mwasson-arch111-f2018-swall-blog

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Studio Gang reveals undulating Kō'ula luxury tower for Hawaii

Eleanor Gibson | 16 November 2018

Gibson, Eleanor. “Studio Gang Reveals Undulating Kō'ula Luxury Tower for Hawaii.” Dezeen, Dezeen, 16 Nov. 2018, www.dezeen.com/2018/11/16/koula-tower-studio-gang-honolulu-hawaii/.

Mastering the Elements

Studio Gang, an American firm, recently revealed this new luxury tower in Honolulu, HI. The tower is a spectacular demonstration of maximizing the building potential created by the natural elements and man-made materials. The large glass windows allow plenty of light in for residents to soak up the Hawaiian sunshine and the revolving doors open the large inner hallways of the building to the cool breeze, generating a ton of fresh airflow. In addition, the bamboo modeled floors make the buildings’ occupants feel as though they are one with the bamboo and palm trees near the complex. This project shows how important is to take in all aspects of the build environment. Not only the natural elements, climate, vegetation, and scenery of the region, but also the practical use of man-made materials to create a tailored experience for the person occupying the space.

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Blog Post 10 (Dezeen 4)

Peter Zumthor completes Devon countryside villa "in the tradition of Andrea Palladio"

Amy Frearson | 29 October 2018

 Frearson, Amy. “Peter Zumthor Completes Devon Countryside Villa ‘in the Tradition of Andrea Palladio.’” Dezeen, Dezeen, 29 Oct. 2018, www.dezeen.com/2018/10/29/peter-zumthor-secular-retreat-living-architecture-villa-devon/

A Sanctuary in the Hills

 “Zumthor said his aim was to emulate "the incredible presence of materials, and the beautiful command of space, light and shadow" of Palladio's designs (Frearson 7). Even just at first glance, it is evident that Zumthor was successful in his intentions when designing this stunning modern masterpiece home in the English countryside. The first impressive feat of the design is that it rests on quite a steep grade hill, yet embodies a large, flat, rectangular volume of space, resting between trees so grand they could be hundreds of years old. A major part of architectural design is taking all factors into account, as REM Koolhaas stated in the in-class movie. This includes the surrounding geography and natural elements. Like the trees surrounding the building, the home represents the simplicity and comfort of the countryside it occupies. Creating something that represents the region in which it is located is something that has been discussed in class and gives buildings a story relevant to the people who occupy them. The interior design is comprised of concrete walls and limestone floors that meet in a silent and calming union to complete the enclosure. In conclusion, Zumthor stated "I think it is beautiful if you can make a strong building that helps you, not which oppresses you,” (Zumthor).

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Blog Post 9 (Dezeen 3)

Hawkins\Brown installs WikiHouse workplaces on former Olympic Broadcast Centre

Tom Ravenscroft | 26 October 2016

 Ravenscroft, Tom. “Hawkins\Brown Installs WikiHouse Workplaces on Former Olympic Broadcast Centre.” Dezeen, Dezeen, 25 Oct. 2018, www.dezeen.com/2018/10/26/hawkins-brown-wikihouse-workplaces-here-east-olympic-broadcast-centre-architecture/.

Transformable Space

        This project at the 2012 Olympic Broadcast Centre in London is an amazing demonstration of how space is transformed over time based upon needs to serve new purposes. Some buildings have a very short-lived, narrow purpose, while others are meant to stand and serve a purpose for as long as possible. This particular project, at the time of its original construction, would only be needed for a few months, to serve as a center for bringing footage of a global event to individuals all over the world. However, now that the Olympics have moved on to the next city, this massive space has been transformed entirely into office space and workshop places. It has gone from a place where information is relayed exponentially, to a place for creation and innovative business design.

