Who knew? I was reading the Guardian UK, when I spotted a gallery of images of finalists from the World Architecture Foundation. As you may know, I am on the board of the Baltimore Architecture Foundation, and while my tastes lean more toward the classic side, these buildings are each interesting in their own way. Take a look:
United Arab Emirates – Al Bahar Towers by Aedas
Netherlands – Kaap Skil Maritime and Beachcombers Museum by Mecanoo (How cool is it that there’s a Beachcombers Museum!!!)
Chesapeake Energy Building 12 by Michelle Jameson (Somewhere in Oklahoma, not on the Chesapeake Bay)
Brazil – Fazenda Boa Vista clubhouse by Isay Weinfeld (Not even going to pretend I get this one!)
Singapore – Diamond House by Alan Tay
Australia – Benson Radiology by Tridente Architects
And of course, the obligatory Zaha Hadid building, since it’s pretty much mandatory for her to be nominated for every architecture award these days.
Azerbaijan – Heydar Aliyev Centre by Zaha Hadid Architects
I think the Beachcombers Museum is my favourite. What’s yours?
I think I have to go with Zaha--I love the flow of energy. The Al Bahar Towers is also gorgeous and unique--I wonder if the outside shell was cast in place or pre-fab on sections?
ReplyDeleteI also love the new header photo.
How did Connor do last night?
Mary
They're all interesting in their own way...
DeleteConnor did okay. We were on the sofa, him between me and the back of it, most of the time. I think he likes that bundled/swaddled feeling!
m
the cultural center named after a former KGB guy is flowing to me like the traditional Arabic men's head dress and robes. there are videos on you tube including video of firemen responding to a fire! the video shows how the futuristic design is light years past conventional rescue capabilities. one video is a CAD tour of exterior and interior amazing truly amazing.Once again Meg, you present us with an Onion of a post and we peel back the layers to reveal should we so desire. OBTW The new yorker has a magazine cover featuring Bert and Ernie.
ReplyDeleteI am with you on The Beachcombers I love the waves of the structure.The lighting is also amazing!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Karena
2013 Design Series!
I'd be so curious to visit that, just to see what they have there.
DeleteFor once I actually like something by Zaha Hadid. I think my favorite is the Diamond House in Singapore. The rest look like prisons (like so much modern architecture). Well, okay, maybe not the first one. Though it does, on a smaller scale, remind me of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. Wretched excess.
ReplyDeleteLast night was crazy. All these idiots setting off firecrackers everywhere, not to mention shooting guns, with tons of sirens, of course, immediately following. I couldn't get to sleep. If I allowed myself to think of the tremendous irony of people "celebrating" Independence Day when most of them are, in fact, enslaved, it would be too depressing.
Suffice to say that actual fireworks by people who actually know what they're doing -- ya know, like professionals -- are always beautiful.
interesting to read thank you I really liked your article I love your beautiful blog and so enjoy your posts.good job
ReplyDeleteMeg I hope your readers use an internet search to find out more details regarding the buildings featured the stories behind the designs
ReplyDeleteZaha Hadid would be my choice. It looks like you could jump on and take a magic carpet ride!
ReplyDeleteAs I'm a Long Islander, naturally I love the Beachcomber... but I am also fascinated by the Heydar Aliyev Centre! I imagine trying to drive up on the roof. At some point, of course, gravity would curtail the trip, but still.
ReplyDeleteWow! These buildings are amazing! The Heydar Aliyev Centre was my favorite.
ReplyDeleteI like the Zaha design as well. Very cool free form design. Thanks for posting these Meg! I'm back to posting after a 2 year break. I'm looking forward to catching up with everyone again!
ReplyDeleteThe Chesapeake Energy Building 12 is on the huge campus of Chesapeake Energy in Oklahoma City. "Somewhere in Oklahoma" leaves a lot of land to cover, a lot of beautiful historical architecture to peruse, and a plains state with a diverse cultural heart to identify.
ReplyDeleteAnnie... somewhere in OK, as opposed to on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay! Generally, around here when we see/hear Chesapeake, we think it's close by!
DeleteI like the Zaha design as well. Extremely cool free form design. Thanks for posting these Meg! I'm back to posting after a 2 year break. I'm appearing forward to infectious up with everyone again!
ReplyDeleteIf You need the Architects in Gurgaon Then you Meet Design4m