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Blog #19/Jan 23. From the Colosseum to the Eiffel Tour. Compare/contrast our first and last structures, and discuss what it means for a city to have such iconic features.

the Eiffel Tour and the colosseum and both iconic structures. As for France. The Eiffel Tower is a globally recognized symbol of Paris, and its presence in the city holds immense significance. Being home to such an iconic structure elevates the status of Paris as a world-class destination and a cultural hub. The Eiffel Tower represents the grandeur and elegance associated with the city, attracting millions of tourists each year. Its architectural beauty, intricate design, and historical value make it a symbol of French innovation and artistic excellence. As the tallest structure in Paris, the tower offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city, providing visitors with a unique perspective of Parisian landmarks. The Eiffel Tower serves as a gathering point for various cultural and celebratory events, adding to the vibrancy and liveliness of the city. It has become a cherished landmark, synonymous with romance, beauty, and the spirit of Paris. The presence of the Eiffel Tower in Paris shapes the city's identity, making it an unforgettable and enchanting place for both locals and visitors alike. As for the Colosseum holds immense significance for the city of Rome as an iconic structure. It represents the rich history, grandeur, and architectural mastery of the Roman Empire. Being home to the Colosseum elevates Rome's cultural and historical status, attracting tourists from around the world to witness this ancient marvel.

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Blog #17/Jan 21. Au Revoir & Adios, Mediterranean! What was your favorite structure in the south of France or Spain, and why? What was you favorite city, and why? Finally, look back on your personal goals for the trip. Did you meet them in this phase of trip? Be specific with your evidence & anecdotes.

my favorite structure in the south of Spain was definitely the Sagrada familia. Inside and out it was marvelous. Favorite city was also Barcelona because we went for a sunset Vespa drive up the hill and that is the coolest I think I have ever felt in my entire life.

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No caption needed. Rock on.

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Blog #12/Jan 16. Surrealist architecture. While at the Dali Theater-Museum, consider how Dali’s surrealist approach to art is used in the design of the building. Take pictures and describe two separate instances of where interior spaces were designed to enable or augment the art.

Alright. This was a weird museum. Let me tell you, there should’ve been some kind of warning for how many mannequins we were gonna see that had their nipples painted. But I digress, I wandered into the here room pictured above, to notice a giant set of red lips and a nose with golden nostrils. Yet not face could be determined from my position in the room, however I noticed people were climbing up a small latter directly in the front of the grey white archway of “hair” so I figured I must see this supposed “woman.” And I climbed up and sure enough the proportions all aligned when you viewed the piece from the proper angle in the room. I also think we viewed it through a looking/magnifying glass. But sure enough lo and behold there was a woman with painting for eyes, golden nose, and red red lips. Voila.

Another instances of the augmented art was the Christ painting. It looks like it’s glowing. Mysteriously and impossibly because it appears to be in a room of darkness.

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Blog #10/Jan 14: Architecture can often be experienced as a series of moments along a guided or meandering sequence where you are "primed'," consciously or nonconsciously, into a new experience. Find a moment that speaks to you at Fondation Maeght, take a picture or draw a sketch and discuss why it is meaningful.

This is meaningful to me because it almost looks like this bull-person-thing is throwing up his hands in gracious pretense to the sunrise of the morning. Basking in the beauty that he experiences all the time. But captured by me and ascribed meaning by me because I was overjoyed to see him to ecstatic. Sunrises and sunsets never get old. No matter how many of them we see, we always watch them.

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Blog #9/Jan 13. Discuss 3 specific aspects of sustainability in the Nice Meridia district that you found particularly promising or compelling as we work towards a sustainable future in our built environment.

