G.O.A : The Cultural Exchange

Who Arted?

2007-12-14T08:30:00.000+02:00

Visit the Haus der Kunst in Munich. Do it. Go for the Anish Kapoor exhibit but stay for Robin Rhode!

I recognized Rhode's work from a deliberate pilgrimage to the MOMA last October. His show at the Haus der Kunst "Walk Off" was a special treat because his aesthetic really starts coming through after seeing several pieces. Rhodes work is rooted in performance but finished pieces take the shape of film, photo, drawing and sculpture. Rhode draws objects on flat surfaces and films or photographs figures interacting with these objects. The end result ranges in its emotive capacity. At surface level there is evidence of curiosity and play. As the skits progress heavier implications are born. A wall of photographs describes colorful figures interacting violently. One frame shows a figure tossing a brick, the next shows the object colliding into another figure's head.

Rhode developed his medium from juvenile initiation rights he experienced in elementary school. Rhode said that older boys would draw an object on a bathroom wall and bully younger boys into interacting with the false object for comical effect. Other pieces evoke sincere beauty and emotion. One work involves a dancer using his body to unite a drawng of two trees. The dance deliciously describes the violin audio that accompanies the work.

I particularly favor this and other German Museums for their commitment to explanations. You'll find detailed descriptions of teh artists intentions in both German and English.

http://www.hausderkunst.de/

A Slit of the Rist

2007-12-14T08:02:00.000+02:00

Lame. Guess I couldn't ResIST. Serious-Lame. No but the art was actually pretty cool.

If you are fortunate enough to visit the Museum Fur Moderne Kunst in Frankfurt, Germany you'll have to make it a point to swing by the ladies room. The middle stall features an intimate film experience by Swiss artist Pipilotti Rist. Upon shutting the stall door the lights flick off and a small circle of film is projected on the bathroom floor. The imagery was swirling and colorful as typical or Rist. A female figure in a green space. The imagery suggests nostalgia and longing, which is further enhanced by a faint audio track being played in the stall. There is something soothing about the location of the projection. I have always respected the intimacy of the bathroom as a space and am pleased to see it as a venue.

An Art Forum article notes that this is not the first time Rist has utilized the toilette as an exhibition space. In her piece Closet Circuit (2000), she placed an infrared camera inside the toilet bowl. The participant's could observe themselves going about their business on a monitor in front of the toilet. If you make it past the ladies room you will have to make it a point to check out an awesome photography exhibit by Tayrn Simon. Really I can't shut up about it. And the rest of the Museum is excellent. I had never seen so many sculptures by Beuys before.

http://www.mmk-frankfurt.de/

Tuscan Cooking School

2007-12-12T14:32:00.000+02:00

During independant travel we, as students, had to plan a trip. For my trip I was fortunate enough to have my daddy come to visit. This being his first trip to Italy, we went and saw some wonderful sites, a couple of vineyards, and stayed in some great cities. One of the great things we did on this trip was go to a Tuscan cooking school for two days. It was in a villa, which was restored, right outside of Firenze (Florence). The school was amazing and was a great opportunity! We both learned so much in tTuscan cuisine, and ate like kings for those two days! One of our chefs was a man who was born outside of Firenze and became the head chef in the White House for Bush Sr. He was an excellent chef, great teacher, and a really sweet man. Over all a very wonderful experience!

San Matteo Market

2007-12-12T14:24:00.001+02:00

In Piazza San Matteo there is a market the first Saturday of every month. At this market they sell antiques, nick-nacks, and all types of interesting pieces. This same market doubles up and becomes the space where the Christmas market is during December. Other locations in the medieval city have these Christmas markets but this is the only location of the antique market each month. Location of this event is near the Piazza Ferrari, less than a block away and is easily located due to the Church of San Matteo being a focal point in this piazza.

Asi Es Mi Peru

2007-12-12T14:07:00.000+02:00

Asi Es Mi Peru

A small piece of Peru in the center of the medieval city. This restaurant is an amazing meal, one of a kind in the city and has a great atmosphere. The lunch meal that is only 6 Euro a person consists of soup, rice, chicken, veggies, bread, and water. The beer seen in the picture below is extra but is worth it. It is a beer from Peru and is quite tasty. Also the spiciness of the meal is controlled by you, they give you the spicy sauce to add to your meal as you wish, making this experience as intense or light as you want. Also recommended is the potato appetizer. It is incredible! Check it out!

So Long, Farewell...

2007-12-12T13:23:00.000+02:00

I can't believe that the semester has come to an end, it seems like only yesterday that I was boarding a big and scary plane to fly over to Italy... Now I have to go back (major boo). And putting it mildly, the semester has been a real adventure; learning how to navigate through Italy, traveling (and finding our way) in other countries, living with 13 girls.... But every bit, I wouldn't trade for anything.

To the staff, Angela, Andreina, & Silvia, of the Villa: Thank you for an amazing experience, without y'all our time here would have been MUCH more complicated and hectic (as if it wasn't enough already).
To our professors, Virginia, Stefano, Saverio, & Ron: Despite our moaning and groaning, I know we all learned a lot and will take this time and experience away and will never forget it.
And last but definitely not least, to the Ragazzi: My fellow artichokies, I will miss you more than words can say... I know it was crazy and (dramatic!) at times but y'all have made these memories together with me and that's something I totes wouldn't want to change... Ever.

Goosh, I am getting emotional.
So Long, Genova... We will miss you...

"La Lanterna"

2007-12-11T17:28:00.000+02:00

Promenade and Museum

"La Lanterna," the lighthouse, is a symbol in Genova. Constructed in the middle of the 16th century, it still stands today. It is 77 meters high and rises out of a rock that is 40 meters high. The Lanterna can be seen from several places throughout the city and lights up in the harbour at night. Surrounding the base of the "Lanterna" are ancient fortification walls that house the "Lanterna Museum." The museum has TV screens that show pictures and movies about Genova's history, art, material, culture, land, and traditions. There is also a raised pedestrian path that leads to the Lanterna from the street. This path, or "Promenade" is about 800 meters long and follows the ancient walls allowing visitors to view harbor activities.

Casa del Fascio in Como

2007-12-11T15:54:00.001+02:00

View of Interior Courtyard

The Casa del Fascio in Como is a symbol of Fascist Architecture in Italy. Several other cities in Italy have their own Casa del Fascio that was constructed during the Fascist Regime. These buildings were used as a meeting place where Mussolini made his address every Saturday to all of Italy. Giuseppe Terragni designed this one in Como and it was built between 1933-1936. On the exterior, each elevation of the building is different. The interior layout is similar to an Italian palace, in which there is a large central courtyard. In the courtyard the ceiling is composed of small glass blocks, which allow natural light to flood the space. Today it is used by the Guardia di Finanzia, the Italian military police.

mmm....Pesto Pasta

2007-12-11T15:54:00.000+02:00

The Villa’s cook, Angela, was gracious enough to share her yummy recipe for Pesto Pasta. Enjoy!

Use food processor to blend:
- Fresh basil leaves from 8 bunches
- 2-3 cloves of garlic
- 1 package pinenuts
- 1 or more glasses of olive oil
Next, mix in:
- 3/4 -1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- salt to taste
Add noodles of choice.
Serves 5-6

Calatrava in Barcelona

2007-12-11T15:46:00.000+02:00

While people are sure to visit Gaudi's many works in Barcelona, another inspiring piece in the city is that of Spanish Architect: Santiago Calatrava. Calatrava's graceful tower is located on Montjuic Hill near the Olympic venues from 1992. Its function is a simple communications tower, but its form is not. Constructed of steel, the curves and balance of the tower stop many in their tracks. To find out more about this project by Calatrava, or to view some of his other works visit his website.

Memorial to the Books

2007-12-11T15:37:00.000+02:00

Nazi Book Burning Memorial

"Heine said: if you burn books today, you burn people tomorrow. But we never imagined what was to come," says 93-year-old Elfrieda Bruenning.

Reality hits strong when you realize that the quote above from Heine was stated over a hundred years before this awful event took place on May 10, 1933.

In Berlin, on the location of the horrible fire, is a glass window. When you are approaching the memorial, there are no tall columns, no huge statues, no warning signs at all. Walking through the square, you suddenly realize there is a window in the pavement. Glancing down, you see a clean, white library. This library is rectangular, well lit, but completely empty and unaccessible. It could potentially hold all the books that were burned by Nazis on the dreadful night in 1933. You can not experience the room except through this little portal. Micha Ullman designed it this way in 1995 because he realized that the past is untouchable and unchangeable. Although this memorial is not as somber as many, it is a very powerful reminder of what happened.

BBC News
More Pictures and Info

Bargain Shopping

2007-12-11T15:35:00.000+02:00

While in Marrakech, we spent a lot of time shopping and making deals in the streets on the walk to La place Jemaa el Fnaa. The shopkeepers were excited to show their goods and would sell anything for some dirhams. Bargaining became an afternoon event, because they would make a place for you to sit and offer all the mint tea you could drink. Oh yeah, and the architecture was cool too.

I.M. Pei in Paris

2007-12-11T15:18:00.000+02:00

The Louvre Pyramids, by architect I.M. Pei

On a recent trip to Paris, I looked at the works of American Architects. One of the finest examples of work that I found was I.M. Pei's Louvre Pyramids. They are great pieces of modern architecture that achieve success in function and form. Contrastingly they sit within the courtyard of the majestic palace, yet perfectly the two architectural styles work together. The artwork inside the museum is great, but if for no other reason, go see the architecture! For more information on the museum, click here.

Jewish Museum Line

2007-12-11T14:59:00.000+02:00

Like most of the students who ventured to Berlin on our independent travel, I went to Daniel Libeskind’s Jewish Museum. I was very intrigued in the building and the lines that cut into it. Upon taking tons of photos on the exterior I ran across this line of the edge of the building that continues into the landscape. This image has not been photoshoped. This is how the museum really is. I was wondering if this was intentional or not?

