c.a.w.
Guess what? It’s Celebrate Architecture Week!
Officially, I don’t know what that means. I know it doesn’t mean we will be having a party in my office. Or getting any days of from work. Or really even discussing it.
I think it was created last year to celebrate (boast about *cough*) the 150-year anniversary of the American Institute of Architects (of which I am an Associate Member… under Steven’s last name. Oops, I’ve created a person who doesn’t legally exist!).
Unofficially, I am going to use this as an excuse to ask you what your favorite building is, and why. It could be a place you’ve lived in, went to school in, worked in, walked by, got arrested in… or never even seen! It could be existing, planned to be built, or demolished. If you can’t pick one, tell me about them all! If you don’t like any, tell me why! Believe me, whatever you say is going to interest me, because this is the dorky stuff I am in to (Hey, it’s my job to be a dork).
Since I am asking you, I must tell you what MY favorite building is – the Sagrada Família designed by Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona Spain. (See my personal photos of it here).
I love everything about the Sagrada Família, but especially it’s beauty and structural system. It is completely unconventional and creative. You are awestruck upon seeing it – whether or not you like it! I cant wait to see it completed someday. In person.
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Today’s Idiom: a flash in the pan – promising at the start but then disappointing
Kim was really excited after training her new coworker. She listened intently, asked a lot of great questions, and showed promise and dedication in her first days of work. Unfortunately, she turned out to be a flash in the pan – not a few days later and she was writing 30-minute personal emails, playing around on MySpace, and searching for a new home – while at work.
Themocracy
Castles… I like castles…. all of them
My is the British Museum, from the external oh-so-serious columns to the recent enclosure of the Great Court. I especially love the reading room–no surprise there, eh? 🙂
But I also love Gaudi. I don’t understand him, but I love the style.
(I’m not a huge F.L. Wright fan, though–sue me!)
Sagrada Família is a good choice. Neuschwanstein is also a favorite. As is Jin Mao Tower. There are so many fascinating buildings I’ve seen in my travels. But ultimately I’d have to pick Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur. So intricate and beautiful!
I love everything Gaudi. I fell in love with his work the first time I went to Barcelona so much so I had to return to see it again. There’s romance to his unconventional ways.
Other favorites … the St. Louis Arch because it reminds me of childhood. My parents’ beach house because I immediately unwind upon seeing it. My father’s office building at Harvard, because it’s a modern structure nestled into the history of Cambridge. All the mansions along Sheridan Road on Chicago’s North Shore because they stand for a life of luxury, one I will never understand!
I’d like to live in the Salk Institute in LaJolla. The architecture is nice (although I would have used more glass and toned down the concrete) but It’s a short walk to my favorite place on earth … Black’s Beach.
I’d say just about every church in Rome is my architecture marval! I could spend hours upon hours just gazing at churches that were built ions ago. I think that’s whats really awe-inspiring to me, the fact that these churches were built so long ago and have so much detail!
Kyra (savy) – I would love love LOVE to go on a castle tour of Germany! So far, I’ve only been to one castle in Segovia, Spain and the castle in Disney World – does that one count?
Cat. – Oh my gosh. I LOVED the British museum. I think I spent 4 hours in it when I was there, and only left because I had to meet a friend (who happened to work for the architect who did the roof/courtyard addition). I would love to go back. The building is great AND the collection! (I am not too into FLW either)
Dave2 – I am adding Neuschwanstein to my castle list! And of course, Petronas Towers is on there too… 😉 Where I can’t wait to visit someday is Dubai. Holy crap they have a lot of neat buildings going up! I bet you’ll beat me there 😉
Nilsa S. – What a great list! We like to drive Sheridan… and gawk.
ajooja – The Salk looks SO BEAUTIFUL. Ugh. I wish I could see it in person too!
Gina (Mannyed) – How many churches are there in Rome? Holy cow, this article says 900! I loved them… at first, but did get a little tired of them. Of course, I say that but would love to go back and sit in one all day!