Three aspects of the sustainability in Nice that I loved were the multi-use designs, the hot/cold temperature choices, and the congeniality for the plans for the condos. Firstly the multi use designs were integrated perfectly throughout the little park we arrived in. The park had those little circular stone Pilar’s that we could walk and then other paths a foot or two down off the edge of the Pilar’s to create new and fun walking spaces for more adventurous travelers like myself to use. I very much appreciated that aspect. I also was pleased to find out that not only is it a park, where you can sit, the old olive tree was left in tact. They used what nature had given them to add something to the surrounding areas, and built the park around the thing that had been there for a long time. And on top of all that thoughtfulness it’s also a storm drain, so on the occasion that is rains the park can be able to flood. Its multifunctional uses combine with the previous landscape and create a really profound work of sustainability. There’s definitely an art for sustainability and Nice has found it. I also really enjoyed learning that the blue glass building surrounding us had little glass flanks on the outside to keep the cool air in during the summer and the hot air out during the summer. The heating and cooling innovations were very interesting. Lastly another thing we talked about that seems difficult to achieve and that no one has an answer to is the “rich people poor people living in the same building dilemma” rich people want their property values higher, but that doesn’t happen when the surrounding options are cheap, so that’s a difficult line to walk.

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Blog #8/Jan 12. Ciao, Italia! Reflect on your time in Italy. What was your favorite structure, and why? What was you favorite city, and why? Finally, look back on your personal goals for the trip. Did you meet them in Italy? Be specific with your evidence & anecdotes.

My favorite city was Firenze. However my favorite structure was either Pantheon or St. Peter’s Basilica. The only reason St. Peter’s holds any edge on the Pantheon is because I didn’t get to go inside of the Pantheon. And St. Peter’s was absolutely gorgeous on the inside. The architecture was unbelievable. The arches, the detail, the organ, the middle part that looked like it was made of wood but I’m pretty sure was made of copper; all of it was fantastic. One of my favorite parts was going underground to see the tombs of the popes and kings. It was so spooky. Pantheon is obviously up there for my favorite because I presented on it, and it remains as one of the most fascinating structures on this entire trip I mean let’s be honest. It was built on the site where Romulus was said to have ascended to Heaven on the back of an eagle. It’s more than 2000 years old. It has the worlds largest unreinforced concrete dome. It has mystery to it, like who actually built it, it was a centerpiece of Roman antiquity and has connections with the stars and the sun and Rome’s birthday. It’s just a wonderment of architecture. It’s lasted all this time. And still people come to see it everyday.

I think I did achieve my goals. I wanted to try new foods and experience different cultures and explore the cities I was in. And I feel I definitely accomplished that. I feel like it’s easy to stay with the people you are traveling abroad with and still be within your own bubble even 5,000 miles away from the US. And I love going out on the town by myself. And I definitely met some interesting people, and some friends that I hope I can see again someday.

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Blog #7/Jan 11. Modernity meets tradition in Milan: Identify and discuss 3 different lessons about urban design and/or architecture from our morning tour.

The urban design and architecture is built with sustainability in mind. I remember us talking a lot about the sustainable materials and possibly the use of wood in many cases because concrete uses so much more water than wood. And wood can be regrown by planting trees. Also maybe one of my favorite buildings was the vertical forest. And that building was built with nature wrapped around it. Not only is it nice to look at but it helps send a message about REforestation. It’s partly natural and partly manmade. So the metaphors between those two aspects can speak volumes to whoever gazes at the towers. Perhaps the most unique component of this highly developed system, now widespread in urban imagery, is that of the “Flying Gardeners”, a specialized team of arborists-climbers who, using mountaineering techniques, descend from the roof of the buildings once a year to carry out pruning while checking the state of the plants in addition to their eventual removal or substitution. So the building not only adds vegetation to the city but also adds jobs for people to help maintain the plants. It is also home to many species of birds and butterflies that has resulted in a recolonization of flora and fauna in the city of Milan.