Marrakech

2007-12-11T14:55:00.000+02:00

For personal travel I visited Marrakech, Morrocco. The experience was impossible to capture with photos, but I feel like this picture from the cab shows how chaotic the streets are. From cars to trucks to bicycles to donkeys, anything goes for transportation on the dirt roads around the city.

Bahia Palace

2007-12-11T12:20:00.000+02:00

While on independent travel in Marrakech, we went to the Bahia Palace. Intended to be the greatest palaces of it's time, it is an excellent example of the Islamic and Moroccan style. It was built in the late 19th century by Si Moussa, the grand vizier of the sultan. Two courtyards surrounded by bedrooms create the harem, with a lush, small one for his four wives, and a larger one to house his countless concubines.

For more info on the Bahia Palace, visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bahia_Palace

The Charles Bridge in Prague, CZ

2007-12-11T11:58:00.000+02:00

Looking at the Charles Bridge at Night

On our Independent Travels to Prague we visited the Charles Bridge. I think that this is one of my favorite atmospheres in Prague. During the day while walking across a bridge, one can come into contact with street vendors that have many good items to look at. There are also bands that make their way to the bridge to serenade people as they absorb the amazing views. However, during the evening and night hours the bridge becomes a romantic stroll that one can find a serene atmosphere. Of course, if you go to Prague the Charles Bridge is on anyone's must do list because it is a tourist attraction, but not even that disturbs the amazing feeling that you can encounter while walking across.

Stonehenge

2007-12-08T19:47:00.000+02:00

Stonehenge as it is now

Artists rendering of what Stonehenge would have looked like completed

Stonehenge is a famous site that many people have heard of. While not the largest henge it is very unique because of the fact that it was built from stone. The sarsen stones that are the tall inner ring and the bluestones that are the smaller ring would have all been interconnected and formed a perfect circle. Stonehenge is an UNESCO world heritage site, and a very mystical place. Many people who have visited the ring of stones say they feel strange things while standing around the historic monument. Believed to have been built in three distinct periods, no one is clear if there was any plan for the final design of the henge or each of the additions was made to suit the purpose of the individual builders. There are many myths and speculations about this fact. For more information on the construction of Stonehenge: http://witcombe.sbc.edu/earthmysteries/EMStonehenge.html

For some of the myths: http://www.icons.org.uk/theicons/collection/stonehenge/features/stonehenge-myths

The Reichstag - Berlin

2007-12-06T22:09:00.000+02:00

The Reichstag

Mirrored cone looking into the Parliament chambers

The Reichstag building has seen much history in the course of its lifetime. Built to originally house the Reichstag, the government of the German Empire in 1894 it stood as the parliament building until 1933 when it was allegedly burnt down by a Dutch Communist. Many believe that it was burnt down under the order of Adolf Hitler to ensure his rise to power.Now the rooftop and café are open to the public. From the roof you can look down into the parliamentary chambers to remind the elected officials who they work for.

Brandenburg Gate - Berlin

2007-12-01T19:39:00.000+02:00

The Brandenburg Gate is the iconic symbol for freedom and victory in Berlin. Built in the late 1700s the gate was one of several gates into the city. The Brandenburg Gate is the only one that still remains. During WWII the gate was heavily damaged but has since been restored to its original splendor. The gate has been used as a backdrop for many important events in history from the entrance point by Napolean into Berlin to the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Berlin Olympic Stadium

2007-12-01T19:05:00.000+02:00

Built under Hitler, this stadium was home to the 1936 Olympic Games. This was also the first year that the Olympic Games were televised. The stadium is built of concrete with Travertine marble cladding. The stadium has remained relatively unchaged since 1936. The building was renovated in 2004 adding a roof, restaurants, underground parking, and state-of-the-art lighting, sound, and video technology. It is currently home to soccer matches and held the World Cup Championship in 2006.

St. Francis of Assisi Church Organ

2007-12-01T16:45:00.000+02:00

The first night in Prague, I went to an Ave Maria concert at St. Francis of Assisi. The organ, tenor and soprano were incredibly beautiful. The acoustics were just as impressive as the architectural ornamentation and made the concert come to a end all too soon. The video does not even come close to what the music really sounded like. There are concerts very often at St. Francis of Assisi and it is a very enjoyable experience. For more information, I found this website very helpful. Click here!

Bergisel Ski Jump

2007-11-30T16:23:00.000+02:00

By Zaha Hadid Architects
Innsbruck, Austria

This international ski jump has a fabulous panoramic view of the small city of Innsbruck. Its location is 250 m above Innsbruck. The highest point of the tower is 50 m high where viewers can look out from an observation tower. Directly underneath the observation tower is the tower café. The inrun is 98 meters long and the total capacity for viewers is 28,000.

The World's Highest Glacier Palace

2007-11-30T16:08:00.000+02:00

Klein Matterhorn (3820 m or about 12,100 ft) and 15 meters below the surface
Reachable from Zermatt, Switzerland

The glacier palace is free of charge and open from 9.00 – 15.00. I wouldn’t advise going if you’re afraid of heights. The lifts have an enormous height difference from you and the ground. At the top of the mountain it is very cold and windy, so bring plenty of layers of clothing. At some points there may be no visibility due to the amount of wind.

Super-sized Chess in Bastions Park

2007-11-29T20:26:00.000+02:00

While walking around Geneva, we found the beautiful Bastions Park. Geneva is often referred to as the “city of parks,” for over one fourth of the city is covered by public parks. Bastion Park was a former botanical garden and the site of the first university in Geneva. A set of life size chess boards at the north end of the park attracts chess masters both young and old looking for a challenge. To the side, the Reformation wall stands. Built along the old rampart wall of the Old Town, it pays tribute to the founders of the Reformation forever immortalized in statues along the wall.

The Epitome of Leisure

2007-11-29T19:30:00.000+02:00

The entrance from the main road to Therme Vals

Guests relaxing and enjoying the view

The outdoor pool

Therme Vals
Vals, Switzerland (near the city of Chur)

Well first off, let me thank Professor Ron Rael for informing me of this fairytale like place. Secondly, I know all of you ladies are extremely jealous, so just get over it or decide to go there for yourself. The thermal spa is an architectural wonder nestled in the Alps, much like Zermatt. It was brilliantly & precisely designed stone by stone by the ingenious architect Peter Zumthor. The spa contains 6 different pools: an indoor pool (32* C), an outdoor pool winter (36* C), an outdoor pool summer (30* C), a fire pool (42* C), an ice pool (14* C), a flower pool (33* C), and a grotto pool (35* C). My personal favorite was the outdoor pool. The viewer can sit in the outdoor pool and see the steam coming off the water and have a great view of the Alps. There are also plenty of massages available for a pricy cost. The spa also contains mixed, public, and private nude showers, saunas (ranging from 85 – 100% humidity), and plenty of relaxation space. One thing architecturally to note about the stones used in the building process of this place was that each of them are made from Valser Quarzite and cut to precise accuracy according to Zumthor’s instructions with a production tolerance of 1/10 mm range. These stones have a full range of slab finishes which include being split, sawn, milled, ground, stacked, polished, and broken. I should also mention that the primal act of bathing organizes the building.
If you want to stay overnight there is a hotel you can make a reservation at. Access to Vals is a bit isolated, but it is definitely worth it. The spa itself is only 30 chf for the entrance fee, which includes all day access and free lockers inside. http://www.therme-vals.ch/?__locale=en

Arbeit Macht Frei

2007-11-29T17:23:00.001+02:00

On the front entrance gates to Sachsenhausen is the infamous slogan Arbeit Macht Frei, meaning “Work makes you free.” About 200,000 people passed through those gates between 1936 and 1945. Not designed as a death camp, it was first used as a training center for SS officers. Then in the early years of the war the SS practiced methods of mass killing, testing on Russian POW’s. Prisoners would enter through Tower A (above) and many would leave through Station Z, the Crematorium.

Experiencing the Swiss Alps

2007-11-29T13:38:00.000+02:00

A view of Zermatt in the Valley from the Trockner Steg Lift Station/Restaurant (2939 m)

A view of the Alps across the Swiss/Italian border from Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (3883 m)

Skiing down Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (probably 3600 m)

Zermatt, Schweiz (Switzerland)

Nothing could have prepared me for the unforgettable experience of being in the Swiss Alps. I was in the perfect small isolated town called Zermatt, which is located in a valley among the Alps along a small river. Zermatt is situated at 1620 m above sea level. I stayed here for four days and rode up and down the ski lifts for two days. The last two days of my stay, the ski lifts were closed due to rain and bad weather. Zermatt has the perfect view of the Matterhorn Mountain (4478 m), which is the major landmark of Switzerland. Zermatt is also a motor free resort, only some emergency and construction vehicles are allowed access. There is a main train that runs from the Brig station to a small station in Zermatt. The small town uses taxis that are not run by motor. The prime skiing season starts after the first week of December. There was plenty of snow as seen from the pictures in mid November. The ski lifts are only a 10 minute walk from the Zermatt train station and can take you up to the highest peaks of the mountains after several switches between lifts within 30 – 45 minutes. Beware that most of the slopes are not for beginners; I found this out the hard way. I am convinced that this is one of the most beautiful spots in Switzerland and the best place to go skiing! Check out this website if you're interested in going to Zermatt: http://www.zermatt.ch/index.e.html

Texture

2007-11-17T01:11:00.000+02:00

Texture refers to the properties held and sensations caused by the external surface of objects received through touch. It also can be a pattern that has been scaled down so that individual elements are not distinguishable. We were given an objective on our trip to Cinque Terre: to capture through our lenses the external textures which these five towns offer. The texture of the water fascinated me and there were also texture found in the plants, some prickly and others rigid.

Color Here, Color There

2007-11-17T01:02:00.001+02:00

The world we know is full of color, but where these colors meet our eye is not always expected. On our trip to Camogli earlier in the semester we were given a task: to capture through our lense those colors that catch us off guard. I was amazed at the bright colors used on the fishermen's boats, they themselves were an array of color. Later on, two different buildings caught my eye. The texture and features on both were added by color, allowing the eye to picture a depth not really there.

