Xpressionz of an Architect

Richard Meier
JUBILEE CHURCH, ROME

Richard Meier is a master Architect with his own legacy. His expertise is evident in one of his recent creations which I find truly astounding, The Jubilee Church, Rome. This is a structure of significant proportions and the architect has definitely given justice to its form. There is a balance achieved with the use of concrete shells and the fact that this is a church only adds to the purity of its purpose. Learn more about the architect and his works on its official website:

www.richardmeier.com

SEATTLE PUBLIC LIBRARY, SEATTLE, USA

This famous Dutch Architect has many modern marvels to his name. His design for the Seattle public library is a sheer Genius composition of abstract forms put together. When I was looking at the structure from exterior was totally confused as to how can such an abstract form work for the purpose of a library which has more of a strict and a traditional function. But as I entered all my conceptions of this place were proven wrong. There was so much light and openness around every space that it was inviting thru and thru. The interior spaces too flowed well with the exterior abstract form. There I was trying to learn how an Architect can provide interest to every space and define its purpose. And yes definitely God is in the details. Learn more about the Architect and his works here

Office for Metropolitan Architecture

THE TURNING TORSO, SWEDEN

The Turning Torso is one of the most interesting skyscrapers of recent times. It was a formal sculpture of Calatrava which was transformed into this magnificent piece of architecture. Like the sculpture, the building is composed of nine cubic elements, which turn gradually upward @ 90⁰ around a circular axis in the center. The load bearing structure of the building rests for the most part on a central concrete ring 35 feet in diameter. Its foundations are fixed 49 feet directly into the bedrock. Part of the construction of the Torso is turned inside out, Calatrava style. This is Sweden’s tallest tower and one of my favorite skyscrapers of all times. Follow the link for more info on this structure.

HSB Turning Torso http://www.turningtorso.com/

Swiss Re Headquarters – London, UK, 2004

Norman Foster is known for his high-rises around the world. In the words of the architect the pine cone like structure was the result of aerodynamic experiments which showed this shape provides lowest resistance to wind. It’s a capsule like structure emerging from the city has perfect aesthetic elegance and invokes awe. The net like steel construction allow for support free spaces right up to the core. There are triangular light and air shafts spiraling up to the top. Its concepts of natural lighting and ventilation represent a European style high-rise.

Commerzbank – Frankfurt, Main, Germany, 1997

After twelve years of completion of Hong Kong Shanghai bank, Norman Foster built the Commerzbank in Frankfurt. This was the tallest office building in Europe , a milestone in high-rise construction. Something which amazed me when I read about this building is that the guidelines provided by municipal authorities and clients were very demanding. Building regulations in Germany , contrast to USA, stipulate all office workplaces must have daylight and visual contact with the outside world. So this structure follows the concept of natural ventilation air-conditioning along with natural lighting. There are sky gardens and hanging gardens also offer unique views of the city center. Providing all that along with great architecture sets this architect apart.

Hong Kong Shanghai Bank – Hong Kong, China, 1986

This shows a structural ingenuity which is associative of Norman Foster. This being his first high-rise is the perfect example of globalization of architecture(British Architect and composed of prefab parts around the world). The building is made up of eight masts, each consisting of four steel tubes, divert the total weight of the building onto the foundation. This in turn gave unlimited possibilities for the floor plan. Foster developed innovative lighting for the offices and air-conditioning which is cooled by sea water. That’s an amazing feat to achieve for skyscrapers.

Norman Foster the name invokes well known skyscrapers. I knew about his high rises but when I researched thru his structures, I found out his creations have used the concepts of natural ventilation and daylighting which are in sync with new technology. Architecture of the future will involve using ecological concepts along with the traditional building concepts. Norman Foster has already shown us the direction.