Saturday, April 23, 2011

Their works are pretty cool ...WRIGHT? LOL -Frank Lloyd Wright & Loius Sullivan

America had its own fair share of brilliant architects that followed the style of international architecture. Two of the leading architects were Frank Lloyd Wright and Loius Sullivan.

First up, Architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

Oh the famous Frank Lloyd Wright, the famous architect with a very interesting personal life. Big blow though, we are here to discuss his architectural works and not to pound on gossip. (we’ll do that later ..im joking). So Frank Lloyd Wright has numerous famous creations. One of them is the very, very famous fallingwater residence (or also known as the kaufmann residence) located in Pennsylvania, built on a waterfall on Bear Run in the Mill Run section of Stewart Township. As I’ve said before, this is one of the smartest architectural works I’ve ever seen. Who wouldn’t want to live ON a waterfall?! I’ve always wondered what It would be like waking up every morning to the sound of clashing waters and having the freedom of climbing out the window and diving to the water below. (LOL, doesn’t look very safe though). Lucky Kaufmann’s! Following the international architectural style, the fallingwater is cubic in shape and owned several glass windows. Frank Lloyd inspired many modern day architects to design residential homes like this one. I’ve recently just seen one on the movie “faster,” but I just can’t lay my hands on the name of that residence but I’m in love with it. It was a modern day version of the fallingwater-It overlooked nature and had long glass components as walls.

His other works included the Guggenheim museum which had another amazing concept behind it. The winding of the structure made it experiential to all its guests. I’ve heard that it had a circular ramp in the interior which went all the way to the top with all the works of art that belonged to the museum, plastered to the wall. In order for guests to view all of the works, they had to follow through this passage, going down, without even knowing it! Now that is cool.

Frank Lloyd Wright had many other accomplishments in life. He was not only an architect, but he was also an interior designer, writer and educator, who designed more than 1,000 projects in which 500 were completed. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Lloyd_Wright)


Loius Sullivan

They say that he is the father of skyscrapers, but I am not so familiar with the skyscrapers that he has created. The only structures created by Louis Sullivan, that I do know of are the Wainwright Tomb and the the Auditorium Building in Illinois.

The thing that struck me the most about the wainwright tomb was the domed cube . The revival of domes were not really practiced a lot during his time.

Just to boast. loljk

Romanesque architecture
Gothic Architecture
Renaissance Architecture
Baroque & Roccoco
Colonial &Post colonial Architecture
Art Nouveau
Art deco
Industrial revolution
Bauhaus
International architecture
Loius sullivan
Le Corbusier
Frank Lloyd Wright
Mies Van der Rohe


last two! Im on a roll!
kthanksbye gotta do million other things now

that cheese chapel- Mies Van Der Rohe & Le Corbusier

In Europe, Mies Van der Rohe and Le Corbusier dominated the modern world of Architecture. Mies Ven Der Rohe was a self-thought Architect, who converted from building neo classical style residential structures to modern buildings. He studied philosophies from many architects before him, which lead him to create designs based on his own well thought philosophies. His structures may look like the stereotypical modern structures that, like the others created at that time, had the same features: cubic in shape,flat roof, favoured the use of glass and steel and the rejection of ornamentation, but they all had a well thought philosophy behind them. Though many people have viewed as his architectural works as unliveable and “cold” I believe that he embraced modernism (materials, form) and wanted to create a style which celebrated architecture in its most raw form.

(source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ludwig_Mies_van_der_Rohe)

My favourite of his works would have to be the very famous Farnsworth House. The skin and bone concept, the open feel and lack of coverage is something very new compared to the conventional homes that we live in today. He defied the rules of what a normal home should have and implied that it is acceptable (and has become even desirable to some) to live in a structure like that.