The Photo Imitation Assignment

2007-11-17T00:24:00.000+02:00

In a recent photo assignment we were asked to imitate a popular photographer, mine being Ansel Adams. This type of assignment has its value in that if you really examine a photographer's work and study his (or her) approach you start to view your own world as they view theirs. This opens you up to new ways of seeing and thinking about the world around you. For instance, Ansel Adams was a popular nature photographer who photographed "in the raw." By this, I mean he photographed scenes without any kind of pre-or post-processing tricks. And he also always tried to capture interesting, natural plays between light and shadow. In the landscape image above you can see this ideal in how the light diffuses as it passes through the clouds and reflects off of the water's surface.

The second image above is mine of a canal in Amsterdam. Here I tried to look for interesting plays between light and shadow, reflections, and his same use of perspective. Unfortunately, it was a very cloudy day and I was not able to get the same kind of light in the clouds but I did get some play off of the water and in the windows. I had thought about faking the cloud effect by using photoshop tricks but ultimately decided that such a trick would be dishonest and not in line with the ideals of Ansel Adams. I leave it to you to decide whether or not my photo is a successful imitation of Ansel Adams' approach.

Would you like to know more about Cinque Terre?

2007-11-16T23:38:00.000+02:00

As you have probably read, Cinque Terre is the collective name for a chain of five small villages perched on the edge of the Italian Riviera about an hour east of Genova. The towns are linked to Genova and La Spezia by train and (if you are up for a challenge) has a very nice walking trail that runs along the coastline. Starting on the east side of the trail, going west, the first part of the trail is paved and wide enough for wheelchairs. This part of the path is geared toward people and kids who want to see the ocean from the path and enjoy its romantic vistas without having had previous mountain climbing experience. The rest of the path is quite exhausting as the trail winds up and down the steep coastline for approximately 9km. If you do get exhausted you can stop along the trail at each town and rest enjoying the view, charm, and food of these quaint villages.

Piazza Study

2007-11-16T15:35:00.000+02:00

Piazza della Lavangna, Piazza delle Lepre

Planometric study

One of our sketching assignments prompted us to go downtown and sketch a planometric view of a square area with at least two piazzas. I choose two of my favorite piazzas which are located close to eachother because I always get turned around when going from one to the other. Sketching the path I walked not only gave me a better sense of direction in that part of the city, but also allowed me to understand the urban fabric of the side streets in the downtown area and how the voids create the piazza spaces that are essential to Italian (night)life.

Character of Camogli

2007-11-16T15:21:00.000+02:00

Character, as defined by dictionary.com, is a noun that is "the aggregate of features and traits that form the individual nature of some person or thing." The nature of Camogli, Italy is a rich one that includes a very cosmopolitan mix of attributes. A very visible attribute is the colorful scenes of the village. Found on everything from the landscaping to the merchandise to the built environment, colors are everywhere. At first it's almost overwhelming, but when it comes down to it, even the smallest bits of color adds so much to the mosaic that is a favorite city of tourists in Italy.

Fascist Architecture in Naples

2007-11-16T14:36:00.000+02:00

Naples Post Office

During the Fascist time period of Italy, many programs were started to help better the lives of Italians while also winning their support for the government. One such program was the Urban Renewal Program. In Naples, the Urban Renewal Program destroyed the San Giuseppe quarter to make way for new municipal buildings all in the Fascist style. At the center of the renewal is the Naples Post Office. Designed in 1935 by Giuseppe Vaccaro and completed in 1936, the building's front curved facade features the Fascist hallmarks of grand size and black marble columns. Also, the additional tell-tale sign of the time period and the commissioner of building is the representation of the date. As seen in the photograph above, the date is given in years (Roman numerals) from the beginning of the Fascist regime in 1922. If the date was not present in number form, as it is on this building, one could figure it out by adding the Roman numeral to 1922. In this case, "XIV" (which is 14) plus 1922 is the completion year of 1936.

Say Cisa!

2007-11-16T14:30:00.000+02:00

While in Pisa, we were instructed to take pictures that put the tower in a viewpoint not normally seen. Luckily, the assigment gave us the permission to act like the hundreds of other tourists you see in the grassy area of Campo dei Miracoli 'interacting' with the leaning tower for cheesy photo-ops.

Casa Del Fascio, Lissone

2007-11-15T14:08:00.000+02:00

Elevated platform

Public piazza

The Casa Del Fascio in Lissone is one of many well known Fascist institutions in Italy. They were built during the Fascist period between World War I and World War II. These institutions were designed to be gathering places on Saturdays to spread the Fascist propaganda. The Casa Del Fascio in Lissone is not as well known as the one in Como but is no less important. At first your eye is drawn to the pink marble platform jutting out of the stone enclosed staircase used for Mussolini’s public speeches. Then you realize how small you are in comparison to the huge public piazza that is still the main center of town today.

The Spanish Quarter of Naples

2007-11-15T02:47:00.000+02:00

The Spanish Quarter is the result of a major urban planning project by Don Pedro in the mid 1500's. The grid system of streets moves the buildings up the side of San Martino. All the east-west streets lead directly up steep slopes and run perpendicular to Via Roma, a very important street even today. The streets became very steep and there were many stairs that had to be taken to make it to the end of the streets. The steepness added to the already impressive heights of the buildings in this quarter. The north-south streets were laid each on a different level as they progressed upwards. These were secondary streets but created the grid that is very evident in plan. The area today is not very pedestrian friendly and not friendly to strangers. Despite the dangers of present today, it used to be a very nice area of Naples because the straight streets made it easy to patrol. Walking through this area was an experience architecturally. It was impressive to understand the grid of streets and how they moved up the side of the mountain.

More Information

You'll Like Lucca

2007-11-14T23:14:00.000+02:00

One of my father's favorite lectures was over the importance of first impressions. It was his strongest argument against my derelict high school wardrobe. Many a battle was fought over jeans with holes in the knees. As an adult, I now relish the freedom to look as gentile or as trashy as I desire. Being abroad presents the opportunity to meet new people and I take that into account when I wear the same pair of pants everyday. I also take that into account when I go to a new place and find it tricked out in an uncommon way. For example, first impressions of Rome during the Notte Bianca and first impressions of Genova during the lazy August off season.

When traveling with other Clemsonites I got to go to Lucca during the exceptional circumstance of a Comics and Gaming Convention. I regarded it as an especially warm welcome to the medieval city. It was early November and I had never really gotten over that longing for a real Halloween. There was something satisfying about the combination of enthusiastic gamers and Lucca's natural fall beauty. We got to enjoy the sites, the fortress walls, and the circular Piazza Anfiteatro with its craft market but peppered with kids in cosplay.

Michael Snow

2007-11-14T21:52:00.000+02:00

If the phrase experimental film is befitting of anyone, I can thoughtfully apply it to artist Michael Snow. Snow is the Canadian artist working in film and sculpture. We were privileged to see an exhibition of Snow's films and some really moody light sculptures in Fondazione Centro Studi sull'Arte Licia e Carlo Ludovico Ragghianti.

We entered the gallery space by first passing through a cloister girded by healthy bushes of herbs (I'll admit I snapped a few twigs of sage and rosemary). The Foundazione is housed in a former monastery and features multilevel spaces that nicely accommodated intimate viewings of Snow's work. I couldn't help but admire the grace with which the exhibition was installed. The entire gallery space was darkened with illumination coming from the films but also from tall standing blue lights. The lights added a sculptural quality to the space, eased passage between films, and most importantly did not interfere with viewing the pieces.

Snow's work spans a range of technique and subjects with each piece presenting its own visual language. The piece Sheep Loop was a quiet moment, just a gradual loop of sheep grazing in a field ocean side. More challenging was Snow's piece Triage (2004) created with artist Carl Brown. Each artist contributed a cycle of frames, exquisite corpse fashion, oblivious to the others content or intentions. Snow's side was entitled "King Phillip Came Over From Germany Singing," (it's a mnemonic for the scientific classification system of Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species). Befitting his frames which were organized into series of animals, fish, plants, birds etc. Brown's imagery was more textural and drew from mechanical sources. These two sets of frames were quickly rifled through side by side, overwhelming the viewer. This information was bewildering on its own but was accompanied by unsettling audio that stirred anxiety in the viewer. The sounds involved people screaming as if in great tragedy. Immediately the mind flits to 9/11 though I've read nothing to indicate that was the goal. By the end of the 30 minute cycle I had a blistering headache but it was completely worth it.

Blog editor interacting with a piece at the exhibition

Fondazione Centro Studi sull'Arte Licia e Carlo Ludovico Ragghianti
Via San Micheletto 3 I – 55100 Lucca
http://www.fondazioneragghianti.it/

Gnocchi

2007-11-14T16:44:00.000+02:00

La cucina della Villa

One of my favorite foods in Italy is Gnocchi. Gnocchi is hard to find in South Carolina and so I asked our resident chef here, Angela, how to make it. She was kind enough to show not only me but several other girls how to make this Italian comfort food. And it was very simple.

Ingredients include:
1 kilo of potatoes
200 grams of flour
1 egg
Pinch of salt

First you boil the potatoes. Once soft, you can mince or mash them, and set them on a clean surface. You do not make this in a bowl. Make a dip in the pile of potatoes, much like you would if you were making a gravy lake in your mashed potatoes, and add the flour, salt, and egg. Next you knead the potato dough until it is well mixed. You will need to use flour periodically to keep it from sticking throughout the entire process. Next roll a long skinny "snake" about the diameter of a tube of chapstick. Cut this "snake" into 1-inch pieces. To form the traditional gnocchi shape, you roll each piece over the top of a fork (the prong side) with your thumb allowing the dough to curl over itself. Once again you will need to keep flour nearby so that it doesn't stick. Lastly when you are ready to eat you boil them for 1-2 minutes or until they float. There are an infinite number of sauces you can put on top. We usually have the delicious Genovese pesto or a fabulous gorgonzola cream sauce. Enjoy!!!

