Appreciate Beijing's modern architecture
When I moved to Beijing in 2006, one of my best expatriate friends, an Irish attorney who came here in the late 1990s, informed me that once upon a time, the city had just one tall tower, the Capital Mansion north of Sanlitun. Now there are over 300 skyscrapers in the Central Business District alone. Beijing, it is often said, currently resembles a circus tent, with highrises ringing the dwindling number of low-slung courtyard houses in its inner core.
Many of my expatriate friends deeply loathe Beijing's modern makeover. For example, my Irish friend, who moved to Madrid a year ago, once called the capital the ugliest big city in the world, adding that it had just two attractive buildings, the Forbidden City and The Temple of Heaven.
Lots of Beijing's new buildings are indeed at best undistinguished and at worst downright awful. The former includes the new CNPC head office in Dongzhimen. Its beautiful white marble exterior is more than offset by a chunky design that makes it resemble several two-drawer filing cabinets joined together. And the glass and steel building, with three humps near the Xizhimen subway station, is easily the biggest eyesore in the capital.
In addition to the ugly and undistinguished, many of Beijing's modern buildings are just plain weird. The recent construction boom has drawn most of the world's avant-garde superstar architects to the capital and they have been given free rein in designing highly unconventional structures.
For example, the new Bank of China headquarters in Chaoyangmen sports a concrete bunker-like appearance. The renowned Chinese-American architect, I. M. Pei, who designed the pyramid-like Henan Provincial Museum, has strongly criticized this building, even though its architects were his two sons', Chien Chung Pei and Li Chung Pei.
Other highrises seem to have been designed mainly with outer space in mind - the downward slanting tops of the Twins Towers on Jianguo Avenue remind me of a pair of flying saucers. And numerous Beijing office towers, including the Full Link Plaza down the street from the Bank of China headquarters, are topped with a spiral-shaped antenna resembling a ray gun from some bad science fiction movie. Is the city trying to defend against a Martian attack?
In fact, Beijingers have called perhaps the capital's most iconic modern building, the National Performing Arts Center, the "Alien's Egg", as it bears more than a passing resemblance to a UFO.
Another good description of the center comes from one of my old students at the language school where I taught English for two years. This young female software engineer wrote that the center's roof makes it look a half-submerged ball floating in water.
But unlike many expatriates, I think that more than a few of these quirky new buildings are really cool. One of my favorites is the new tri-towered Raffles Center in Dongzhimen.
This highrise is especially beautiful in the evening after its exterior panels are lit up in blue and red. I also like the Parkview Green Mansion, which resembles a huge green-colored hot house and is nearing completion on the Dongdaqiao Road.
And I'm one of the few people in Beijing, expat or Chinese, who likes the new CCTV tower. My Chinese friends all call it "big underpants", but I find its unique double Z shape, along with the large and dramatic cantilevered overhang and diamond-like facade, to be really stunning.
Finally, more and more of Beijing's newest modern buildings have been designed and built in an eco-friendly manner. The best example is the attractive Prosper Center highrise on Guanghua Road. Last fall, I attended a cleantech forum on building design and construction and was told that the center is the greenest building not just in Beijing, but in all of China.
Several columns back, I wrote about my love of strolling about hutong during the day. However, at night I much prefer the view from the floor to ceiling window in the sitting room of my seventh-story flat in a new Sanlitun highrise apartment community over that of sitting room in a courtyard house, even a really nice courtyard house. The window looks directly at the almost-completed Sanlitun Soho towers and that view beats staring into a dark courtyard or narrow hutong.
Indeed, once the Sanlitun Soho highrises are finished and lit up at night, this view will be very much like looking at my two favorite Georgia O'Keefe paintings New York Night and Radiator Building at Night. O'Keefe did these paintings in the 1920s, when New York was being remade architecturally, much like Beijing is being remade today.
I have come to appreciate both the traditional, historical and modern facets of the capital and hope that a balance can be struck between them.
from - http://www.asianewsnet.net/home/news.php?id=11585&sec=3
modern building asia
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Constitution Building in Asia: the tipping point for democratization
Constitution Building in Asia: the tipping point for democratization
Two important constitution-building processes currently underway in Asia are reaching a tipping point. Last week, the Nepali people elected members of a Constituent Assembly; while in May the Burmese people will vote on a draft Constitution.
