilion showcased in England many years ago called the Crystal Palace. I really like the abstract design and the incredible effect created by perhaps hundreds of glass cylinders circumscribing the the structure. Perhaps it is just my opinion, but the red cross like thing in the middle of this pavilion resembles the ones on the British Flag.
The Chinese Pavilion
Images are sources found over Google.
The iconic pavilion of the host country (and my native country) is an giant red Asian Modernist style that towers over most of the other pavilions at the Expo. This structure of symbolic of the kind of Modern Asian style buildings that I would like to design when I become an architect. Red is an important color for the Chinese. It represents luck, happiness, prosperity and to some extent, love and good marriage. I really like this pavilion because it inspires awe because of the monumental nature of the structure. Try imagining yourself approaching the entrance. The inverted pyramid form of the structure creates an "overshadowing " effect as people ascend the staircase into the pavilion. The effect is created by taking advantage of the size of the structure. The other aspect that I like about this pavilion is that the structure uses characteristic Asian style beams into the upper part of the pavilion. One can't see from the pictures that I posted, but the ends of each beam (the end that is facing the observers) are carved with traditional Chinese patterns, to further emphasize the role of traditional culture in the Chinese pavilion. This incorporation of traditional building elements reflects not only China's economic surge (hence the size and splendor) but also a country's traditional elements are intact in all levels of modern Chinese society even as China becomes a growing modern industrial power.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Architecture Analysis I: the Futuristic and the Traditional
This is the Robert and Jane Residence located on 701 Kenmore Road:
It employs Japanese aesthetics in architecture. I think that this house is creative because it is a fusion of traditional Japanese architecture with Western housing features (such as chimneys). This house is designed by Jon Condoret.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Why I want to be an architect
Now, I felt that computer programming was very monotonous after writing a lot of Java code and it simply did not offer me enough creativity and art for a potential career. Now, as I take Drafting II Architectural, I started to feel architecture is my kind of subject. I feel the excitement of designing a building and then watching it emerge from a paper to reality. Architecture is the largest of all the arts. Being an architect, your work would be the biggest and most prominent thing out there. It's this amazing feeling of pride looking at the great building you designed. I wanted to experience that kind of thing. It looks to be a great career. Especially when buildings are the largest human made things on Earth, I've got something to brag and admire about in becoming an Architect. It's also, like I mentioned earlier a form of expression. I want to project my ideas on a greater scale. It's about architecture. It's about me.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
My thoughts on architecture
"Ah, to build, to build! That is the noblest art of all the arts. Painting and sculpture are but images, are merely shadows cast by outward things on stone or canvas, having in themselves no separate existence. Architecture, existing in itself, and not in seeming a something it is not, surpasses them as substance shadow."
--Henry Wadsworth Longfellow