Villa Malcontenta

2007-11-14T09:32:00.000+02:00

Exterior of Villa Malcontenta

Interior View of Roman Bath House Window

Our final stop on our Palladian Villa Tour was Villa Malcontenta on the outskirts of Venezia. This villa was one of Palladio’s first and is called the “Sad House” because the lady who lived in it was exiled from her home in Venezia due to her party ways. The large window is borrowed from the Roman bath houses, and is repeated in several other of Palladian works. This villa sits on the water because the water way was the main source of transportation.

What the...

2007-11-14T01:18:00.000+02:00

During our latest forced excursion into the heart of Genova (in-town field studies assignment), I discovered this window on the Catedral di San Lorenzo (see earlier blog). Yes it really looks like that. It is actually skewed in elevation so that the left side of the window casing is twice as wide as the right. After a [not so] thorough survey of the rest of the building, I found it to be the only one! Why in the world would they have built this on a mid-evil cathedral? More appropriately, can I apply it to my studio project...?

I learned something...

2007-11-13T01:39:00.000+02:00

Some of you may already know that we had a photography assignment to mimic a certain photographer. Mine was Olivo Barbieri. Although he has a range of subjects, his recent works have been taken from airplanes, with a tilt-shift lens, to make a commentary about the urban plan of the place. The images often tend to look as though he took a picture of a model, essentially the city as a representation of itself. I was most anxious about attempting this technique, due both to my lack of a private airplane, as well as a tilt-shift lens. But I think this one came out better than I expected, and I learned a new photoshop technique.

To Do:

1) Play with the saturation, hue, and contrast of the original photo to brighten it up and create more depth

2) Create a duplicate layer from the background layer

3) Use the lens blur filter to blur the background copy. Experiment with the settings to blur the right amount

4) Use the eraser tool in a large brush, set to low opacity and intensity > I set both to somewhere in the teens and

go over the area you wish to be in focus multiple times, so that you can gradiate the blur

6) Voila! Uou have it!

PS > Mine is the one on the right.

Alfred Steiglitz

2007-11-04T22:50:00.000+02:00

This was the climax of the photography assignments. The assignment was to find a popular artist (photographer) and learn the best parts of their techniques, then try to mimic them. The photographer that I attempted to imitate was Alfred Steiglitz. He was revolutionary in the movement of photography in the early 1900's. He had a way of showing the ordinary life of New York City, while bringing in the importance of lighting and geometry. He could also bring in the mood of the photo by showing the snow, the breath of the horse, or by the business of the immigrants coming into New York. While in Amsterdam, my attempt to mimic the techniques of Alfred Steiglitz wanted to show the importance of everyday, ordinary events in life as he did. I also emphasised the way that he took the photo, in matching the sepia or the black and white tones used, the grainy texture on the photograph, and the geometry within the photo. Only in one of the photograph sets did I mimic the actual subject (horse and buggy) but the others were imitation through his style not the subject matter itself.

Colors & Textures

2007-11-04T22:06:00.000+02:00

Here in Genova we are not only learning architecture but also have other classes that we are taking. The class which involves this assignment is our field studies class in which we are learning the finer details of photography and drawing. In the top photograph collage, the assignment was to focus our attention on the brilliant and beautiful colors around us when we went to the coastal city of Camogli. I found the turquoise on an awning, the red painted on the outside of a building and the orange on a fixture hanging in a doorway. The focus was to allow us to understand how color can affect the emphasis or interest of a photo. The second part to this project was to see texture in the same focused way. So when we took a trip to Cinque Terre we were to find textures and see how the texture could be affected not only by light, but in some circumstances water. For instance, the bottom photo collage is showing different textures. The picture with the pink sea weed is changed not only by the light but also by the way the water is shifting above it. The rock surface and the pine needles on the pine tree are only captured by the best focus on the camera and in the best light. These aspects of color and texture were then applied to other projects within our class to bring together the big picture of the different layers that are important to make a good photograph.

Bieu Brewery

2007-11-04T21:52:00.000+02:00

Hidden in Genova's Port is an amazing brewery and restaurant. The restaurant brews its own beers, with a specialty in a spicy amber beer. This restaurant is wonderful not only for its beer, but also in the local entertainment that they bring in. The night that two Italian friends, Claudia and myself went, we listened to a decent local band, had a 3 liter tap brought to our table and the four of us chowed down on some amazing food! The food that we ordered (and comes highly recommended) is the meat platter, as well as the chicken stuffed and rolled with bacon on the outside...DELICIOUS!! You can locate this place by looking at the map provided. Once in the port you will pass IL Bigo and head for the dance clubs, pass by them and a sushi restaurant on your right and it will be on your right. Check it out...

Photography 101

2007-11-01T22:55:00.000+02:00

The colors of Camogli

The textures of Cinque Terre

Viewpoint in Pisa

We are fortunate to have a field studies class that not only covers drawing, but touches on important elements of photography. We have had several photography assignments surveying the use of color, texture, and different vantage points.

Photography: texture, color, and Pisa

2007-11-01T22:52:00.000+02:00

Texture:

For the exploration of texture, I took several pictures in Cinque Terre. This is a presentation of the five best. The first (top left) I really like because of the contrast between the dark, rough rocks and the piece of tin trash that is very smooth and reflective. The next image (top right) is a couple of tiles from a wall. Each piece is a solid color, but as a whole, the colors make images that brighten the public spaces. The small, potted palm tree (middle left) caught my attention because of the bloom which is very soft. The repetition of the fan pattern on the bloom was also very beautiful. Glass (middle right) is an excellent example of texture because of the way the light can be distorted and make a soft material appear to be jagged. Finally, there was an old, painted cloth sign that hung outside a restaurant (bottom image). There were also white Christmas lights hanging over it. I like that it is possible to see the threads of both materials and that they share a similar color but that they are two completely different materials.

Color:

While in Camogli, I took images of colors. Above are the five best examples of color that I found while there for a day. The top image is part of a painting. I really like the way there is only one color of paint, just different shades put together to make patterns. The next two images I feel like should be presented next to each other because they are both examples of brown. The brown, tiger-cat next to the rusty grate has many shades of brown. The rum ball on the right has a lot of depth in the picture. Although it is really only one shade of brown, it captures the eye because of the way the filling is not following any pattern or rhythm. The forth image (second from bottom) captures the vibrant red of the wild berries very well because of the contrasting green blurred in the back ground. As opposites on the color wheel, they are always good colors to put together for visual contrast. There is also a small bug on one of the berries but it is lost because of it's built in camouflage. The colors blend in very well at a distance. The last image (bottom) is the most interesting. Although it is of nothing very beautiful, it is the context that I like so much. The red net fallen out of place between a field of gray and shadows made the cracks between the huge rocks mysterious. It is easy to catch yourself wondering how and when the waves caused the net to make its journey to that spot. It was a source for day dreaming that day.

Bell Tower of Pisa:

While in Pisa, I tried to take a picture of the bell tower that would be unique. This image does not show the entire structure nor does it show how it leans. Instead, it is simply a piece of architecture. I over exposed the image by focusing on a very dark shadow. This, I hope, makes it a bit flatter because of the lack of shadows and background. There is nothing else in this picture so that the levels of columns are the only focus. This is my view of Pisa.

Day Trip Photography

2007-11-01T21:38:00.000+02:00

Cinque Terre is not only beautiful but full of interesting textures. The first is railing that was once painted a brilliant shade of blue, but is now rusting through. One can see the layers of paint and years of being exposed to the weather. I thought it was an interesting contrast between the dark maroon color of of the rust and the bright blue. Next I took a close up of this tree that was on the edge of a cliff. Take notice of the cracks and how it looks as if you could peel it from the tree trunk. I thought that the beauty in the trees details paralleled its surroundings. The next image is of the side of a building taken from below. The angle emphasizes the peeling stucco against the stone behind. The following picture is of the powdered sugar that was on a cake that I bought. This texture contrasts with all of the other textures I saw because of its fluffy, soft appearance. Finally, I ran across this peach pit waiting on the train. It is kind of gross but look at the detail of the holes in the pit, its hair, and juices.

Everyone has seen the traditional images of Pisa- a tourist with a large grin attempting to hold up the tower. The objective of this picture was to capture Pisa in a unique angle. By putting my camera on the ground, I was able to capture the Baptistry against the lush green grass and the blue sky. It was important for me to show the grass because of the impact it has on the buildings of Pisa. The stark white of the Cathedral, Tower, and Baptistry wouldn't be as brilliant without the vivid green of the grass.

Camogli is a seaside village full of color. So what is more appropriate then colorful images relating to the water. The first is the tip of a red boat that was parked on the beach. The dark gray of the rocks makes the red really pop. The next is a right blue beach chair that caught my eye. You can even see the difference in texture between the canvas and the chipped paint of the wood. The next images is a buoy afloat in the water. I thought it was nice how the sun was reflecting on the orange ball and also how the ball reflected onto the water. The next is a bright yellow marker in the water, followed by another buoy attached to a white boat. Notice how the sun changes the shade of orange. It is light on the top where the sun is hitting it and darker on the bottom. Also the sun created a perfect shadow on the boat, changing the shades of white.

Exploring with Photography

2007-11-01T15:10:00.000+02:00

Camogli Color Assignment
Camogli, Italia

In my explorations amongst the colorful city of Camogli, I decided to focus on one color, a rough looking yellow that I felt was vibrant and crucial to part of Camogli’s vibrant façade. I looked for this color along the beach and while hiking to San Fruttuoso.

Cinque Terre Texture Assignment
Cinque Terre, Italia

We were told to photograph textures while journeying through the five towns of Cinque Terre and then narrow them down to 5 textures.