Constitution building is often a key component of democratic transitions. The way a constitution is drafted, discussed, adopted and implemented can to a large extent determine the success or failure of democratization efforts. A process which includes preliminary agreements, a high degree of public participation, and commitment by all main political actors throughout the drafting and the implementation phase, carries better chance of success. Moreover, these processes can be highly political, especially in transitional environments. A constitution-building process mired in political stalemate, that lacks public buy-in, and that takes place against a backdrop of insecurity can lead to further political turmoil.
Significant apprehension mounted ahead of the Constituent Assembly elections that took place in Nepal on 10 April, particularly since uneven progress had been made in bridging the political divides that have marred previous attempts to hold the elections and move the peace process forward. The failure to make effective progress on the disarmament process and deal with key aspects of security sector reform had also raised anxiety that both parties remain ready for combat if the election results are not to their liking.
Conversely, three days after the elections, it appears as if the first hurdle has been surmounted; despite certain challenges during the polling hours and the fact that certain disputes still need to be resolved, it appears that the Nepalese people can shift their gaze toward the actual functioning of the Constituent Assembly. A positive acceptance of the results of the elections by all parties will further cement the democratization process and move towards upholding the fundamental rights of all Nepalese. Further challenges will have to be confronted by all political actors within the political process. The next two months will be decisive in determining just how inclusive and ultimately successful the process will be. Key indicators will be the degree of post-election political collaboration, particularly with regard to Madhesi armed groups that have thus far opted to remain outside the peace process. Other challenges will include dealing with the legacy of the past.
Despite its ups and downs and the complexity of the issues at stake, there are lessons to be learned from developments in the Nepal process. The fact that political leaders have remained committed to a process which was prompted by popular demand and that aims to create the basis for a fully inclusive society is a positive signal – one that could serve as an example to the military leaders of Burma.
After almost half a century of military rule and 20 years after the suspension of the 1974 Constitution, the Burmese people were recently informed that they would be called on to vote on a new draft Constitution. A referendum has been scheduled for May. While news of the referendum has been met with anticipation by both national and international actors, the failure of the military junta to commit to a participatory drafting process once again lowers the ante for prospects of democratization. As this newsletter goes online the text of the draft Constitution has yet to be made freely available to the wider public.
Based on lessons learnt from several constitution-building processes, International IDEA maintains that while national contexts differ, constitutions enjoy greater legitimacy when the drafting process has been nationally owned and has been broadly inclusive and participatory. Key to such a process is the broad dissemination of the draft Constitution and allowing the necessary time for deliberation by the widest possible range of national actors on the key elements of the text. (Contemplate for a moment that the constitutional process in post-apartheid South Africa took six years of extensive consultations.) The holding of a referendum entails further requirements if due democratic process is to be respected. The process in Burma clearly falls short of widely accepted international practice in these respects.
Efforts by the United Nations Special Envoy and others to ring this truth home appear to be ignored. It remains the responsibility of the Government of Myanmar to prove the contrary
from - http://www.idea.int/news/editorial_apr08.cfm
Two important constitution-building processes currently underway in Asia are reaching a tipping point. Last week, the Nepali people elected members of a Constituent Assembly; while in May the Burmese people will vote on a draft Constitution.
Constitution building is often a key component of democratic transitions. The way a constitution is drafted, discussed, adopted and implemented can to a large extent determine the success or failure of democratization efforts. A process which includes preliminary agreements, a high degree of public participation, and commitment by all main political actors throughout the drafting and the implementation phase, carries better chance of success. Moreover, these processes can be highly political, especially in transitional environments. A constitution-building process mired in political stalemate, that lacks public buy-in, and that takes place against a backdrop of insecurity can lead to further political turmoil.
Significant apprehension mounted ahead of the Constituent Assembly elections that took place in Nepal on 10 April, particularly since uneven progress had been made in bridging the political divides that have marred previous attempts to hold the elections and move the peace process forward. The failure to make effective progress on the disarmament process and deal with key aspects of security sector reform had also raised anxiety that both parties remain ready for combat if the election results are not to their liking.