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Le Corbusier/Jeanneret , being another one the leading fathers of International architecture in Europe, incorporated the same style but he added his own elements to this style of designing. I noticed that instead of the stereotypical flat roofs and large glass windows as walls that were trending in the modern world of architecture at that time; he implemented flexibility with his structures by not only designing cubic forms, but also used curves, arcs and circles as well. He was also fond of using small windows. Structures which exemplify these features include the Villa Savoye and The Notre Dame du Haut. However, the edginess of his structures, use of material (concrete) and lack of bold colours kept it within the boundaries of international architecture.

I have heard that the Notre dame de haut has a spectacular interior. There are no intricate ornamentations, no magnificent paintings on the ceilings and no splashing colours on the inside, yet it provides a wondrous experience for those who enter, so I’ve heard. Le Corbusier was able to create a space which not only suitable for the acoustics (helped by its shape) but created an experience for his audience by thoughtfully punching a few holes here and there to emphasize a play on light. Just by doing something as simple as that. I am always impressed how these architects come up with spaces which are not only an area constricted by four walls, but it also moulds our emotions which in turn controls our activities.

While Architects who followed the baroque style, amazes us by including beautiful, delicate patterns and detailing on the facades and interiors and such, Architects who have picked up on the international style, does this by just adding simple and raw elements to their structures.

Around the world - international architecture

Like Germany’s Bauhaus style Architecture, America had its very own version- international architecture. I noticed that both styles owned the very same features: very minimal on decorative detailing, displayed flat facades and was cubic in form. The simplicity implied in this style, was emphasized with the use of glass in their structures.


I would just like to add that I am really drawn to modern minimalist architecture, the effortless feel, just screams honesty and timelessness. My favorite structure that was influenced by this international style would have to be the falling water by Frank Lloyd Wright. It is well known around the world for its setting and modern design and ability to stay true to its natural surroundings.

Friday, April 22, 2011

boringly beautiful Bauhuas Architecture


Bauhaus Architecture.

its function over style.



From what I took in, Bauhaus incorporated the style it is well known for today for rational reasons. Its simplicity, stiffness and the disregard of bright bold colours were adapted because of the downfall of the economy in Germany after the war. Everything had to be simple and had to follow the way of living during that time.

Bauhaus style structures displayed no form of sweeping or curves in their facades. Instead, everything was flat and …well, flat. Although there were no ornamentation, no colours other than neutral black, grey and white and was also very raw and cubic, the Bauhaus style is still being appreciated today. Famous architects such as Le Corbusier and Mies van der Rohe are influenced by this style.

depite its simple demeanor, its simplicity and minimalistic-ness is very easy and pleasing to the eyes and can be very easily viewed as sophisticated and timeless.

Creative thinking.

Art Noveau

Art Noveau was a style that preceded a style which was almost like its own - art deco. Although these two styles might seem very similar, they can also be easily distinguished. Art Noveau was more ornamented, while art deco was more on the simplistic and sleeker side. Art deco adapted more geometric and symmetrical design, while art noveau stuck with more curves and flowery patterns.

Art Noveau emerged from the industrial revolution with expressions of art. They started implementing the use of patterns and designs on both the facades and the interiors seen on the structures belonging to the style. I guess that they were sick of the uniformity and dullness of the use of plain silver and steel and the restrictions brought on by the use of these materials during the industrial revolution, so they responded to that uniformity with the use of playful colours such as bright yellow, blue, etc. and went back to using organic materials, such as bricks. They defied the stiffness of the structures during the industrial revolution, and started using more curves.

Art deco, which followed after art noveau, still used certain aspects of the style before it but only to a certain extent. Art deco was a more developed and more stylized version of art noveau, where their structures appear more formal and more grandeur-looking as compared to art noveau structures.

All pretty looking.


Art Deco

From the name of the style itself, yes, you guessed it; art deco was a decorative style. Although it was not so much as compared to the intricate detailing practiced during the baroque or rococo period, we can still clearly see the play on different types of patterns and motifs on facades during this art deco era.