Pisa Extreme Vantage Point Assignment
Pisa, Italia

I decided to post 2 pictures of extreme vantage points. The photograph on the left shows the overall picture including the baptistery, the duomo, and the leaning tower. The picture on the right shows the 5 degree angle separation of the leaning tower to a 90 degree angle object, giving great composition to the picture.

A Textured View

2007-11-01T11:19:00.000+02:00

An old door

The texture of a cactus

A detail of a rope

A detail of a cactus tree

Color and texture

Pisa: The Whole View

2007-11-01T11:18:00.000+02:00

On our visit to Pisa, I was taken with the beauty of the entire site, not just the Torre (Tower). For those of you who haven't been, Pisa houses a Camposanto, Duomo, Battisteria (Baptistery), as well as the Torre. This shot was taken to highlight the role that all of these buildings take to make the site function as one (instead of many) and to bring attention to the sinking ground of the site which makes all of the buildings crooked.

Unexpected Pops of Color

2007-11-01T11:01:00.000+02:00

an intertwined rope

the detail of a door fastening

a shrine over a gated entrance

Pisa from a Different View

2007-11-01T10:59:00.000+02:00

A photograph of the Camposanto in Piazza del Duomo in the city of Pisa. Taken from a different perspective the photograph hightlights the beautiful details of the carved columns at the entrance of the Camposanto in contrast with the geometric inlays on the facade.

Textures of the Land

2007-10-30T19:53:00.000+02:00

The ribs of a beached fishing boat.

This rusted bundle of metal was found piled up under an abandoned fishing boat.

This dilapidated wooden basket was found hanging on a door in Chinqueterre.

The knotted and fraying ropes of a beached fishing boat.

Paint peeling off of a weathered wooden door.

Use Your Senses!

2007-10-30T19:44:00.001+02:00

Textures in Cinque Terre

While in Camogli and Cinque Terre, beach towns on the Italian Riviera, we were asked to pay special attention to our surroundings and look for colors and textures in unexpected places/contexts.
Giving an honest attempt at this notion of a higher state of consciousness, I became aware not only of the full array of colors and textures surrounding me but also the noises, smells, and tactile nature of things I came into contact with. It was a great learning opportunity and created for me a much richer experience.

Colors in Camogli

Camogli: Brought to You in Technicolor

2007-10-30T19:29:00.000+02:00

It is quite common to see brightly colored fishing boats bobbing in the gentle waves of the harbor of Camogli. This bright blue boat,however, caught my eye when I found it propped up against the mossy brown walls and partially covered with slimey ropes. A beautiful contrast.

While wandering among the sun speckled roads of the coastal town of Camogli, I ran across what looked like a large steel circle which had once been vibrantly painted with nautical motifs. Over the years rust has begun to muddle the scene, but one can still see the brightly colored fish peeking out unexpectedly from behind the rust.

Continuing my search of Camogli up the steep winding path that led to the San Fruttuoso Abby I ran across these vibrant red circles spray painted onto the grey, mossy walls of the path. No one could figure out exactly what they meant, but the intensity of the red imposed upon the old rock wall caught my eye.

A Majestic View

2007-10-30T16:00:00.000+02:00

The Dolomites are a symbol of Italy, spanning most of the northern part of the country. The mountains are a section of the Alps. The range is famous for skiing and mountain climbing. The mountain range provides natural protection from the surrounding countries, and during World War I, the line between the Italians and the Austro-Hungarian forces ran through the Dolomites, and the plains surrounding the mountains were the site of a couple major battles during the war. The name “Dolomite” is derived from the name of the rock that forms the formidable mountain range, dolomite. The rock is sedimentary and a mineral and give the mountains their characteristic rocky and sharp peak shape.

A Summer Retreat

2007-10-30T15:19:00.000+02:00

When Silvia graciously reserved us a private bus tour of Palladian villas with Professor Stefano Fera, I was blown away by the beauty of our first stop, Villa La Rocca Pisana. The villa was built in 1576 by the powerful Venetian family Vettor Pisani, as a getaway from the hot summer weather of the plain below. Designed by Scarmozzi, the villa is visible from a great distance and stands commandingly of the top of a hill. A neoclassical roman front with 6 Ionic columns, the grandiose of the villa is moving. The villa is still owned by the same family and was restored in the early twentieth century by the Countess Rosetta de Lazara Pisani and is now open to the public for tours when not in use as a summer residence for the family.

Duomo di Milano

2007-10-30T14:54:00.000+02:00

The Duomo di Milano is an elaborate Gothic cathedral located in the heart of Milan's city center. The second largest Roman Catholic cathedral in the world, the duomo as we see it today was begun in 1075 when a fire damaged the existing basilica, and in 1386 the archbishop, Antonio da Saluzzo, began transforming the duomo into the late Gothic style, a project that would proceed for generations. Today, nearly five centuries later solid blocks of marble still remain awaiting a sculptors touch. White marble, brought by waterways along the "Navigli" canals from a quarry at Condoglia di Mergozzo near Verbania was used according to the specific desire of Duke Gian Galeazzo Visconti to cover the façade. The slabs of pinkish-white marble were marked A.U.F. (ad usum fabricate) and exempted from payment of customs duty. The Cathedral was consecrated in 1418 but not completed until the 19th century when Napoleon spurred on work to finally complete the façade.The building has undergone two major periods of renovation work: the first in 1935 and the second, obviously much more complicated, to repair bomb damage in 1943. For one of the most breathtaking churches in Europe, the awe-inspiring Duomo di Milano is a must see.

Pisa from a Different View!

2007-10-30T00:50:00.000+02:00

In Pisa I visited the Baptistery, Duomo, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. When walking around the Baptistery I was captivated with the use of the arch and spherical elements. By taking a photograph at a different vantage point I was able to increase the visual impact of the arches. The composition of the photograph forms an arch, following the arches of the windows and along the facade. By taking photographs of architecture at different vantage points, one is able to focus on elements not easily viewed in a photograph that encompasses the whole structure. It also gives one an idea of how tall this structure really is. All of these buildings were beautiful and have important elements that you could miss unless seen from a different view!!

Cinque Terre Magnified!

2007-10-30T00:26:00.000+02:00

The Cinque Terre is a group of five coastal villages in Italy located on the Italian Riviera. While traveling and hiking among these five villages, I decided to take a closer look at the composition of the villages through textures. In Monterosso (reading from top left to right), I found an interesting texture among a palm tree. I thought that it was neat that all these strands form this protective skin for the tree. Hiking from Monterosso to Vernazza there were several wooden doors leading to homes or passage ways. This particular texture was intriguing because you are able to see the age of the door because of the peeling paint and splintering wood. After Vernazza, I hiked to Corniglia. On this walk I was amazed at the various cacti around the area. I found this one particularly interesting because not only does the plant create a texture by physical characteristics, but also by color. In Manarolo, the architecture of the buildings give interesting textures. The structure, in this particular texture, was composed of brick with concrete on top. This was amazing to view from far away and close up giving the architecture various depths. In Riomaggiore, I took a closer look at stone upon arrival. The stone was receiving angled sunlight and the multitude of colors within the stone became evident. In viewing more closely I found that each color had a different texture to it. The lighter areas were smoother and the darker areas became more rigid. By "magnifying" each villages, I was able to magnify my experience. One truly starts to appreciate all the small textures that form a village.

Colors of Camogli and San Fruttuoso

2007-10-30T00:04:00.000+02:00

When visiting Camogli and San Fruttuoso, I was able to experience nature's wonderful realm of colors. First of all, the intensity of water color was this amazing blue and there were lots of brightly colored flowers and buildings surrounding the area. While on the walk from Camogli to San Fruttuoso, I was able to capture two pictures of flowers that were in small areas; the intensity of light that they reflected was beautiful. The first flower was all white with a purple center. With this bright purple core the eye is immediately drawn to the "heart" of the flower. The next flower was a great contrast between the red flower and the green leaves against the building stucco. It is almost as if the two are competing for the sunlight. We hiked to a beach called San Fruttuoso and on the way I stood on a cliff overlooking the sea. To my surprise, I saw this brightly colored kayak against the beautiful blue Mediterranean. Camogli and San Fruttuoso were so beautiful and I would encourage anyone to treat their senses!

An Inspiration For Many

2007-10-28T15:51:00.000+02:00

Villa Rotunda

Villa Rocca Pisana an imitation by Vicenzo Scamozzi

In Vicenza we viewed many buildings designed by Andrea Palladio, one of the most influential architects in the last 500 years. Through his I Quattro Liberi, and interpretations of Vitruvius’ Ten Books of Architecture we have learned the essential building blocks for all future architects. Palladio came from humble beginnings and yet he learned to design some of the major buildings that we all look to for inspiration, such as the Villa Rotunda, and the Villa La Malcontenta.

Sweet Music to my Ears

2007-10-28T15:21:00.000+02:00

Jazz Club Ferrara
Ferrara, Italia

After a stressed out week of preparing for mid terms a few of us decided to take a much needed break on our first night of our Veneto tour and relax to some music at a local jazz club. Ferrara is definitely on my top 10 list of places to be after our experience there, bike riding around the city, and meeting some other college students. The jazz club had a very mellow and friendly environment. We had to pay a simple 10 euro fee at the door for seats. The jazz club has a really neat location, along the city fortification wall at one of the entrances in a rounded off part.

There are two floors with plenty of seating to see any performance. I suggest you get there early if you would like to arrange good seating. Both floors have bars. Downstairs there is a projection screen so that the audience can still view the band/artist playing and a restaurant if you desire to dine with your music. The interior is completely made up of musical objects. For instance the beer tap is in the form of a saxophone. The toilet has a set of piano keys on top of it.

We were fortunate enough to get an ample amount of good seating, as well as hear Mike Melillo (piano), Massimo Morioni (basso), and Giampaolo Ascolese (batteria), a group that seemed like they had been playing for years together with their wide range of talents. If you would like to know more visit www.jazzclubferrara.com or email jazzclub@jazzclubferrara.com

Remembering 9/11 in Italy

2007-10-28T14:19:00.000+02:00

Memoria e Luce
Padova, Italia

While wandering in Padova, I stumbled upon a memorial to September 11th. Designed by Studio Libeskind (New York) in collaboration with Terragni Studio (Milano), the memorial lies along the main street - Corso Garibaldi, and is nestled beautifully with the landscape of the city.