Conversely, three days after the elections, it appears as if the first hurdle has been surmounted; despite certain challenges during the polling hours and the fact that certain disputes still need to be resolved, it appears that the Nepalese people can shift their gaze toward the actual functioning of the Constituent Assembly. A positive acceptance of the results of the elections by all parties will further cement the democratization process and move towards upholding the fundamental rights of all Nepalese. Further challenges will have to be confronted by all political actors within the political process. The next two months will be decisive in determining just how inclusive and ultimately successful the process will be. Key indicators will be the degree of post-election political collaboration, particularly with regard to Madhesi armed groups that have thus far opted to remain outside the peace process. Other challenges will include dealing with the legacy of the past.
Despite its ups and downs and the complexity of the issues at stake, there are lessons to be learned from developments in the Nepal process. The fact that political leaders have remained committed to a process which was prompted by popular demand and that aims to create the basis for a fully inclusive society is a positive signal – one that could serve as an example to the military leaders of Burma.
After almost half a century of military rule and 20 years after the suspension of the 1974 Constitution, the Burmese people were recently informed that they would be called on to vote on a new draft Constitution. A referendum has been scheduled for May. While news of the referendum has been met with anticipation by both national and international actors, the failure of the military junta to commit to a participatory drafting process once again lowers the ante for prospects of democratization. As this newsletter goes online the text of the draft Constitution has yet to be made freely available to the wider public.
Based on lessons learnt from several constitution-building processes, International IDEA maintains that while national contexts differ, constitutions enjoy greater legitimacy when the drafting process has been nationally owned and has been broadly inclusive and participatory. Key to such a process is the broad dissemination of the draft Constitution and allowing the necessary time for deliberation by the widest possible range of national actors on the key elements of the text. (Contemplate for a moment that the constitutional process in post-apartheid South Africa took six years of extensive consultations.) The holding of a referendum entails further requirements if due democratic process is to be respected. The process in Burma clearly falls short of widely accepted international practice in these respects.
Efforts by the United Nations Special Envoy and others to ring this truth home appear to be ignored. It remains the responsibility of the Government of Myanmar to prove the contrary
from - http://www.idea.int/news/editorial_apr08.cfm
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Modern Zen Style House by Naf Architect & Design
Modern Zen Style House by Naf Architect & Design
Naf Architect & Design, a Japanese architecture firm designed a Zen style house. It is a modern two-storey home with separate structures which are still united.
Both the volumes of this home are designed using the same materials with lot of wood and glass, which creates a sense of connection. The front
Naf Architect & Design, a Japanese architecture firm designed a Zen style house. It is a modern two-storey home with separate structures which are still united.
Both the volumes of this home are designed using the same materials with lot of wood and glass, which creates a sense of connection. The front
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Sustainable Architecture Building Morphogenesis by Indian Architects Morphogenesis
Sustainable Architecture Building Morphogenesis by Indian Architects Morphogenesis
Posted on September 15, 2009 by Greatfu
The building uses traditional Rajasthani motifs including a jaalipierced stone screen an open courtyard. The Pearl Academy of Fashion, Jaipur is a campus which by virtue of its design is geared towards
creating an environmentally responsive passive habitat. The radical architecture of the institute emerges from a fusion of the rich traditional building knowledge bank and cutting edge contemporary architecture.The institute is located in a typical hot, dry, desert type climate on the outskirts of Jaipur in the soulless Kukas industrial area, about 20 kilometers from the famous walled city
from - http://www.greatfu.com/architecture-design/modern+building+architecture+analysis.html/page/2/
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Early Modern State (Building) in Asia and Europe
Organized by the Junior Research Group “Cultural Contact as a Factor of State Building” (headed by Dr Antje Flüchter) at the Cluster of Excellence, “Asia and Europe in a Global Context,” University of Heidelberg
in cooperation with Junior Research Group “The Fascination of Efficiency: Migrating Ideas and Emerging Bureaucracies in Europe and Asia since the Early Modern Era” (headed by Dr Susan Richter)
Statehood and governance, their transformation and diversification, are yet again highly discussed topics in German historical research. For a long time, early modern state building was considered a genuinely European characteristic of this era. Whereas the concept of state building from above has often been criticized and thus the general conception of Early Modern statehood has changed thoroughly in recent years, the main focus of this discussion throughout has been mostly limited to Europe. However, stately structures and governance did not exist solely in Europe. In the Early Modern era and especially before the mid-18th century, Europeans were confronted with highly developed and efficient stately state systems in Asia. In India, the Mughal Empire was established in the 16th century, South Indian kingdoms possessed elaborate governmental structures; the Safawid dynasty ruled in Persia; and while the Ottoman Empire may to some extent have become less threatening after the battle of Lepanto, it was still an important actor in the Mediterranean world; not to mention China or Japan, who resisted intensified cultural contact for a long time. But they, too, served as a role model in several European state theories.
