Xpressionz of an Architect

There can hardly be any other place on earth so full of Art and cultural Heritage which has influenced rest of the world in its own way as Rome, Italy. There have been many master architects, painters, sculptors , artists here who have left their legacy for us to follow. As soon as you enter Rome you realize this. There is the massive Colosseum, Roman Forum , Piazza Venezia to name a few. All the structures studied during architecture school were popping in my head. Had never thought that I would be actually standing in front of them. This was my aha moment!! Roman cities are so well planned, pedestrian friendly and stand true to the test of time. There are piazzas for people to come together for social events. Every piazza or square has its own water fountain flanked by great sculptures. There is a masterpiece in every corner you turn , be it the Trevi fountain, the Spanish steps, Piazza del Popolo, Pantheon..I truly agree on one thing that they say…A lifetime is not enough to see this place. I have tossed coins in the Trevi fountain to ensure that I come back..

Venice to me has an enchanting feeling to it keeping all travelers really engulfed in its mystique past. This city built on the black lagoons, is comp letely surrounded by water which not only gives a charming character to this city but also has protected this city from invasions. Built in the 5th century this city was under Austria, France and now part of Italy. All the traffic is on foot here, no cars allowed internally. The streets are lined by shops selling the famous masks. There are astounding Palaces, Bridges, Churches, Museums lined up along the Grand canal. I was really captured by two sites Piazza San Marco and Rialto bridge. Great examples of Gothic architecture. The smaller interior canals are coupled with bridges which almost are waiting to surprise you!!

The skywalk is amidst all the canyon landscape situated on the west rim of Grand Canyon. There was a stretch of 20 mile of unpaved road on the route at its approach of the west rim. I would advise to wait for a year and then visit as the road will be paved by then. The skywalk is surrounded by desert landscape overlooking 4000 ft. of canyon below. It’s an experience you should have once in your life.

I would say its an adventure in itself to stand over the glass floor and see 4000 ft below of raw canyon. I can’t describe what a feeling it is to know that there is only one glass piece between you and all that rocky valley below. It makes u believe in the forces and power of nature and Man is only but a part of it. One thing I appreciated is the skywalk blends into its surrounding very well. Its not any pyrotechnic structure flopped onto the site but a well thought out design which blends into the valley giving people that modern skywalk experience. Here is the link to its official webpage for more info http://grandcanyonskywalk

I visited Miami last week of December ‘06. Miami was full of surprises. It’s one of the fast growing fashion hubs with its diverse cultural influence. The feeling I got here was similar to European places like Paris, Milan. The Lincoln road mall is a series of shops lined along couple of city blocks which has world renowned brands from apparel to accessories mixed with restaurants, European style seating outside on the side walks. This was all at a walking distance from the beaches. South beach has incredible clear deep blue water.

To my amazement I found out that the area marked between 5^th and 15^th street at Miami Beach houses art deco style architecture. The structures here are unique examples of good preservation. Lot of use of cast in place concrete to achieve the art deco style. This was reminiscent of Bombay, India where I grew up, there is an evident influence of art deco style throughout. Another interesting thing I thought would share with you is the hotel which we were staying in, The Royal Palms hotel was initially built in 1939. When they had to renovate and rebuild it in the late 90’s, the building codes were so laid that they had to build the new hotel from the original plans and elevations of the 30’s. It’s so unbelievable that this hotel is built in the 90’s, doing perfect justice to the art deco architecture. The original stone front desk is still preserved and used in combination with glass. The hotel lobby gives a good example of mixing the art deco style with modernist ideas.