The memorial was built around the idea of a structural beam salvaged from the aftermath of the twin towers collapsing. The beam was given from the state department of the U.S. to the Veneto region, and dedicated on September 11th, 2005.

Here are some interesting quotes I found engraved on part of the memorial wall.
Memory
“Citizens I used to be a steel beam in the twin towers but in Kentucky there was Abraham Lincoln’s poor house. U.S.’s 16th president, he fought for the elimination of slavery. A few day before being killed by a fanatic, during his inauguration speech for his second mandate, he stated: “I continue the work that has been started, without any hate towards anybody and with charity for all.”
Light
“The morning light shall get along with us till the night comes, on the mountains crest and on the sea rivers.” – Mario Rigoni Stern

Yummmm

2007-10-19T15:02:00.000+03:00

Tiramisu Recipe (Pick Me Up!)
4 kg Mascarpone cheese (If not available, try a mix of sour-cream/cream cheese)
4 egg yolks
2 whipped egg whites
4 tablespoons of rum
2 packages of lady fingers or vanilla wafers
1/2 liter of strong coffee
chocolate powder (bitter)

-Whip egg yolks with sugar and 2 spoonfuls of rum
-Add Mascarpone and mix well
-Slowly blend in whites (whipped)
-Soak the cookies in cool coffee with remaining rum
-Layer cookies and cream, cover with cream and dust with chocolate powder

This is our very own cook Angela's recipe = Heaven on Earth!

2007-10-19T13:13:00.000+03:00

Our class went to Milan for one of our day trips. We got to see many aspects of Milan including the architecture, furniture designs, and fashion. While in Milan we chose to dine in style, eating at Nobu. This is a famous sushi restaurant not only because it is located in the Armani Store but because it is owned by Masaharu Morimoto. He is the Japanese chef who was on the popular television show "Iron Chef." The atmosphere was minimalistic and quite elegant, and the sushi was exquisite! I ordered (as seen in the photograph) the shrimp tempura roll, spicy tuna roll, and a salmon roll. These amazing pieces along with a cold glass of Sapporo created a superb lunch to remember. This restaurant comes highly recommended from all of us who ate at this amazing place.

"Bay of Silence"

2007-10-19T02:40:00.000+03:00

Tucked away in Sestri Levante, a town in Liguria, Italia, is the Bay of Silence. Approximately fifty-six kilometers south of Genova, it is one of two bays, the other being the "bay of the fables." A local spot, the picturesque setting gives one a sense of peace. The colorful buildings that follow the curve of the bay, also provides a sound barrier from the noises of the town. I highly recommend this spot for a weekend excursion!

Alex McLean Photo Assignment

2007-10-19T02:06:00.000+03:00

Alex McLean, "High Density Seasonal Beach Housing"

Rebecca Murphy, "Chairs" (2007)

Shooting through an airplane window with a 35mm camera, Alex MacLean’s aerial views of housing in America effectively survey where and how Americans choose to live, and make a statement about both individual and collective values. Foremost among MacLean’s observations of urban and suburban housing developments is the tremendous lack of diversity with respect to design and architecture. Economic, regulatory, and commercial trends conspire to make new housing homogeneous and undifferentiated from one part of the country to the next. I chose this photo of his to emulate on our Amsterdam study tour. In this photo, he uses repetition. My photo is a front view of the chair in Rem Koolhaas' Kunsthal in Rotterdam, Holland.

2007-10-19T01:47:00.000+03:00

The luxurious sailing yacht christened the ‘Santa Maria’ was launched in June 2004. She is a 56 meter masterpiece designed by Ron Holland and built from aluminum. The Santa Maria possesses cutting edge technology, for it is outfitted with servo-assisted sail control and furling, twin-screw propulsion, captive reel winches, Perini Navi aluminium masts, and the latest in carbon fiber boom furling for her mainsail and mizzen. Her hull features sheer line, overhangs, and flying bridge which have become hallmarks of Perini’s aesthetic style. The yacht’s main deck includes a small office as well as a spacious saloon and an enclosed dining area. She was one of the yachts at the International Boat Show 2007, which took place last week.

Hotspots

2007-10-17T21:59:00.000+03:00

On our way to the NAI in Rotterdam, we passed through a large open public space with these huge mechanical spotlights. Even during the day, the bright red arms immediately grab your attention and hover over the large plaza defining the space. We learned that at night, the lights create various focus points with a spot light. Since they are operable to the public, they randomly change positions and redefine the social atmosphere. I loved the use of a medium such as light to completely change the social mood as opposed to the placement of a structure which remains static to activity throughout the day.

After Bill Brandt

2007-10-17T13:46:00.000+03:00

Left: Famous Nude, London, Bill Brandt 1952

Right: Mimicking Famous Nude, Amsterdam, Katie Yohman 2007

Left: Nude, London, Bill Brandt 1951

Right: Structure, Almere, Katie Yohman 2007

Left: Policeman in a Dockland Alley, Bermondsey, Bill Brandt 1938

Right: Girl in an OMA Building, Netherlands, Katie Yohman 2007
The Day to Night technique was used for both these images.

While in Amsterdam, I studied Bill Brandt, a renowned photographer in London. Brandt is most famous for his nudes and photos taken during the Blitz. Brandt did many studies of British life as it's natural setting. Many of his photographs were taken using a wide lens which distorts close up objects. Another aspect of Brandt's photography is his use of high contrast which in some cases makes his images look almost two dimensional. What I learned most about this experiment was how to look for opportunities to get a really good image and understanding how a little bit of tweaking can make an image stand out and tell a story.

"Instead of photographing what I saw, I photographed what the camera was seeing. I interfered very little, and the lens produced images and shapes which my eyes had never observed." -Bill Brandt

A Monument in Milan

2007-10-17T13:08:00.000+03:00

Aldo Rossi built this monument in Milan as a perfect cube. It sits in a square, hidden mostly by trees. The trees make it seem like the giant stairs reach high into sky, when actually they stop only about a story above the trees. The structure is very simple; three straight walls and steps create the fourth wall. On the side opposite the steps is a water feature that uses the simple forms of the beam and triangle to convey the importance of this piece. Climbing the steps to the top was very uncomfortable because of the dimensions Rossi chose. Not many people venture to the top and it has become a haven for pigeons. The placement of the monument creates a wall for the square which separates it from the busy street. While visiting the site, many people were enjoying their lunch in the square next to the monument.

Sweet sounds from Pipes in Orvieto

2007-10-17T12:06:00.000+03:00

Europe has the most beautiful looking and sounding organs in the world. The Duomo in Orvieto is no exception housing an absolutely gorgeous organ in the apse. This organ is fairly large containing 5,585 pipes which air flows through to create music. Classical music has been important to worship for hundreds of years and has developed parallel to architecture. When studying architecture, it would make sense that music also follows similar trends during the Baroque and Renaissance periods. The architecture of the organ's casing has many similarities to the Duomo. Orvieto's organ was designed by Ippolito Scalza and Bernardino Benvenuti in the 15th century. The columns and capitals are Corinthian with gilded leafing. Try to image being in this cathedral with the full organ playing and filling the space with rich sound, unifying every voice towards the heavens.

Pagan Idol

2007-10-17T00:04:00.000+03:00

We happened upon yet another religious monument en route to the Netherlands Architecture Institute. No really. This is a sculpture by Dutch artist Has van Bentem. He is a trained ceramicist but is known to work in glass as well. According to Bentem's website (and to my surprise) GUARD is composed of celadon ceramic. The sculpture is 3 meters tall and mounts a rock overlooking a skatepark in Rotterdam. The website further informs that GUARD is meant to be viewed as a fusion between ancient and futuristic ideas of a protective saint warrior.

I can vouch for this first hand. I snapped a photo of the piece and sent it to my younger brother with the e-mail subject "Pagan Idol." Artist's instincts at work! Admittedly, my brother happens to have an almost religious reverence for Japanese action figures so it wasn't much of a stretch. I initially thought it was a transformer but alas I was mistaken. The piece is actually inspired by an anime series and toy series known as Gundam. Get it right.

If you need to make a stop on your pilgrimage you can find it at the skatepark at Westblaak, Rotterdam. It might be easier to make a pilgrimage to Bentem's website at http://www.hansvanbentem.nl/

MAMAC, Nice

2007-10-14T11:03:00.000+03:00

Inside view (from rooftop garden) of the MAMAC

I'm backtracking a little.
So I've been to a lot of museums in my lifetime and when I say a lot, I mean a lot but the MAMAC (Musee d'Art Moderne et d'Art Contemporain) was different than all of the rest; it left me breathless.
Opened in June 1990, the MAMAC houses several permanent collections (including works by: Yves Klein, Christo, Niki de Saint Phalle, Jean Tinguley, Roy Lichtenstein, and Robert Rauschenberg to name a few) as well as works entrusted to the museum for temporary exhibitions. Besides the exceptional layout of the building and phenomenal collections of work, the MAMAC embodies everything that is art.

In my second year at Clemson, I took painting and studied, in depth, the American Abstract Era. The task was to choose an Abstract painter, study his/her work, and then try to recreate a piece of their work; I chose Frank Stella. I formed an immense appreciation for Stella, his work, his ability, his process. So when I went to MAMAC and walked into a room with a ginormous Stella piece, I was literally overcome with joy and awe. Here was my idol, the man who had, indirectly, taught me a love for abstraction and simple forms and given me an appreciation and understanding for the other painters of that time. I stood in awe, smiling like a fool, and to my surprise (and I can't believe I'm admitting this), I felt tears form. The power of his work captivated me and I felt as though I understood everything (just by looking at a painting, sheesh).