Moreover, the early modern period was a time of intensified contact between Europe and Asia. Cultural contact is always accompanied by cultural flows (Appadurai). This suggests that transcultural encounters were essential, or at least important, for the transformation and diversification of governmental structures and practices both in Europe and Asia. Statehood and governance were clearly high on the agenda in both world regions as problems of improving not only the efficiency of administrative structures, but also the legal and fiscal penetration of the ruled territory became increasingly important. And processes of transfer take place in areas where the need for action or even structural shortcomings is perceived.
Nevertheless, state structures in non-European regions are only rarely integrated into European model-building and concepts of statehood. Furthermore, this selective perception is also widespread among area studies which often argue against the master narrative of the Modern European state without noticing that many different models and explanations were developed concerning early modern European history. The division of labour and expertise between history and area studies certainly has to be renegotiated, as recent discussions about global history have clearly shown. However, it seems even more important right now to exchange methods and concepts concerning comparative and entangled history. Therefore, this workshop will discuss concepts and methodology for comparative and entangled history using the example of Asian and European statehood. It will encompass three focal points.
1. The main focus will address the methods and theories necessary to create a transcultural perspective. Various concepts have emerged not only from different disciplines, but also from different regional and historiographical traditions in both Asia and Europe (connected history, entanglement, transfer, comparison, histoire croisée, and global history). How can these varying concepts be applied successfully and can they be combined to help us reach a deeper understanding of transcultural interaction, perception and transfer?
2. Distinct explanations and descriptions of the phenomenon “statehood” have also developed in each regional discipline, explanations which often do not take each other into account even when they all concern the early modern era. This workshop will therefore question if and how, for example, a new cultural history of the political history (Stollberg-Rilinger) is compatible and stimulative for the ritual sovereignty of the segmentary South Asian state (B. Stein), or if the concepts of state building ‘from below’ (Holenstein) can bring new understanding for the “little kingdoms” (Dirks).
3. However, the workshop shall not tackle solely theoretical and conceptual questions. It is important that they be combined with concrete research. Thus they should be tested using examples of state structures in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. With which problems were they confronted and how did they react? Which elements were essential to the stabilization, expansion or changing of ruler ship? How did contemporaries themselves reflect on their system, its functioning and its legitimacy
from - http://www.asia-europe.uni-heidelberg.de/en/research/a-governance-administration/a9/past-events/early-modern-state-building-in-asia-and-europe-comparison-transfer-and-entanglement-heidelberg-october-26-28-2009.html
in cooperation with Junior Research Group “The Fascination of Efficiency: Migrating Ideas and Emerging Bureaucracies in Europe and Asia since the Early Modern Era” (headed by Dr Susan Richter)
Statehood and governance, their transformation and diversification, are yet again highly discussed topics in German historical research. For a long time, early modern state building was considered a genuinely European characteristic of this era. Whereas the concept of state building from above has often been criticized and thus the general conception of Early Modern statehood has changed thoroughly in recent years, the main focus of this discussion throughout has been mostly limited to Europe. However, stately structures and governance did not exist solely in Europe. In the Early Modern era and especially before the mid-18th century, Europeans were confronted with highly developed and efficient stately state systems in Asia. In India, the Mughal Empire was established in the 16th century, South Indian kingdoms possessed elaborate governmental structures; the Safawid dynasty ruled in Persia; and while the Ottoman Empire may to some extent have become less threatening after the battle of Lepanto, it was still an important actor in the Mediterranean world; not to mention China or Japan, who resisted intensified cultural contact for a long time. But they, too, served as a role model in several European state theories.
