While reading the new CLOG issue, focusing on apple,
It just hit me, while reading about structural glass, innovation, objects to architecture, that there seems to be a conflict of interest. The magnificent glass panels of the new flagship stores, example 5th avenue 2.0, present a clear conflict, on one hand the architecture spreads it’s utopian ideal, minimal relief from our chaotic lives, a transparent haven for all - but technically this architecture does not provide the optimal conditions for the functional use of the products it holds, and so the building finds its place underground.
It seems as if Steve should have hired Petra Blaisse as a consultant alongside the magnificent Sir Norman Foster.
It seems the “anti-glare” screen is the real hero.
OMA structure unveiled for Cannes Film Festival.
I would really love to see Kanye and Shohei in the same room.
The structure and eventual form is implied by the format of the film but also the surrounding landscape.
Would also love to see the film, but it is apparent that the architecture is an essential part.
Maybe a one time only thing. Well I guess France isn’t too far from here….
IMG_7667 on Flickr.
I have added some new photos to my flickr from our recent trip to the Rotterdam Zoo.
We were really excited at first, but then you realize that it is quite sad how all the animals are locked up. However, the polar bears seemed to be having a good time despite the hot weather.
We kept talking about how evolution had lead to the animals specializations and which conditions caused this. The Giraffe, the lizards, and these really interesting cats - which I now forget the name of.
I wish we would have taken some more time to draw.
When we left the zoo I had a flat tire.
We were able to see the film at a sneak preview event at Lantaren Venster.
The first thing I noticed was that the film has a strong ‘photographic’ quality - even more so then in Wes Anderson’s past films. The movie is seen as a collection of distinctive points rather then a continuous visual dialogue, for the most part this is amazing, but in some cases I could see how it may be hard for someone to view. In this same way the film was much more constructed then even Wes Anderson is known for, I think this completely due to the conditions of his last film where he utilized methods of stop motion animation. In Fantastic Mr. Fox every piece had to be literally constructed to complete a whole image. Where as in a more reality based setting other external elements have the opportunity of making their way into the film to effect its final outcome.
The story is amazing, and it seems to be a full realization of ideas represented in his past films, Rushmore, The Royal Tenenbaums, and even Fantastic Mr. Fox. In these films Children often have adult-like qualities, and conflicts are situated in a way that makes us question who is really being ‘childish’. In Wes Anderson films, Children enjoy the finer things in life and appear as sophisticated while offering a dramatically alternative perspective that eventually allows them to achieve some goal and resolve a greater conflict.
Maybe I will elaborate on this later with another post and connect it with some more personal experiences.
Current reading
I miss using my tent - soon
IMG_7379 on Flickr.
This project reminded me of the Hortus Conclusus from last years Serpentine pavilion. Although Maybe I should be saying the opposite.
I guess I just became more aware of the importance of the garden. The smells, and these things. I remember sitting down at the Serpentine pavilion and recording all the words said by a group of high school students as they entered. It was quite refreshing really. Made me realize that an idea can be so beautiful and so thought out but only reach a specific audience. Who was this for?
In this case, an extremely permanent structure, originally intended for the meditation rituals of the Monks had undergone many programatic changes. A place to hold livestock, a bar, meeting place, and even an ammunitions storage. The church has been a place for many events to take place, now it had been returned to its original purpose.
It was very relaxing.
IMG_7457 on Flickr.
In the earlier OMA buildings, Kunsthal, Educatorium, - Maison Bordeaux I-beams are found on the roofs. I know for certain that in the case of the Maison Bordeaux there is a complex structural idea at work, but with the other mentioned works this is not so apparent. I haven’t come across any readings on this in particular but I would like to learn more about this.
IMG_7645 on Flickr.
I would really love to return to the theatre in Almere to see a performance. We were shown around to some of the main spaces by a nice barista (she reminded me of an old friend of mine) but even this wasn’t enough.
The most amazing buildings which I have had the opportunity to experience (Mainly thinking about Exeter Library) seemed to just drift away. As if they were tuned so perfectly that they just sort of melted in, all that remained was life that happened around and within.
The frame was missing its picture.
Paid a visit to the wonderful Rietveld Schroder House. I find it amazing whenever I hear “It was way ahead of its time’ - this particular way of spatial thinking. It’s even ahead of OUR time!
It was so refreshing to see the craft involved in making something seem.. not so crafted. The way the small details appeared while the building aged despite being so carefully attended to. We moved around in slippers, nothing could be touched or photographed.
So much is learned through experience. A book only gets you so far.
I am pretty thankful for this vist.
After a good weekend of travelling around, Rotterdam really feels like home.
Mark sent some updated photos of the first casting. It turned out pretty well I would say, he did a magnificent job! Looking forward to holding this thing, after all that’s what it is all about!
loupe |lo͞op|
noun
a small magnifying glass used by jewelers and watchmakers.
ORIGIN late 19th cent.: from French.
A new project I am starting called Loupe Lens