Noticeably, Art deco was influenced greatly from previous styles; from eras such as the from the Babylonian period, where there was borrowed use of ziggurats, egyptian motifs and emphasis on height. This time though, it was brought to a whole new level of sky-scraping heights and there was also a play on colour. Loud colours such as gold, yellow and terra cotta were applied. What I noticed about the structures that were erected during this era, is that the linearity and geometry overpowered the decorative sweeping and motif patterns on the structures. I guess with the application of somewhat bold colours with a concentration of motif designs or patterns, the height and asymmetry saved the structures from looking tacky.

With the application of symmetry and linearity added with the massive height of the structures emphasized not only a certain glamour and lavishness about these structures but also power – perfect for corporate functions, luxurious residences and for King Kong to climb on.

We can still see so many art deco structures preserved today, why? Its style provides for even todays modern functions. In countries like the states, their art deco structures stands as their most prestigious and well known buildings. In new york, the prestigious empire state building blends in perfectly with the high standard of living of its fellow new yorkians.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011








Picutres, micro and mini & design plan

Information

It is known as the Binondo Church, also known as Minor Basilica of St. Lorenzo Ruiz, aka Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish, aka The Minor Basilica and National Shrine of San Lorenzo Ruiz ). It was built, Spanish Colonial style and it consists of the original octagonal bell tower, a Cupola, A Dome and a Gabled Roof and it is clearly symmetrical. Masses held in the Binondo Church are still on-going today, with languages spoken such as Tagalog, English, and different variations of the Chinese language which consists of Hokkien and Mandarin.

Architects profile

It was designed by many architects, one of which was Architect Domingo de la Cruz González.

History of the building

The Binondo Church was built in 1596, serving as one of Manila’s oldest churches that is still being used today, though due to the damage caused by natural disasters, such as typhoons, earthquakes (years, 1645, 1863 and 1880) and also having to withstand the Second World war, many of the original parts of the Binondo Church have been reconstructed. Today, the only original part of the Binondo Church that still stands, that was constructed in 1596 is the octagonal bell tower, which is positioned on the right side of the church. Despite of the repetitive renovations and repair, the Binondo church still has its original stone walls.

Added features

The reconstruction of the Binondo church was completed in 1984. The new features that were included were a new church centre and a monastery, which was added at the back of the church. On the interior, there was the improved altarpiece inspired by the exterior of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. The dome at the main altar was also a replica of the dome in St. Peter’s Basilica. The interior was mostly marble; inspired by the Sistine Chapel, while the paintings on the ceiling depict the mysteries of the Holy Rosary and some important events in the bible.

Purpose/Function

It is being used/and has served as a Christian place of worship. The purpose of the erection of this structure was for mainly for religion, particularly for the Christian faith, which was heavily influenced by the Spanish people during that time.

Trivia

The baptistery of Binondo church is the exact spot where Lorenzo Ruiz (the first Philippine saint) and Ignacia del Espiritu Santo were baptized.

Source :(http://heritageconservation.wordpress.com/2006/07/27/binondo-church-manila/)

Andres Bonifacio and his second wife were married two times and the first wedding was held in Binondo Church.

(Source: http://www.funtrivia.com/en/subtopics/Andres-Bonifacio-His-Great-Life-137730.html)

Essay

I chose to present Binondo church because it is one of the remaining historical churches in the country that define Philippine history and culture, then and today.

The Binondo church has a very unique and colourful interior. The first thing I saw when I entered the premise, was the decorative paintings that were displayed overhead. The paintings, in the crossing of the arcs in the ceiling, were of some of the holy figures from the bible and depicted important events mentioned in the bible. The ceiling was overcrowded with depictions of the bible; to me it symbolizes the faith of the Filipino people - the fullness of their faith and their religiousness.

The Binondo church has very distinct Spanish features; it portrays the way of life for the Filipinos during the time the Spanish people lived in the Philippines. To me, the big giveaway was the use of colours. The use of pink, blue and yellow showed its Spanish heritage.To be honest, due to old age and the lack of maintenance, Binondo church may not have much of an effect compared to other churches in Manila. The physical state of the church currently is dull, but I do believe, if certain repairations were made, without altering or touching the original elements of the church, to preserve the history of the structure, it will receive more appreciation that what it is getting now.