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Blog #5/Jan 9. Proportions in architecture: Identify and discuss two separate buildings in Florence that you feel meet Alberti's ideal of "harmony of proportions." Another building which meets Alberti’s ideal of harmony is the Basilica di Santa Croce. It almost directly resembles the Novella with the big circles in the middle that are a 3:1 proportions to one half of it. And are equally split in half vertically by two giant main doors. It is also flanked by two outside marble triangles on the highest columns above the two outer most doors. Those two triangles and half the size of the big middle triangle giving them a proportion of 2:1. All in all the Santa Croce is very similar to the novella. Secondly not necessarily the outside, but the inside of the Palazzo Vecchio also represents the harmony of proportions. The inside is a long rectangular prism and the inside is decorated with many coffers, columns and archways. The middle archway looking toward the tunnels end is flanked by two smaller archways that are in a 2:1 relationship with its surrounding archways. Also the coffers on the ceilings are in a 2:1 proportional relationship with the windows on the side of the prism. The Palazzo Vecchio's harmony of proportions extends to its overall layout as well. The proportions of the courtyard are carefully designed to create a sense of balance and symmetry. Overall, the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence is a stunning example of architectural harmony. Its proportions, both exterior and interior, are meticulously crafted to create a sense of balance, order, and beauty.

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Blog #5/Jan 9. Proportions in architecture: Identify and discuss two separate buildings in Florence that you feel meet Alberti's ideal of "harmony of proportions." Another building which meets Alberti’s ideal of harmony is the Basilica di Santa Croce. It almost directly resembles the Novella with the big circles in the middle that are a 3:1 proportions to one half of it. And are equally split in half vertically by two giant main doors. It is also flanked by two outside marble triangles on the highest columns above the two outer most doors. Those two triangles and half the size of the big middle triangle giving them a proportion of 2:1. All in all the Santa Croce is very similar to the novella. Secondly not necessarily the outside, but the inside of the Palazzo Vecchio also represents the harmony of proportions. The inside is a long rectangular prism and the inside is decorated with many coffers, columns and archways. The middle archway looking toward the tunnels end is flanked by two smaller archways that are in a 2:1 relationship with its surrounding archways. Also the coffers on the ceilings are in a 2:1 proportional relationship with the windows on the side of the prism. The Palazzo Vecchio's harmony of proportions extends to its overall layout as well. The proportions of the courtyard are carefully designed to create a sense of balance and symmetry. Overall, the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence is a stunning example of architectural harmony. Its proportions, both exterior and interior, are meticulously crafted to create a sense of balance, order, and beauty.

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The concept of palimpsest refers to a manuscript or piece of writing that has been partially or completely erased and then reused, with traces of the original text still visible beneath the new layer. Palimpsest refers to the layering and juxtaposition of different historical periods and architectural styles within a single site or building. It is a concept that emphasizes the continuity and evolution of a place over time. Renzo Piano and Zaha Hadid, both renowned architects, have left their mark on the Flaminio district in Rome, Italy. Their architectural interventions in this area can be seen as expressions of the palimpsest concept. Renzo Piano, known for his sensitivity to context and history, designed the Auditorium Parco della Musica in the Flaminio district. This complex is a prime example of palimpsest in architectural form. It is a modern interpretation of the ancient Roman amphitheaters, with three concert halls arranged in a circular pattern. The design incorporates existing historical ruins on the site, preserving and highlighting their presence. The juxtaposition of the new and the old creates a dialogue between different architectural styles and periods, allowing the history of the site to be experienced in a contemporary context. Hadid, on the other hand, designed the MAXXI - National Museum of the 21st Century Arts, also located in the Flaminio district. This museum is a striking example of how the concept of palimpsest can be expressed in contemporary architecture. Hadid's design incorporates the existing structure of a former military barracks, seamlessly integrating it with the new and futuristic architectural elements. In both cases, Piano and Hadid have embraced the palimpsest concept by respecting and incorporating the existing historical layers of the Flaminio district into their designs. Their architectural interventions act as visual narratives, allowing visitors to engage with the history and evolution of the site. By juxtaposing different architectural styles and periods, they create a sense of continuity and dialogue between the past and the present. Overall, the works of Renzo Piano and Zaha Hadid in the Flaminio district express the concept of palimpsest through their sensitive and innovative architectural designs. They demonstrate how architecture can embrace and celebrate the layers of history, creating spaces that are both rooted in the past and forward-looking.