Moreover, the early modern period was a time of intensified contact between Europe and Asia. Cultural contact is always accompanied by cultural flows (Appadurai). This suggests that transcultural encounters were essential, or at least important, for the transformation and diversification of governmental structures and practices both in Europe and Asia. Statehood and governance were clearly high on the agenda in both world regions as problems of improving not only the efficiency of administrative structures, but also the legal and fiscal penetration of the ruled territory became increasingly important. And processes of transfer take place in areas where the need for action or even structural shortcomings is perceived.
Nevertheless, state structures in non-European regions are only rarely integrated into European model-building and concepts of statehood. Furthermore, this selective perception is also widespread among area studies which often argue against the master narrative of the Modern European state without noticing that many different models and explanations were developed concerning early modern European history. The division of labour and expertise between history and area studies certainly has to be renegotiated, as recent discussions about global history have clearly shown. However, it seems even more important right now to exchange methods and concepts concerning comparative and entangled history. Therefore, this workshop will discuss concepts and methodology for comparative and entangled history using the example of Asian and European statehood. It will encompass three focal points.
1. The main focus will address the methods and theories necessary to create a transcultural perspective. Various concepts have emerged not only from different disciplines, but also from different regional and historiographical traditions in both Asia and Europe (connected history, entanglement, transfer, comparison, histoire croisée, and global history). How can these varying concepts be applied successfully and can they be combined to help us reach a deeper understanding of transcultural interaction, perception and transfer?
2. Distinct explanations and descriptions of the phenomenon “statehood” have also developed in each regional discipline, explanations which often do not take each other into account even when they all concern the early modern era. This workshop will therefore question if and how, for example, a new cultural history of the political history (Stollberg-Rilinger) is compatible and stimulative for the ritual sovereignty of the segmentary South Asian state (B. Stein), or if the concepts of state building ‘from below’ (Holenstein) can bring new understanding for the “little kingdoms” (Dirks).
3. However, the workshop shall not tackle solely theoretical and conceptual questions. It is important that they be combined with concrete research. Thus they should be tested using examples of state structures in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. With which problems were they confronted and how did they react? Which elements were essential to the stabilization, expansion or changing of ruler ship? How did contemporaries themselves reflect on their system, its functioning and its legitimacy
from - http://www.asia-europe.uni-heidelberg.de/en/research/a-governance-administration/a9/past-events/early-modern-state-building-in-asia-and-europe-comparison-transfer-and-entanglement-heidelberg-october-26-28-2009.html
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Water-Cooled House By Wallflower Architecture + Design in Bukit Timah, Singapore
The luscious tropical inverted hierarchy was developed to house plans and the general norms of housing in local planning. Hidden away from the highway, the site is surrounded by mature trees of green screen the adjacent property. The wind was blowing across the site from locations other important aspects. Homeowners who want the coolness of contemporary environmental priority as the attributes that are consistent and can enjoy the surroundings concept. To fully appreciate the natural environment and diverse adult and stretch the potential for visual depth and distance, drawing room and study are located in a pavilion on the second floor. This was designed by attaching a minimum and support so as to maximize views of the elevated structure. Instructions from the view of trees seen through a large circular void space that connects the entrance to the pavilion on top. A dark reflecting pool surrounding the pavilion that help improve the experience of isolation and quiet and privacy of the frame. The purpose of the pool the second floor is also designed to thermally isolate the dining room, bedroom and living room under the hot sun of profits. In the same way, the body above the water also helps regulate the temperature in the swing house.On yang first floor, residential and service functions of the house drawn by a long continuous light and air well below parallel with the same length and keep koi pond shots. Path along the side of the pond that leads into the bedroom to hide a large service area that is outside the path of the wall. Like koi pond floor to the second level of the pool, good air and the first is also designed to facilitate micro-air-conditioner in the first floor and space. As evaporative signal to the important role that water plays in a residence, an oculus in the pool to highlight the main entrance, circle the sun and cooled by the ever-changing animated sinusoidal pattern of light refracted through the water above.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Pasar Geylang Serai in Singapore, Singapore
Pasar Geylang Serai Designed by SURBANA INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANTS PTE LTD, Located in Singapore, is a new market / food centre development completed in June 2009, inspired by cultural and ethnic elements specific to the Malays of South-East Asia. Concepts and theories of traditional Malay architecture pertaining to climatic designs, spatial designs, environmental designs, building systems, design flexibility and community development are applied to the design and construction of Pasar Geylang Serai.