As you know, the Binondo church had a few encounters with natural disasters, such as earthquakes, typhoons, war, etc. Although much of the structure’s originality is not seen today since there was constant rebuilding and renovations of the Binondo church, in my opinion, the repetitive renovations and improvements showed the on-going faith, love of their religion and strong determination of the Filipino people.


Monday, February 21, 2011

America is known for their houses, opportunities &most importantly, mcdonalds.

American colonial

We are getting so close to modern present day architecture. I’m excited.

By looking at the structures that were built during the American Colonial era, we can already see a gist of the architecture that is present in America today. I can say that all the houses that we’re built during different time periods of that era look familiar- they all look like houses that ive seen in movies. For instance, (1700 – 1860) French Colonial- this style looks like it was featured in that movie “Interview with a vampire” or for the (Colonial Revival period : 1876 - 1955), it looks like houses that ive seen in that other movie “home alone”, that I’m sure you are all familiar with. The houses classified under the neoclassical look like the houses that are always being featured on that TV segment cribs.

My personal favourites from these different styles are federal, Colonial revival and Builder's Colonial / Neo-colonial, for the obvious reasons. They are the most “polished” and luxurious looking, compared to all the styles but it is also clearly seen that it had loosely borrowed ideas from the past. For example, their temple like entrances, and the use of shutters seen were, well we can say, “Inspired” by Colonial Revival houses.

These styles were adapted for contemporary lifestyles, evolving and improving along with the progress and the advancement of America.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

barbe-roque architecture.

The first time I had ever heard that word was during piano lessons a year ago. We studied the baroque period and their style, musically. And somehow, I can relate the music to the architecture, and the heavily powdered faces of the women of that time.

Baroque architecture concentrated more on heavily ornamenting the interior, and not so much on the exterior. They had ornate decorations and curving facades. I think they were trying to make the interior space of a structure very classy and luxuriant. The interior would have either a marble finish, or just a fake finish faux finish, which was just paint.They also had stuccos, which was an external façade characterized by a central projection and also practiced illusory effects.

During the rococo era, the difference was the palette-it consisted of softer and paler colours than the rich primary colours and also had darker tonalities.

Renaissance architecture. I still have trouble spelling that word

This era and its style arose when people became more conscious towards self-awareness and humanism, no longer on religious aspects - which we have been seeing a lot with the eras' before the renaissance era. The renaissance period was also an era of reviving of classical forms.

The newest structural element that was introduced during the renaissance period was the double shell dome , where as you can tell from the name, had double walls, and an opening at the tip. There was also a “Loggia.” A Loggia is the name given to an architectural feature which came originally from Italy. They are often an open space, which could be a corridor or could be used for a different event, which was at ground level (sometimes, even higher) on one side of the exterior of a building and open to the air on one side, where it is supported by columns or openings or holes in the wall. We can differentiate the renaissance era from other periods by its apparent use of columns, rounds and domes (The use of domes also originated during this era) -and also its revival of proportion.

The renaissance era was also divided into three further periods;

Early renaissance, which lasted through the 15th century.

High renaissance, which was during the 16th century

&”Mannerism”, which went on during the 16th to early 17th century.

Each different period introduced different architectural structures, and had different characteristics which set them apart from each other. For example, during the 15th century (early renaissance) since the renaissance style was still in its early stages, it displayed simple modular proportions and clarity of design. They also accomplished some technological advancement.

During the 16th century (high renaissance), again, since renaissance architecture was still in its early stages, it showed harmony and clarity. During this period they also came up with “tholos” which was a domed rotunda surrounded by columns.

Then during Mannerism, the renaissance style evolved and started to show complexity, sophistication and novelty in its structures.