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Blog #3/Jan 7.

The Pantheon and St. Peter's Basilica are both iconic structures that have had a significant impact on the piazzas they are situated in. They both share a grand entrance space that welcomes and underlines the their grandeur. The Pantheon's impact on the surrounding piazza is primarily through its architectural design. The massive dome with its oculus creates a sense of grandeur and draws the attention of visitors. The piazza in front of the Pantheon is relatively small and intimate, allowing for a close interaction between the building and the public. The presence of the Pantheon enhances the overall atmosphere of the piazza, adding a sense of historical and cultural significance. On the other hand, St. Peter's Basilica, located in Vatican City, is a renowned example of Renaissance and Baroque architecture. As the world's largest church, it has a profound impact on the piazza that surrounds it. The vast size of the basilica and its iconic dome dominate the skyline, making it a focal point of the piazza. The open space in front of St. Peter's Basilica, known as St. Peter's Square, is meticulously designed to accommodate large crowds and provide a sense of grandeur. The colonnades that enclose the square create a sense of enclosure while also inviting visitors to enter the basilica. In terms of impact, both structures have shaped the piazzas in which they are situated. The Pantheon's intimate piazza allows for a more personal and close-up experience with the building, while St. Peter's Square provides a grand and expansive space that can accommodate large gatherings and ceremonies. The presence of these architectural wonders attracts visitors from around the world, creating a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere in the surrounding piazzas. While the Pantheon and St. Peter's Basilica they have distinct architectural designs that inform and impact the piazzas in which they are situated. The Pantheon's intimate piazza creates a close interaction with the building, while St. Peter's Square provides a grand space for large gatherings. Both structures contribute to the overall atmosphere of the piazzas, making them integral parts of their respective urban landscapes.

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CONTEXTUAL DESIGN PORTFOLIO architectural drawings of campus.

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In class we talked a lot about how spaces should be inviting and welcoming. I recall the documentary from New York in the 70s when I think about this structure. And the structure I like the most is the Snow Atrium in the com school. Every time I go in there I always see people sitting on the furniture, charging their laptops, conversing, setting up film equipment, or just relaxing on their phones. It is a unique building on campus because it is so modern. And really does a great job of connecting the downtown Elon Scene with the campus itself. Without it I'm sure the vibe on that corner would be tremendously different than it is now. I also play a lot of gigs at oak house, and from the stage at oak house I can always see the glistening lights of the atrium from across the street. Often times there are large gatherings in there at night, with food and catered beverages. I also love the addition of the enormous movie screen to show off different events happening or different parts of the school. I remember when I toured Elon and this was by far one of my favorite rooms on campus. Another one of my favorite components of the atrium are the liminal spaces, I love the small brick opening right by the elevator before the stairs. Its a nice transition from stairwell to open space. I also like the hard edges on the outside of the building that point away near the roof. It pairs nicely as an opposite because when on the inside of the atrium, depending on the type of day and the way the sun shines, it can feel like you are in a giant library. The sun often paints interesting patterns over the opposing brick and metal walls creating a very cozy feeling. And since the natural design of the structure is a clerestory the whole thing allows for an abundance of natural light.

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Personal Goals EUROPE

My personal goals for the Great Structures trip is to get a real grasp for how life outside of the United States works. There's a lot of things that I don't think the United States does very well just within our government and how big cities are run. I got a little taste of how another country runs by going to Peru for a week and that was a fleeting magical and profound experience I had. I learned so much about how those people stay happy and the way they live their lives. I would like to discover the same thing across Europe. I also wish to purchase a guitar.