'Damascus Gate II' by Frank Stella

As far as it stands in terms of museums, the MAMAC holds my heart.

Ezra Stoller

2007-10-14T01:23:00.001+03:00

Ezra Stoller was recognized as the leading American architectural photographer of the 20th century and helped establish the 1930's modern movement in photography. He was a devoted modernist and his images were crucial in introducing modern architecture to the larger culture. Architects, in turn, were influenced by the photographers, and designed in the hope of inspiring a great image from Mr. Stoller. Stoller was known for capturing the "moment" in his photography by his use of light and shadows and also incorporating non-architectural elements (such as people, cars, etc). In this picture (on the left) of Le Corbusier's Notre Dame du Haut Chapel, Stoller uses light, form, shadow, texture, and shape to create a dynamic picture. Similarly, I tried to capture "a moment in time" with this picture (on the right) while we were in Amsterdam.

A Study of Paul Strand

2007-10-13T21:50:00.001+03:00

A Comparison

Paul Strand, the American photographer, lived from 1890-1976. His works contain high contrast and depth, as well as an element that I would characterize as silence. Most of his photos have the main subject off-centered, but are well-balanced. As a part of my study, I chose three of his works to analyze and emulate: “Wall Street” (1915), “Burying Ground” (1946), and “Lusetti Family” (1953). Above, his works are on the left and my attempt to capture the same kind of scene and elements are on the right. As you can see, the use of light and the placement of objects are extremely important and can make all the difference between a good photograph and excellent photograph.

The Genova Boatshow

2007-10-13T12:35:00.000+03:00

October 6th thru the 14th marked the 47th annual boatshow in Genova, Italy. This show is the largest in Europe and showcases everything from kayaks and fishing gear up to some of the largest yachts in the world. I had a chance to go and see this exhibit and was completely floored (or more appropriately "decked") by the massive variety of boats and the extent that companies would go to showcase them. Some companies would go so far as to build their own building on site for sales, consulating purposes, and as backdrops for their boats. This was mostly with the larger yachts. If you wanted to go on board any of the boats you would go up to the companies registration desk and give them your name, address, and phone number. They would then call someone over who spoke your language and they would give you a personal tour of the boat and show you some of the main features. It was definitely worth seeing. For more information on the show go to: www.salonenautico-online.it or see my favorite boats of the show at www.apreamare.it

Grate Space

2007-10-13T12:30:00.000+03:00

While visiting the Netherlands we happened upon multiple instances of see through floors. One in particular was at the Kunsthalle in Rotterdam. Here they had an exhibit space with steel grate stairs on either end and a steel grate floor spanning over creating additional exhibit space. While I still get the heeby jeebies walking upstairs and seeing three floors down simultaneously, I love how the materiality of the floor completely changes the way the space is perceived. In terms of functionality, the metal grate allows for additional space while maintaining the feeling of one room. I was so enthralled with walking and looking down at classmates at the same time that I couldn't tell you what the upstairs exhibit contained. This might not be good news in terms of display (or I'm just easily amused). Nonetheless, I love how a simple material installation defines a space and makes something as ordinary and mundane as walking exciting!

Gabriel Basilico: A Study of Cities and Industrial Landscapes

2007-10-12T13:38:00.001+03:00

Photograph by Gabriel Basilico

My interpretation of Basilico's work
Gabriel Basilico is one of Europe's best known documentary photographers. Focusing on cities and industrial landscapes, this architect turned photographer captured iconic pieces of architecture through the eye of his lens. From studying and photographing a war-torn Beirut in 1991 to elegant photographs Provence- Alpes- Cote d'Azur regions, Gabriel Basilico creates photographs that capture the personality of a moment in black and white. His most recent work has been dedicated to a series on urban transformation. In my photograph I tried to capture the strong horizontal and vertical lines of the building photographed.

Open Air School

2007-10-11T18:49:00.001+03:00

Our Modern Italian Architecture lecture class requires the graduate students to complete a 10 page study comparing 2 buildings, one from northern europe, and one from the south (Italy). So I took our trip to Amsterdam to do some research my northern building, the Open Air School by Jan Duiker. The school is located in H.P. Berlage's plan for the expansion of the city, south of the historic center. The concept was to create a school that could take full advantage of natural light, accomplished by an open plan encased in glass. Each classroom is surrounded on 3 sides by views of neighboring apartments and the playground. The rotated structure creates a dynamic space and allows for a small cantilever to place window shades. The first renovation was done in 1955, and a second is scheduled for 2008, depending on how the budget works out for the next school year.

Juilius Shulman or Not

2007-10-11T18:44:00.001+03:00

Julius Shulman Chuey Residence

Amsterdam library study carrel

Before our trip to Amsterdam, we studied, on an individual basis, a famous photographer and his/her works. The goal was that while in Amsterdam, each of us would try to take pictures that mimicked our photographer’s pictures. I picked Julius Shulman, who is considered the photographer who created the modern view of architectural photography. His photographs are known for high contrast and interesting composition. Amsterdam was cloudy while we were there but luckily enough we stopped at the library in Amsterdam where I took this picture.

Ethiopian Cuisine

2007-10-11T00:15:00.000+03:00

While in Amsterdam our studio was studying the amazing architecture of the city during the day, and exploring the cultural intrigues of the city at night. One of our evenings out, a small group of students, with Ron and Virginia, decided that we would try something new. Ethiopian cuisine struck our fancy and we decided to explore new flavors and experiences.

The meal began with the decision of drinks. New experiences and flavors were what we were after so Tracey and I decided to take a chance on some Ethiopian beer. I ordered the Quinua Beer (a wheat type flavor), and the Palmnut Beer. Tracey decided to go a little sweeter with her choice and chose the Banana Beer. The other choice that was not attempted was the Coconut Beer (another sweet beer). The winner of the beers ended up being the Palmnut Beer. The neat thing about how they serve the beer is that they give you a wooden bowl and a round woven coaster to drink the beer out of. It doesn't hurt or help the flavor, but it is quite amusing to drink out of…. I suggest it for anyone who likes beer and trying new things.

The meal arrived, covered by a woven top, in the shape of a sombrero. The food was served in two large platters. It was communal style in that everyone ate from the same dish. We ordered many vegetables and meat dishes which were mixed into small portions on the platter. The bread, which was served with the meal, was flat and yeast-less with a sort of spongy texture. In order to eat this meal you take the bread and tear it into small pieces and scoop the food with your bread. It is a great finger-food type of meal, no utensils and a lot of fun!

To finish off the meal there was a great Ethiopian coffee that was served. It was served but needed to sit for 3 minutes before it was able to be enjoyed. The coffee had a bowl of incense which was placed next to the pot, bringing the smoke everywhere. As the coffee was ready, we poured and enjoyed…watch out at the end there are some grounds on the bottom of the pot.

Ethiopian food is amazing, and a great experience…just remember to wash your hands before you eat, and open up your mind to great new flavors and experiences!

On Cathedral Atmosphere

2007-10-10T18:51:00.000+03:00

The cathedrals boasting the highest vaults and the richest embellishments tend to attract swarms of people. The Duomo di Milano possessed the rare quality of being able to accommodate a touristic experience while still preserving legitimate worship. It had all the splendor and scale one could want from a gothic cathedral. As cathedrals go, it is dwarfed only by Saint Peter's in Rome. Yet there were plenty of patrons in the space and the attitude was far more respectful and reverent than what is usually encountered in a religious monument.

We were permitted to wander the massive church, snapping flashless photographs of the splendid interior. Some areas of the church, such as the confessional were roped off and sported signs cautioning "No Tourists." Other notes requested silence. I don't know if it was the stern Bold Arial font on the signs, a particularly polite crowd of guests, or just the charm of the Cathedral itself, but everyone found themselves quiet in the massive space. The Milanese patron their monumental Cathedral and seemed to achieve religious intimacy. Such a contrast to St. Peter's which was milling with people and ringing with language.

I caught this moment of visitors around the votive offering candles in the church. I've commented before on my appreciation for the fake push button votive displays but there really is something evocative about the real flames. Patrons must agree as the Cathedral literally burns through stacks of the candles. We later saw sacks full of candle remnants being loaded into a truck for some appropriate destination.

One last note. We scaled up to the roof of the Cathedral and that was really something to see! Perhaps one of my peers will mention it?

Student Life in Milano

2007-10-09T23:32:00.000+03:00

Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
Milano, Italia

While in Milano, I was very fortunate to visit this private university’s campus. There are 4 other campuses that are branches of this main university in Brescia, Piacenza-Cremona, Roma and Campobasso. This campus contains a mix of buildings, partially because there was extensive damage from bombings. The school was later divided into 8 academic schools: Economics, Law, Languages and Literature, Educational Science, Banking, Finance and Insurance Sciences, Political Science and Psychology.

The University was founded by Father Agostino Gemelli in 1921. Plans to create the university structure began in 1921 and were approved by Pope Benedetto XV. The project foresaw a great square area divided into four cloisters, but only two of these were ever built. The northern Ionic cloister, nearest to the Basilica, was constructed under the direction of Cristoforo Solari and finished in1513. Work on the Doric cloister was carried out between 1620 - 1630 implementing a bramantesque style design. The cloister was later designated as the seat of the Catholic University, so Father Gemelli entrusted restoration work to Muzio. Muzio worked on the project over a twenty year period coping with the damage caused by bombing. Muzio both restored the existing complex and added on new buildings and service areas. He made a clear distinction between pre-existing areas and new additions by using modern materials. Muzio was responsible for building the main entrance onto Largo Gemelli. Over the granite portal is a recess housing a statue of Christ the King sculpted by Giannino Castiglioni, and a bell.

No Sign of Design

2007-10-09T01:20:00.000+03:00

When visiting the Kunsthalle in Rotterdam, we were fortunate to intersect an exhibition by Dutch designer Richard Hutton.

