Metropolis II

Going to LACMA museum in Los Angeles  to see the  Metropolis II by Chris Burdon. I had heard about it by a classmate and was interested in going to see it. I took a look at some pictures posted on the internet. Once I knew what I could expect I was beginning to feel more interest in this installation. When I arrived all I could do is stare at this art masterpiece. The anticipation of viewing this was well worth it. It was far more interesting than what I had suspected.

Chris Burdon likes to push himself towards artistic impression. This masterpiece holds about 100,000 cars, circulating continuously. The art structure is 10 feet tall and 28 feet wide. This is the second Metropolis he has built; yet it is ten times bigger. It cost a remarkable amount of money to build it, yet it is already sold.

This is a very important piece of art.  I feel connected with this art piece since I live in the Los Angeles area. This is a portrait of Los Angeles and the vision of the modern city. Cars are going to control us, not us control cars. We are starting to do this with self moving cars. Only those who walk or use a bicycle know Los Angeles. It is somewhat scary how there are no people in this installation. It is like we are always in a rush and all we do is get in a car and go where it is we have to. We move at such a fast pace that this installation reminds me of how we are in the 21^st century.

It is quite remarkable how something that looks so fun had a lot of planning time involved. It is also trying to give us a hint a warning if you will; to slow down. I really liked this installation because I went back in time feeling like a child. Without a doubt though one of the most attractive exhibition I could bring a friend to.

 

Enric Miralles, Igualada Cementary

 

 

 

 

 

The Igualada Cemetary was designed and constructed by Enric Miralles and Carme Pinós. Located near Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.  Miralles did not just want to make a traditional design.  He wanted to investigate poetic ideas of the past, the present, and the future.  The intention for the design was to be closer to the still alive rather than the dead. They wanted the mourners and visitors to understand the issues of the cycles of life and transformation.  Igualada Cemetary was visualized as the earthwork that changes the surrounding of the landscape.  A procession starts at the entrance towards the cemetery, with rusting poles that cross into different frames.  By doing this he leads the visitors pathway towards the burial area.  The path has repeatable concrete loculi that are shaped into retaining walls, and floor paths into cement surfaces. The cemetery is literally sunken down into the ground, creating an uncertainty landscape ends and building begins.  The design is able to merge into the groundwork without simply becoming a different layer of the ground. The landscape design would be the ‘city of the dead,’ and in between place bringing there loved ones closer together.  Because of the space in the landscape their minds would provoke thoughts and memories.  The architects used repetition, transformation, figure and ground in expansion in their concepts of the Igualada Cemetery. It was designed to provide stillness in a place where one can pay its respect to the dead.  It also provides multiple ways of viewing and using the architecture.  The Igualada Cemetary was built for the dead, yet it is not a dead cite and is continues to be used.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Image Source: (Re) Designing Nature, by Florian Matzner, Susanne Witzgall and Iris Meder

Physalia Amphibious Garden, 2010 by Vicent Callebaut

This fiber glass airship has a different approach to landscape, having an ecological approach.

Image Source: (Re) Designing Nature, by Florian Matzner, Susanne Witzgall and Iris Meder

West 8/ Mrio arquitectos Madrid Rio, 2006-2011

Reconnecting the royal palace and having a large park help the community have a better use of landscape.

Image Source: (Re) Designing Nature, by Florian Matzner, Susanne Witzgall and Iris Meder

Summer view, winter view, 2007 by Diana Balmori

This landscape provides a fascinating experience to it’s visitors, with green space and water, during any season.

California Plaza

California Plaza Water Court in Los Angeles
Picture by EGR PhoVid Productions  

CHRONOLOGICAL  

It was a beautiful Sunday morning. The weather was excellent to be outdoors. I headed my journey towards Downtown Los Angeles. I was excited to visit California Plaza Water Court for the second time. As I was driving all I could think about was how much fun I was about to encounter. Once I arrived I found nearby parking, which made me thrilled. Excited to do some photography, I almost forgot my sketchbook, where I would later do some sketching. The first thing I noticed was the annual cyclamen color flowers. Vibrant red or white flowers made it feel very romantic. This is probably why many couples take pictures at this location. The planters being in the middle of the waterfall is a very special design. It really made me look from the beginning of the waterfall towards the end. Following the entire waterfall,I found out that the tiles have water flowing under. The stage structure was also fascinating, with over-hanging spot lights. The stage faces the waterfall, so the audience can have a wonderful experience. This made me realize that I was envisioning the experience before it even happened. Studying to be a landscape architect I could understand that the use of space was well thought out. Everything at the Water Court has a reason for being where it is. From the fountain, the landscape, the stage structure, the seating area and the amenities. Because of the well thought out design, my experience was extraordinary. I can’t even start-off to imagine what my experience could be like the day of a special event. Because of this I started making a quick sketch, and I was able to see the amount of detail the architecture design had. The landscape design complements the architectural design very well. My participation was different, from the first time I had been at the Water Court in Los Angeles. The experience makes me wan’t to visit California Plaza Water Court in Los Angeles again; and I will revisit this location soon.

THEMATIC

Would you like to know an exciting place to visit? The California Plaza Water Court is a great place to have an interesting experience; and an exciting evening as well. The vivid colors will set the mood, for you to be relaxed. Eye catching plants like; annual Cyclamen color flowers in the middle of the water. The red and white Cyclamen’s in the middle of the waterfall make it romantic. The Lyons pine hedge that runs along the fence plays well with the water fall. It is world class, which makes it very classy and elegant. The public is rapidly drawn to this location, when there are events. Performances are made under the lighting structure with theater lighting. Interestingly the water area is also used as a stage. The entire area is used in several different ways, making it a multi-structure. There is also a fascinating light show with the water fall. This location was very well designed since there is a nice view in all 180 degrees. A person can be sitting on a chair, on concrete, on a balcony, or standing; and the view is amazing. The amenities at the California Plaza Water Court are perfect. They have food and drinks at this location, which makes it very accommodating. This was a very well planned out structure by the architects. It took ten years to build and cost 1.2 billion dollars. The two towers make the 1.5 acre area very pleasant. This is a location for any age group which makes it extra special. The design is worth admiring and have an amazing time. This location will definitely take the stress out of any person. Definitely and multi use design since it can be used for entertainment or relaxing. A great idea would be to search for performing events.

Figure/Ground

Grand Park in Los Angeles, barrier used to enclose a piece of land.

Square

Four equally balanced lines, when combined make a block figure.