Buildings designed and constructed in rural areas are more use-oriented rather than market-orientated. Buildings are more for shelter based on needs, rather than for profit and investment. Buildings are therefore more autonomous, whereas buildings in the urban areas are more heteronomous, meaning that buildings are more self-governed and the user involvement and decision-making in the building form and function are important. It starts from the design stages to the final stages of the building construction. This provides a better match of the user’s needs and priorities to the design process; this translation of the user’s needs to their required space becomes more accurate, direct, and varied according to the needs of each user. The user also feels a sense of belonging and pride through his interactive and iterative involvement in the building process and is willing to take responsibility for an environment created by himself and not by others for him.
This notion of ‘self-help and mutual-help’ and the autonomy of the traditional Malay house, although typically set in the rural context, are approaches the architects used from design conceptualisation to the built environment. The initial challenge was daunting; how to fit a large-scale 20-metre high building that is multi-functional with market stalls, food stalls, commercial shops, a heritage corner and a 10-metre wide pedestrian mall on a 0.8 hectare site, and yet create a building that exudes a sensitivity and intimate relationship with its immediate surroundings? There is a disparity in the philosophical base of traditional Malay architecture from that of the conventional westernised modern building; the environmentally-respectful against the nature-demolisher; the conserver culture against the consumer culture; decentralisation against centralisation and basic needs against luxury needs.
Through studies and analysis of local climatic conditions for the design of Pasar Geylang Serai, detailing for the architectural and structural elements were carefully done in correct proportion to emphasise the different elements. The extensive use of local materials and craftsmanship accentuated the feel of the market as a welcoming, homely destination; Batik motifs and geometric patterns used on walls; ventilation grilles at gable ends; decorative screens with intricate fenestrations that helps to reduce glare from direct sunlight and rain and a raised-floor design with a linear three-tiered hipped roof with wide overhangs are all attributes that traditional Malay architecture always seemed to exude. The raised floor design was adapted to allow distinct zones to be created, with wetter activities such as the market stalls to be located on the first floor, and food centre on the second floor, as it is better to have vibrant bustling activities on the higher floor because of the area’s exposure to public view.
Pasar Geylang Serai has not only become a hub for Singaporean Malays, but also to the Malays of Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia, serving as the ‘Malay Emporium of Singapore’ where Malays come together as a community for common and shared activities. As such, the architects feel that the involvement of the stakeholders and the community throughout the design process and decision making, indirectly provided Pasar Geylang Serai the opportunity to evolve as an expression of the social and cultural ways of life of the Malay community
from - http://www.topboxdesign.com/pasar-geylang-serai-in-singapore-singapore/
link
http://meganfoxstar.blogspot.com/
http://elishasexycool.blogspot.com/
http://junkfoodtoday.blogspot.com/
http://japanesefoodyum.blogspot.com/
Buildings designed and constructed in rural areas are more use-oriented rather than market-orientated. Buildings are more for shelter based on needs, rather than for profit and investment. Buildings are therefore more autonomous, whereas buildings in the urban areas are more heteronomous, meaning that buildings are more self-governed and the user involvement and decision-making in the building form and function are important. It starts from the design stages to the final stages of the building construction. This provides a better match of the user’s needs and priorities to the design process; this translation of the user’s needs to their required space becomes more accurate, direct, and varied according to the needs of each user. The user also feels a sense of belonging and pride through his interactive and iterative involvement in the building process and is willing to take responsibility for an environment created by himself and not by others for him.