The exhibition of Hutton's work illustrated his range of simple and playful qualities. Hutton tackles furniture, product and interior design amoung other things. He is known in the design world for his "No sign of Design" and "Table upon table" concepts. "Table upon table" is exactly that. Hutton arranges structures out of stacked table forms and the result is familiar and fresh all at once. "No sign of Design" seems geared toward functionality combined with somewhat cumbersome primary forms. Chairs take on fun blocky silhouettes.

One aspect of the exhibit that I really liked was that each of his pieces were accompanied by quotes from people who used the products. When commenting on an entertainment center that Hutton designed, one client expressed a fondness for how functional Hutton's products were and how they didn't necessarily beg for attention. One look at his natural wood entertainment center left me unimpressed until I realized the whole structure was composed of many tables and shelves sort of stacked on top of each other. Now I want one.

Other pieces aren't so passive and practically scream to be fondled or sat on. A good example would be his iconic "Dombo" a plastic mug featuring two absurd ring handles that read like ears. The Dombo mug has dogs and toddlers among its fans. Said mugs can be seen transformed into a white chandelier in the exhibition. Another playful item (seen in red in the second image) is the ZZZIDT. It is marketed as a seat, table and cup holder and features the same ring handle as the Dombo. The ZZZIDT is not ergonomic or collapsible but it does enliven a space with its toy-like presence.

The exhibition as a whole was masterfully executed. The displays were clever and there were plenty of opportunities to interact with Hutton's pieces, which I think is essential to really appreciating Hutton's work. Good show!

Pigeons

2007-10-09T00:38:00.000+03:00

Have you ever wanted to get REALLY close to a lot of pigeons? In the Piazza San Marco in Venice you can buy a bag of pigeon feed, pour some in your hand, and the pigeons will immediately flock to you. If you do not put the feed on the ground they will fly up and perch themselves on any part of your body that they can hang on to and wait for you to feed them. Though this is a lot of fun for kids and adults, the massive number of pigeons in such a confined area poses a problem for the surrounding architecture. The birds build nests in chimneys, attics, and any other kind of cool, dark hiding spot. This can be a major headache for homeowners. The excrement they leave behind can also be a problem. Its acidic nature reacts with the calcium in Carrara and Travertine marbles, used in much of the sculptures and carvings, slowly dissolving the stone. Be sure to bring some wet wipes.

Venice: Scuola Grande di San Rocco

2007-10-09T00:01:00.000+03:00

The Grande School of Saint Roch.

Built between 1517 and 1549, this Renaissance building was the meeting place for the devotees of Saint Roch. This brotherhood worked throughout the city providing monetary assistance, food, and even housing to needy families. Though the exterior of the building is nice, it is the interior that is truly inspiring. Paintings by the Venetian master, Tintoretto, cover nearly every surface of the walls depicting various scenes from the bible and the life of Saint Roch. According to historians, Tintoretto painted nearly all the paintings in the building and only asked that the school pay for his supplies and basic necessities in return. Also impressive are the various sculptures in wood around the perimeter of the upper hall that have survived for over 400 years. For a lot more information and pictures of the paintings check out the school's website: http://www.scuolagrandesanrocco.it/

One World

2007-10-07T13:47:00.000+03:00

Hans Eijkelboom exhibit in Foam Museum

Close up of Eijkelboom's Photography

In Amsterdam I visited the Foam Photography Museum. They host different exhibitions for different amounts of time. For example, this exhibit is shown from the 31st of August to the 21st of October. Personally, I think this should be a permanent exhibit. The photographer, Hans Eijkelboom, spent 15 years collaborating this exhibit! He chose three cities to focus on while taking his 'photo notes': Paris, New York, and Shanghai. Eijkelboom carefully chose to do these cities because each one has been at one time cities of innovation (Paris: 19th century, New York: 20th century, Shanghai: 21st century). He would take between one and eighty photos five times a week! He would wander among the streets of these cities and whenever he saw a reoccuring theme he would photograph these themes. For example, in the picture above the theme is fashion trends in Paris, New York, and Shanghai (from top to bottom). There were also pictures of taxi's, homeless people, women carrying Louis Vuitton bags, men in striped polos, and many more. As a viewer, I was able to realize that inspite of different cultures and locations, each city was amazingly similiar! We are all part of one world, the world which forms who we are as individuals.

Cruel Bonsai!

2007-10-07T00:29:00.000+03:00

Cruel Bonsai Exhibit at the Stedelijk Museum

While in Amsterdam, I visited the Stedelijk Museum for contemporary art. I was really intrigued by several pieces titled "Cruel Bonsai". Not only are these pieces fun to look at, but the process is quite incredible. The pieces are primarily inspired by nature in all its capricious irregularities. The medium for the art work can vary from unidentifiable materials to malleable materials with a smooth glazed finish. These sculptures are really fascinating because of the process that is done to achieve this "controlled chaos". First, these sculptures require two artists. The product is that of revolving interaction between the two artists, hence the name "controlled chaos". Neither artists is aware of what the other artist intends to do. Nature is always interacting with numerous elements without planned actions. The artists, Heringa and Van Kalsbeek, capture the true essence of nature in their pieces. I was fascinated at how the art was achieved and how beautiful it turned out. I recommend any one to expose themselves to the mesmerizing power of the Cruel Bonsai!

Hot or Cold?

2007-10-07T00:20:00.001+03:00

Courtyard of the La Defense Offices in Almere

the exterior versus the interior/Courtyard

UNStudio really had a great idea with the La Defense Offices in Almere. The whole building in situated among a larger urban area that is partly surrounded by housing. The outside of the office buildings are clad with traditional silvered colored materials to fit into the context of the surrounding grey bricked structures. However, the interior is clad with a foil underneath glass that, depending on the incident and angle of light, is illuminated in different colors. This clad animates the interior of the courtyard. This has been compared to an inner fire. The viewer walks from a very cold exterior and is welcomed into the warmth of the courtyard, it draws the viewer inside. The foil was designed by 3M originally to be used on perfume bottles, but never was. They agreed only to produce the foil if it were ordered in large quantities. I would think that this type of aesthetic could change the whole "work" environment for the inhabitants of the office buildings--it's amazing!!

Where to Gogh?

2007-10-06T23:01:00.001+03:00

The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, where Vincent spent some of his time as an artist, contains the largest collection of his works and his contemporaries (Monet, Gauguin, Manet, etc). The collection contains sketches, paintings, and other works of art throughout his life. The exhibition allows visitors to follow his career from his early days to the final ones, witnessing various trends, phases, and his development as an artist. In addition to the Van Gogh works, the museum has temporary exhibits that highlight various subjects from 19th-century art. The current temporary exhibit is "Barcelona 1900" and will run until January 20, 2008.

For more information on the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam click here.

Woooh, its Sean Connery in Amsterdam!

2007-10-06T18:29:00.000+03:00

Madame Tussauds Museum
Amsterdam, Nederland

I was surprised to see the face of Sean Connery and Johnny Depp along my adventures amongst Amsterdam so much so that I had to post a blog about it. If you love Star magazine or celebrities, then you’ll be fanatically enthused about meeting your favorite celebrities here at Madame Tussauds, that is if you’re not fooled by the artificial wax figures. Care to see more?
> http://www.madametussauds.nl/english/index.html

Almere

2007-10-06T15:19:00.000+03:00

outskirts of Almere

view from the residential all the way to the parking garage

On our visit to Amsterdam we went to Almere, something one of our landscape students aptly named a baby city. Almere is almost finished being built according to a master plan done by OMA, with just a few buildings not yet complete. The master plan calls for verticality, something done through much of the Netherlands, because of the lack of land. The city has a parking garage on the bottom level, then stores and then finally housing on top, with visual connections between all three levels. In the center of the development this works well, however in some places there is not enough pedestrian traffic to warrant such a use of space. Toward the outskirts of Almere, it is mostly deserted. The retail spaces sit empty, much like the sidewalks.

'Green' with Envy of Design

2007-10-06T13:38:00.000+03:00

Green Roofing in Almere, The Netherlands.

Green roofing systems is an important design aspect in urban centers. Without green roofing in place, human health, and environmental problems can result. The benefits include: lowering energy costs, reduction of storm-water runoff, and reducing the urban temperature by eliminating the “urban heat island effect.” The urban heat island effect raises the temperature in a city center due to the amount of heat reflective surfaces, which can spur or accelerate the creation of smog, and increase energy demand. A small patch of green in the concrete jungle of the world’s cities can go a long way in preserving a place’s quality of life and be pleasing to the eye, as well.

For more information on this building technology, check out GreenPledge.Org

A Ship or a Building?

2007-10-05T23:45:00.000+03:00

NEMO (National Center for Science & Technology)
Amsterdam, Nederland

Perfectly integrated into the harbor among Amsterdam is the NEMO museum, designed by Renzo Piano. Surrounded by the sea, the building has the shape of a ship’s bow lying on the entrance of a road tunnel. The copper paneled façade resembles the green shade of the water. Nemo is the largest science center in the Netherlands. Much of the interior (four floors) is dedicated to children and teens who benefit from learning the basics of technology, science, and energy. The ground level contains a ticket office, café, and office spaces. The roof of the center acts as a public piazza with its gentle slope and has a great open panoramic view of the historical Amsterdam. If you would care to know more or are wanting to visit go here > http://www.e-nemo.nl/

Green Architecture!

2007-10-05T20:39:00.000+03:00

Finally some architecture I can get really excited about!

Don't get me wrong. I have learned a ton and all of the architecture we've gotten to see and experience has been truly remarkable. But this building, well it's a Landscape Architect's dream!
The Mercator Sportplaza, a landscaped pool-complex in Amsterdam, was designed by Tom Venhoeven of Venhoeven CS in 2006. The inside of the complex includes: several in- and outdoor swimming pools, sauna, fitness, sun studio, restaurant and bar but the real gem lies on the exterior. The outside façade of the building is covered by a green carpet of vegetation and allows the growth of 50 different types of plants which change with the seasons. An automatic feeding and irrigation system was incorporated into the design and regulates conditions to the greenscape and green roof. Go green!