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Blog Post 8 (Dezeen 2)

Homes for Hope tackles homelessness with modular temporary housing

Calum Lindsay | 19 October 2018

 Lindsay, Calum. “Homes for Hope Combats Homelessness with Modular Temporary Housing.” Dezeen, Dezeen, 19 Oct. 2018, www.dezeen.com/2018/10/19/video-mini-living-madworkshop-homes-for-hope-homeless-housing-los-angeles-architecture/.

 Transformative Space

           This Madworkshop creation is revolutionary. It involves remodeling existing areas that are condemned and unusable and transforming them into living, breathing communities for the homeless. This project eye-opening to the possibilities that lie within the space all around us, and inspires those in architecture and other creative fields to make use of space in ways that benefit society as a whole. One of the primary issues we face as a nation today is homelessness and mental illness. Places like this could change the world, with a simple transformation of the purpose of space.

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Blog Post 7 (Dezeen 1)

Taller Hector Barroso completes caramel-coloured apartment complex in Mexico City

Bridget Cogley | 12 October 2018

Cogley, Bridget. “Taller Hector Barroso Completes Caramel-Coloured Apartment Complex in Mexico City.” Dezeen, Dezeen, 12 Oct. 2018, www.dezeen.com/2018/10/12/taller-hector-barroso-lc710-apartment-complex-caramel-coloured-concrete-mexico-city/.

Color, Shape, and Perspective

These images from Hector Barroso’s new caramel-coloured apartment complex in Mexico City really demonstrate the power that color can have on how we perceive the shape of a space such as a building. The subtle concrete/ steel medium used for the walls distinctly resembles wood grain and provides a soothing feeling of comfort to the room. The open-air sanctuary cased by glass walls offers great lighting and formidable aesthetic to the soft comforting balance provided by the off-beige color. However, in the third picture the color can be interpreted very differently from the outside of the building. From the outside, the shade of the surrounding trees and lack of low shrubbery give the solemn wood-grain shade the appearance of belonging to an abandoned, unwelcoming place. The dark rectangular causeways intimidate from afar, an entirely different effect than that of the same caramel color inside the building.

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Blog Post 6 (Reindeer Short Stories)

Snohetta Reindeer Observatory Pavilion

MAW 8/28_First Cycle

Grass. Hills. Train. Sky. Fog.

Rocks. Brown. Wood. Flame.

Orange. Wind. Gray. Shade. White. Snow.

Storm. Dark. Serene.

View. Beauty. Nature. Shack. Permanent.

People. Light. Wind. Moving.

Warmth. Shadows. Reflection.

  MAW 9/4_Second Cycle

Shrubbery. Gravel. Train. Red. Moving quick.

People. Walking. Cycling.

Fire. Warmth. Cozy. Wood. Marble.

Black. Dark. Gray. Fog. Wind passing.

Storm. Clouds approaching.

Light. Movement. Silence.

 MAW 9/6_Third Cycle

Motion. Nature in motion. Clouds overhead.

People walking. Brown Bison. Red Train. Stopping.

Orange flame. Black. Dark solitude. Peace.

Calming breeze.

Subtle fear. Storm. Or calm.

High. White snow. Mountains. Rocky.

 MAW 9/13_Fourth Cycle

Natural ecosystem. Green plants. Red train arriving.

Leaving.

Brown Bison. Wood house. Rectangle.

Glass Windows. Reflection. Perspective.

Clouds moving. People moving. Coming and going.

Kinetics. Creatures interacting. Blue sky. Aesthetic.

Valley below. Grayness.

 MAW 9/18_Fifth Cycle

Plants and shrubs. Green vegetation. Wildlife in it’s natural state.

Red train. Zooming to the station. Stopping. Human interaction.

Wind at front. Bison grazing the field.

People meeting. Moving. Calming Darkness.

White powder snow. High above the valley.

Soothing, drifting clouds overhead.

 MAW 10/2_Sixth Cycle

People hiking up to the conservatory.

Fire crackling, making warmth. Bright orange hue.

Cozy little wooden prism. Etched wood stadium seating.

