- On “Calamity of PostWar Construction Came From Rejecting History”
The article was mostly about the unique ideas of architect Albert Speer when it comes to reconstructing Germany and how city centers of today should be like. The name of the architect is very familiar as his father, who is also his namesake, had been one of Adolf Hitler’s most trusted architects in the time of the Third Reich. His father, who belonged into a working group in the Third Reich, proposed a more dispersed type of construction around Germany as a part of the reconstruction process. It was an attempt of recreate the 1920s modernist utopia that would allow the application of new materials and green spaces. However, it was not accepted by some as many favored a more cramped city center.
The article also focused on the concept that architecture should be a part of history. In a way, it is true because this showcases how people see their history and whether or not they should be proud of it. In the case of Germany, they mostly wished to remember the past by making a new future and thus, they started somehow from scratch. As noted by Speer, a city needs to embody both old and new themes to establish the nation’s architectural identity. Other instances where architecture and history come together is with the construction of the Hagia Sophia as it was created in honor of the history of Christianity and later on, the Byzantine Empire. Even if the structure was consistently rebuilt due to the wars that have destroyed the structure, it blended both modern and historical themes that would remind how Hagia Sophia stood in the great wars. Aside from the Hagia Sophia, the reconstruction of Avenue des Champs-Elysees after the French Revolution also showed where architecture and history came together. The avenue was remodeled to give way to footpaths, fountains and lighting, as well as easy access to some of France’s famous locations. In a way, it had provided the French people a reminder how France was prior to the Revolution and yet, welcomed the future.
Throughout the interview, three phrases have reminded me of my own architect of choice Zaha Hadid. When he was asked about why history is important to city planning, Speer remarked that “a beauty of a city is that its buildings reflect various epoch.” Hadid had applied this same stance on some of her works such as the Rosenthal Center and the Contemporary Art in Cincinnati. Hadid had applied both the future and the past in these works, using colors and angles to reflect this diversity and various epochs. Another phrase that stood out was about skyscrapers being good if they were in the “right place.” Hadid had once said in one of her interviews that her works enables people to be feel happy and see the world they normally be unable to see except in photos. Skyscrapers, in this end, enables people to see that there is change happening around them and still allows them to know they are seeing a masterpiece. Finally, the statement that architects in the past were “fascinated by the idea of a fresh start” despite their own ideas to German reconstruction also rang similarities to Hadid. Hadid, in the past, had to acquiesce to her clients despite the fact she wanted to expound more on the idea. Back in the day, not many were open to architect’s visions of utopia considering that people believed it to be very difficult. Naturally, architects had to adapt to what the people want.
- Presentations
Out of the presented architectural greats and structures presented, I have fallen in love with Fallingwater by Frank Lloyd Wright as it incorporated both modern and natural elements to build the residence. Normally, nature would only be seen in buildings as topiaries or in small coves just to say the building is “green”. However, in the case of Fallingwater, Wright did not bother with the nature around the area and blended his work to work with the landscape. In my opinion, the structure gave the impression that it is one with nature. The colors and materials used for the structure also gives out a more earthy feeling that enabled the residence to blend well with the environment.
As far as my least favorite architect in the presentations, it would have to be Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Admittedly, his perception of modern architecture is commendable as he wanted to showcase how “less is more” in his works. Simplicity is something people tend to ignore in recent years as they favor structures that emphasizes technology and progress. However, looking at some of his works like the IBM Plaza and the Museum of Fine Arts, it was very plain. Even if it reflected modern society, it lacked passion that other architectural structures of today embodied. It also lacked the soul as seen in Fallingwater because it looked like flesh and bones but no life.
In the presentations done by my fellow cadets, I do commend the performance of Cadet Eccles as he was able to give a very thorough explanation of the topic. He was also very accommodating when questions were raised about his topic.