Monday, February 7, 2011

emo architecture

Definition of Goth·ic (gthk) : often gothic Of or relating to a style of fiction that emphasizes the grotesque, mysterious, and desolate.

2. Gothic Barbarous; crude. - (Source: http://www.thefreedictionary.com/Gothic )

Goth/gothic does not refer to one specific field, instead it is a culture which applies to people, architecture and beliefs. The word Gothic or Goth may refer to the “Gothic” stereotype, where the people in this circle which are those who we normally tend to think (due to the exaggeration of media and books) , are defined as those people who believe in the use of dark clothes (all the time) ,extreme use of eyeliner/guyliner and how they ultimately praise “vampires”, ideas of the end of the world and other sadistic ideas.

Goth may also refer to the era which began in mid-12th century, medieval middle ages. During this time, when Christianity flourished, the growth of other beliefs and other ideas also grew. However, gothic architecture in contrast, was well known for the growth of churches. Other than the use of grotesque looking gargoyles, I honestly have no idea why they called this era “Gothic”. The growth of magnificent churches, vast in height, with the use of colour tinted windows, seemed majestic, and definately not “grotesque, mysterious, and desolate”, which is rather contradicting, in my opinion.

For example, churches, after learning from their mistakes from the Romanesque, they started adding flying buttresses to support the weight of the arches, and with that, they were able to add more windows, which brought more light into the churches; again, I do not know the relativity to how making a church brighter and more cheerful could lead to the categorizing of being gothic -which is usually related to being dark and gloomy. So Gothic architecture had no relation to the “gothic” stereotype that we are all familiar with today. Even the gargoyles had nothing do with sinister ideas, they were made as a way to chase away evil spirits and a way to frighten the not so educated society of that medieval era, (they were also used as some form of drainage system).

I believe that this era marked engineering advancement towards the structures. Architects learned some new ways of making roofs and of supporting walls, especially with the groin vaults and the flying buttress. They introduced pointed arches, which lessened the pressure of archs, so instead of pressure being pushed sideways with rounded archs, pressure was contributed downwards. This lessened the thickness of walls, and the use of material. Also, the introduction of flying buttresses was another smart move - they could finally install more windows to let more light in.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

ROMANISHUQUE ARCHITECTURE

Romanesque Architecture. It displayed a combination of features from the Roman and Byzantine era. The Romanesque era which lasted from about 1000s to the 1100s, Christianity spread rapidly throughout Europe (Spain, England, Italy, France, Germany, etc.), where during this duration, a large number of churches were erected. This was brought on by the freedom of worship/religion (particularly Christianity) that was practiced at that time. Romanesque architecture was somewhat a dedication to Christianity. A city was often built around a church.

Romanesque architecture has several distinct features. Its heavy, large walls were made to support the ceilings, and the structures had a very raw, block like appearance. For example, the San Vittore alle Chiuse, Genga, in Italy. It had massive walls and only small window openings, and this is because bigger window openings will not be able to hold the thick weight of the walls. Although small window openings did allow light to enter, it was not enough, thus the development of buttresses in the next era of Gothic architecture. It can be said that Romanesque architecture is the first, the most raw-est of the series in the development of churches and such. Romanesque architecture was the starting point of Gothic Architecture.

Another distinct characteristic of Romanesque architecture is the columns used at that period. They were large and thick, just to support the weight of the ceilings. They also practiced the new use of repeating patterns of columns which has never been done previously.

The common type of structure that was built during this era were churches/ places of worship. These churches had apparent attributes which clearly showed that they were from the Romanesque era. Besides the use of repeating patterns of columns, they also used arches and openings, different types of vaults and roofs, and even followed a kind of “template” for the layout of churches. The template was in the shape of the cross and had specific functions for different areas of the church. Romanesque architecture also rehearsed symmetry, with towers on both sides of the church.

I think that Romanesque is kind of like another form of prehistoric architecture. In its very raw form, it is developed later on, in the Gothic era.