blog post 2

below are a few examples of architectural forms borrowed from the environment in the form of stacks, circles and colonnades.  the striking similarities between these forms and natural elements such as mountains, planets and forests naturally leads one to consider the ways in which our environment impacts our rituals and consequently, the buildings that facilitate those rituals.   

looking at the facade of this library, the stacked windows  remind me of geological layers  visible on the sides of mountains.  collections, volumes, stacks of books and the layering of pages come to mind when i think about a library.  is it safe to say that this architectural form was inspired by geological forms, which perhaps INformed our ritual of reading and collecting books?

here we have the ceiling of a large circular entryway to a public building, which houses a canteen.  within the circle, people pause, look around, meet and greet friends and colleagues.  this is truly a place to gather.  again, referencing the natural environment, i can't help but think about watering holes, where animals and people alike, will gather to appreciate an essential life source.  in the case of this building, the ritual is eating-- an essential and often communal act, which only seems natural near a circle.  so, could it be that an environmental element such as a watering hole has affected our eating rituals and therefore, our eating halls as well?  

  

this is a sketch of a colonnade, which is often bustling with students moving from one class to another.  the vertical columns and their shadows give a rhythm to the space that encourages me to walk.  the shade and partial views also give me a sense of security as i move through the space, which reminds me of a wooded path where i'm protected by trees.  perhaps what's been created here, is an interpretation of our early preferred paths of travel-- under the cover of trees where one can easily hide from predators.  it's true, i feel safe, purposeful and eager to move within a colonnade.  surely this instinct is no coincidence.