People meeting, coming, going, crossing paths, cycling through.

Peace and calm darkness magnified by reflective glass windows.

Rhythmic passing of shadows over the valley.

Calm Silence.

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Lecture Review 1

David Gissen’s “The Preservation of Disability”

           This evening, David Gissen gave an extremely interesting talk about an aspect of historical art and architecture that is often not considered by the average observer- the notion of making time more “accessible.” Gissen discussed the reality of archaeology being such that artifacts and artistic creations are not constant in how they physically exist, or how they are perceived. Rather, ancient pieces of art and architecture often face damage, irregular distribution, and/ or aesthetic deformations. He also urged the audience, as critics of historical artifacts, to attempt to access a time, or times, in the past, rather than a certain space. By this, he means to try to consider how the work of art or structure was perceived at different points in time, and the story it tells from these perceptions. He identified three stages faced by historical artifacts and buildings- the creation (when it’s made), the time which it experienced damage, and the time when humans stepped in to try to conserve it. One way conservationists repair old paintings that were scathed is by “patching” the affected areas, however, they only restore the piece to a percentage of its original form, so as to preserve its historical integrity and account for normal wear-and-tear. Gissen then mentioned de-restoration, which was done by preservationists so as to mark what elements of the piece were part of the original construction and what was added as repair. He concluded by displaying a project that he had recently been working on for a museum in London. The piece is a bust of Hercules from the Roman Empire, which needed a new nose and cheekbone, as well as new ears. Gissen showed the digital contour map he had created to map out the restorations and build plan for the bust. He mentioned that fragments (of the bust, as well as the Acropolis) are opportunities for physical reconstruction of the past, and are open to interpretation of purpose. It was interesting to hear his description and analysis of the restoration of the Acropolis, something we also discussed in class lectures. Oh, and of course he left some irregular blending on the new appendages to the bust in order to show the change of the physical aesthetic of the piece over time.

Shaghaghi, David. “Bust of Hercules...Roman Copy of Greek Original by Lysippos (C.4th BC)... #Classicalbust #Hercules #Heracles #Alongtimegone #Lysippos #Classicalsculpture #Romansculpture #Marblebust - Alongtimegone.” A Fly Guy's Crew Lounge (@Thecrewlounge) | Instagram Photos and Videos, 25 Nov. 2017, 3:05 PM, www.pictame.com/media/1655930610592260044_10511150.

“Acropolis Restored.” Edited by Charalambos Bouras et al., The British Museum, The British Museum, 2015, www.britishmuseum.org/pdf/Acropolis_Restored_2.pdf.

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Blog Post 4 (Invisible Cities 2)

CITIES & MEMORY 2 When a man rides a long time through wild regions he feels the desire for a city. Finally he comes to Isidora, a city where the buildings have spiral staircases encrusted with spiral seashells, where perfect telescopes and violins are made, where the foreigner hesitating between two women always encounters a third, where cockfights degenerate into bloody brawls among the betters. He was thinking of all these things when he desired a city. Isidora, therefore, is the city of his dreams: with one difference. The dreamed-of city contained him as a young man; he arrives at Isidora in his old age. In the square there is the wall where the old men sit and watch the young go by; he is seated in a row with them. Desires are already memories.

Calvino, Italo. Invisible Cities. New York :Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1978. Print.

This passage spoke to me in the voice of nostalgia, and made me come to terms with the simple realization that life is irreversibly short. It made me feel gracious for the present moment, and served to remind me that every day is a gift. The final line, “desires are already memories,” really struck deep, and I feel compelled to pause more often and appreciate the simple things I did when I was many years younger. This image of Princeton University reminds me of the countless weekends I spent playing ice hockey for a youth program in Princeton, New Jersey at the Hobey Baker Memorial Rink on campus. These were some of the most carefree and joyful years of my life. The perfectly crafted and symmetrical stone buildings, lined with beautiful crested archways leave me with a calming sense of mind as I reminisce. My desires entering the time I spent here were far exceeded by memories of friends, family, and happy times.