- Over thanksgiving
For thanksgiving, my family and I went to Washington D.C. and I was able to see the usual landmarks of the renowned city. In my opinion, the Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens would get the attention of Frank Lloyd Wright as the estate does blends well with the environment and yet, still retains a sense of humanity through the main estate itself. The estate would also get his attention because it did not harm the balance of the location. On the other hand; however, the National Air and Space Museum may earn some critics from Zaha Hadid as it does not look unique even if the architecture itself is good. It may be true that it may clash with the US Capitol, but for a museum meant for something futuristic, it should at least show it. If Hadid would get the chance to rebuild it, she would have likely added some fluid-like designs to the structure to give it a more futurist concept and use colors that would still show some history. She may also likely to add odd areas to give more space for the exhibits to prevent it from being overcrowded. Added space would also look good for special events for the museum or lectures.
- Poem 1
Haiku # 1: Petra
Petra, God’s gateway.
Made in mystery and hope.
One of man’s great feats.
Haiku # 2: Sydney Opera House
On the harbors of Sydney
Stands the house of art and lore.
A ship to man’s dreams.
Haiku #3: Burj Khalifa
An edifice of man
Built in the middle of Dubai
Man’s staircase to Heaven
- Poem 2
In my understanding, this poem shows that people tend to see things better up close and personal rather on the second-hand accounts heard from others. The eagle in this poem may not have believed at first that a dart could easily strike it out, but when he saw the makings of the shaft up close, it was smitten to the point something had indeed caught its attention. In some way, yes I am like the eagle. Even if people say that something looked good or magnificent, I would not easily believe it until I have proof. It is like when people are asked about their comments about the Mona Lisa. Some would say it is ugly, but when you see it up close, you would say it is beautiful. Art cannot be appreciated just by hearsay or through the opinions of experts, it has to be experienced personally for it to make a lasting impression.
In the case of Valley Forge, the poem also rings true because people, especially George Washington’s critics, believed Valley Forge was not an excellent location. Many of the Continental Army’s forces were killed due to the harsh conditions in Valley Forge due to the lack of funding and the elements. However, Washington saw the potential of the location when he first arrived in the location and used it as a means to train the Continental army to withstand such environments to battle the British forces. In today’s America, the poem also runs true in some instances. For foreigners, some would not easily believe America holds such promise despite the fact it is regarded for its modernity and power. It is only until they step into America would they be agreeing to the statements heard of regarding the country. Americans, in their end, tend to ignore the improvements of other countries if they hear about it. However, their tones changes when they see for themselves just how much these improvements changed for the country in question. This can be seen in America’s opinion of China as Americans mostly believed China cannot overthrow the country as the world’s economic powerhouse. China proved them wrong and from the evidences seen in the stock market and loss of trade did the Americans reacted in various ways.
- Optional: Apple , Samsung and Google’s New Headquarters
Each of the three new headquarters of these technological giants are all testaments to how these companies have grown since they first introduced their concept products. All three headquarters took into account the future but still retained the aspects of simplicity and elegance, as well as being environment-friendly. However, ranking them individually, I would have to admit I do prefer the concept of Apple’s new headquarters out of the three. In the theory of parametricism which Hadid uses, the headquarters clearly fits the bill as it incorporates both traditional and modern themes to establish fluidity and continuous movement. Aside from the fact it is shaped like a donut, parametricism can be seen with the use of glass and nature that represents continuous movement of factors such as light and nature. On a personal note, I like this design out of the three because it embodies Apple: simple yet revolutionary.
Next in the list is Samsung’s San Jose Headquarters which also looks similar to Apple’s new headquarters. Much like Apple’s designs, parametricism is seen in the Samsung headquarters with its extensive use of glass and nature to keep the balance of the structure. It also went out of the box and used columns to create this sandwich-like effect to make it unique. I like the fact that it somehow reflected a city center or a shopping mall kind of feel as it would help visitors and employees alike to relax. Finally, Google’s headquarters in London ranks last in my opinion. While it also showcases fluidity and movement, it gives the traditional feeling a person gets on a typical commercial building. Admittedly, its interior is a worker’s paradise but outside, it lacked the imagination Google gives to its users each time a search is done in its system. Unlike Samsung and Apple, the nature aspect of the structure would only be seen in the roof deck and some small saplings would be on the side.