This notion of ‘self-help and mutual-help’ and the autonomy of the traditional Malay house, although typically set in the rural context, are approaches the architects used from design conceptualisation to the built environment. The initial challenge was daunting; how to fit a large-scale 20-metre high building that is multi-functional with market stalls, food stalls, commercial shops, a heritage corner and a 10-metre wide pedestrian mall on a 0.8 hectare site, and yet create a building that exudes a sensitivity and intimate relationship with its immediate surroundings? There is a disparity in the philosophical base of traditional Malay architecture from that of the conventional westernised modern building; the environmentally-respectful against the nature-demolisher; the conserver culture against the consumer culture; decentralisation against centralisation and basic needs against luxury needs.
Through studies and analysis of local climatic conditions for the design of Pasar Geylang Serai, detailing for the architectural and structural elements were carefully done in correct proportion to emphasise the different elements. The extensive use of local materials and craftsmanship accentuated the feel of the market as a welcoming, homely destination; Batik motifs and geometric patterns used on walls; ventilation grilles at gable ends; decorative screens with intricate fenestrations that helps to reduce glare from direct sunlight and rain and a raised-floor design with a linear three-tiered hipped roof with wide overhangs are all attributes that traditional Malay architecture always seemed to exude. The raised floor design was adapted to allow distinct zones to be created, with wetter activities such as the market stalls to be located on the first floor, and food centre on the second floor, as it is better to have vibrant bustling activities on the higher floor because of the area’s exposure to public view.
Pasar Geylang Serai has not only become a hub for Singaporean Malays, but also to the Malays of Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia, serving as the ‘Malay Emporium of Singapore’ where Malays come together as a community for common and shared activities. As such, the architects feel that the involvement of the stakeholders and the community throughout the design process and decision making, indirectly provided Pasar Geylang Serai the opportunity to evolve as an expression of the social and cultural ways of life of the Malay community
from - http://www.topboxdesign.com/pasar-geylang-serai-in-singapore-singapore/
link
http://meganfoxstar.blogspot.com/
http://elishasexycool.blogspot.com/
http://junkfoodtoday.blogspot.com/
http://japanesefoodyum.blogspot.com/
Monday, February 7, 2011
Thursday, February 3, 2011
House N By Sou Fujimoto in Oita, Japan
The house itself consists of three sizes of nested shells in progressive one another. Outermost shell covers the entire building, a garden, covered with a semi-indoor. Both shell wrapped in a limited space in an enclosed space outside the room. Third shell creates a smaller interior space. Residents rebuild their lives in the domain of this gradation. A different limit is nowhere to be found, except for a gradual change in the domain. People may say that the ideal architecture is an open space that feels like in the room and an indoor space that feels like outside the home. In a nested structure, inside is always outside, and vice versa.
My goal is to create architecture that are not about space or about the form, but only about the wealth of revealing what `between` the houses and riddled with bullets lodged Streets. Three infinite because it ultimately means the whole world is composed of an infinite nest. And here only three people who were barely visible form. I imagine that the city and the home did not differ from one another in essence, but only a different approach to a continuum of a single subject, or a different expression of the undulation-the same thing and from the primordial space where humans live. This is a presentation of a main house where everything from the origins of the world to a certain house is understood together under a single method
from - http://www.archimodes.com/house-n-by-sou-fujimoto-in-oita-japan/
My goal is to create architecture that are not about space or about the form, but only about the wealth of revealing what `between` the houses and riddled with bullets lodged Streets. Three infinite because it ultimately means the whole world is composed of an infinite nest. And here only three people who were barely visible form. I imagine that the city and the home did not differ from one another in essence, but only a different approach to a continuum of a single subject, or a different expression of the undulation-the same thing and from the primordial space where humans live. This is a presentation of a main house where everything from the origins of the world to a certain house is understood together under a single method
from - http://www.archimodes.com/house-n-by-sou-fujimoto-in-oita-japan/
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