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Blog Post 3 (Invisible Cities 1)

CITIES & SIGNS 2 Travellers return from the city of Zirma with distinct memories: a blind black man shouting in the crowd, a lunatic teetering on a skyscraper's cornice, a girl walking with a puma on a leash. Actually many of the blind men who tap their canes on Zirma's cobblestones are black; in every skyscraper there is someone going mad; all lunatics spend hours on cornices; there is no puma that some girl does not raise, as a whim. The city is redundant: it repeats itself so that something will stick in the mind. I too am returning from Zirma: my memory includes dirigibles flying in all directions, at window level; streets of shops where tattoos are drawn on sailors' skin; underground trains crammed with obese women suffering from the humidity. My travelling companions, on the other hand, swear they saw only one dirigible hovering among the city's spires, only one tattoo artist arranging needles and inks and pierced patterns on his bench, only one fat woman fanning herself on a train's platform. Memory is redundant: it repeats signs so that the city can begin to exist.

Calvino, Italo. Invisible Cities. New York :Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1978. Print.

I chose this image to represent the passage because when I read it, it made me feel a sense of unity with others. Many different people live in the same city, and their similarities define them as one, while also having unique and individual roles. The new One World Trade Center Tower is a symbol of American patriotism and unity, and accumulates all the varies skills, roles, and personalities of an entire nation into one single representation of the power of togetherness. It’s colossal height and figure serves as a keystone to our nation’s recovery after 9/11 and American pride today.

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Blog Post 2 (Image/ Word)

This structure evokes within me a feeling of wonder. It’s aesthetically-pleasing shape and glass window design provides a feeling of comfort to my perspective, and raises questions about it’s purpose and function. This tiny sanctuary, miles away from any other man-made structure, serves as a gathering place for strangers from all over the world, who share the same wonder and awe in pursuit of nature’s beauty and simplicity. I am intrigued by this wanderer’s paradise.

This image is the view from one of the peaks at Breckenridge Ski Resort in Breckenridge, Colorado. The two times I’ve been to Breckenridge, I’ve separated myself from electronics and truly immersed myself in the beauty and peace of the natural environment. This is a place that represents my passion for exploring new places, landscapes, ecosystems, and cultures. Being up so high gives a feeling of freedom from the stress and anxiety caused by overuse of technology on an everyday basis. I will continue to visit “Breck” and other places like it because it expands my perspective not only on the physical features of nature, but the spiritual aspects, and my inner peace.

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Blog Post 1 (Ayres/ Neyland)

Ayres Hall and Neyland Stadium are two widely recognized landmarks at the University of Tennessee- Knoxville campus. What makes these two impressive architectural structures alike, is the way they are perceived by the people who occupy them, and the effect that perception can have on an entire population of people. Both of these iconic buildings are symbols of our university. Simply seeing a visual representation of Ayres Hall or Neyland Stadium will remind any Tennessee alumni, or “Vol For Life”, of “Big orange fridays", “Saturdays down south”, the orange jerseys, flags flying, and instills a feeling of nostalgia in the person lucky enough to experience all of these things. These buildings represent what it means to be a Tennessee fan, standing large and tall, exceptionally crafted details of brick on Ayres hall, and the checkerboards and beautiful interior brick sculpting of the colosseum that is Neyland Stadium. Where these two structures differ is in their function and, as a result of different functionality, their interior design. Ayres hall is used for classrooms, so the inside of it is cut into different floors and divided into many classrooms on each. In contrast, Neyland Stadium features a wide open, ovular design to satisfy its function, which is holding as many people as possible (102,455 people to be exact). It is also open to the air, while Ayres hall is a completely covered building, without the need to house that many people at one time. Both of these structures use brick to represent the traditional look of the Tennessee campus and are true icons of our university, the city of Knoxville, and all of East Tennessee.