THEDES 2 : A critique of the PPT

Included in the first batch of structures shown were the Shanghai World Financial Center, Empire State Building, Sydney Opera House, Eiffel Tower, Petronas Towers, Burj Al Arab, Beijing National Stadium and the Beijing National Aquatics Center. These structures as discussed in class are Iconic. All of which are very familiar to all, as they became the landmarks of different countries/cities. Although, I also observed that the architects of these buildings aren’t well associated with their works. I myself had to research as to who were the people behind these magnificent buildings I’ve been seeing everywhere for years now. Unlike the later 2 batches shown in the powerpoint, wherein the Architects of each structure was very well associated with it. 

The second and third batch of pictures was comprised of the Allen Lambert Galleria by Santiago Calatrava, Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Centre by Renzo Piano, and the Centre Pompidou by Richard Rogers, Renzo Piano and Gianfranco Franchini. These three are my favorites among the many. What I liked about Santiago Calatrava’s Allen Lambert Galleria is the fact that is was situated in the middle of two structures, and even if it had limited space it still looked spacious and inviting. Moving on to the Tjibaou Cultural Centre, at first I really liked how the structures looked like and how they were positioned. The very good aesthetics also played an important role in the structures’ soul as it was dedicated to Jean Marie Tjibaou who died fighting for the natives. The 10 ‘Great Houses’ which differ in size represent the different tribes and hierarchies. Rogers Piano and Franchini made sure that these structures would embody the Kanak tribes. The last structure I liked was the Centre Pompidou. At first look, I wasn’t really impressed with the aesthetics since it looked like an unfinished simple glass box. But after our discussion and a few readings on the said structure, I loved it. The building was futuristic inside and out, very welcoming due to its transparency which also allows the building to interact with the world outside-characteristic structures here in our country lack.

Allen Lambert Galleria

Jean-Marie Tjibao Cultural Center

Centre Pompidou / Pompidou Center

Among the structures shown in the PowerPoint presentation, my favorite is the modern reconstructed Reichstag Dome by Norman Foster. Norman Foster was able to give the simple dome more meaning, the government for the people. Not only did Foster focus on the aesthetics of the dome but he put essence into it. The dome was able to show that the people are above the government through the transparent see through debating chamber of the German parliament right below it. What I like about it is not only is it a dome but it allowed people to interact with it and in it. Also, this glass dome is environmentally friendly which makes the reconstruction of this dome even more successful, an energy efficient architectural masterpiece of today. 

Reichstag Dome