Post Modern Blog

 Post-Modern Blog 

Creative Architecture Around the World

     1) The Bean (Chicago, Illinois)

History:

The Bean was designed by artist, Anish Kapoor in 2004. It is also known as the “Cloud Gate” and is in Millennium Park on Michigan Avenue. The bean is fully made of stainless steel and stands at 33 feet high and 42 feet wide. Kapoor initially named this sculpture Cloud Gate, but Chicagoans soon adopted, “The Bean” because of its wide, bean-like shape. This work is connected to post-modernism because of its unique elements, such as its reflective surface and organic shape. Its architecture is quite remarkable because of its distinctive look, but at the same time is quite simple. I am originally from Chicago, and we always come back to visit The Bean and take pictures. I think it is a remarkable attraction and so fun to look at.

2)  The Dancing House, Prague, Czechia

History: 

The Dancing House was designed by architects, Frank O. Gehry and Vlado Milunic in 1996. The building is comprised of a terrace that offers a 360-degree view of Prague, an art gallery, and a restaurant. Its versatile structure is inspired by the film couple, Fred Astaire and his partner, Ginger Rogers. Ginger is represented on the left side, noting the curvature of the glass building, and Fred on the right is characterized with “hair” on the top of the building. This structure is composed of its versatile shaping, its uniform color style (beige and pale blue), and reference to the age of entertainment, which just so happens to be another theme.

  3)  Jumeriah Beach Hotel (Dubai, UAE)

History:

The Jumeriah Beach Hotel was opened in 1997 with over 600 suites, 26 floors, and numerous luxury services. This hotel was designed by WS Atkins, a British engineering and architectural design company headquartered in London. The inspiration for the shape is meant to complement its neighboring hotel, the Burj Al Arab, which is shaped like a sail. The cosmetics of this building replicate the color of water, using blue and white to represent the colors on a beach. The architects use vertical and straight lines to accentuate the shape and add contrast. It is also wider than long, which is an uncommon element in large buildings. I have always been so fascinated with Dubai’s architecture since it is quite advanced and extraordinary. I believe Dubai’s architecture represents how much architecture has evolved in this era. 

  4)   G.T Tower East (Seoul, South Korea)

History:

The G.T Tower East was designed by a Dutch architect group called, ArchitetenConsort in 2011. Peter Couwenbergh and Edgar Bosman lead the engineering team to create this breathtaking building. It stands at 130 meters high and serves a variety of purposes enabling office space and commercial use. Known for its “wavy” appearance, the G.T Tower gives the optical illusion of the building moving because of its various proportions throughout its length. The tower reflects a glassy and elegant look and uses a combination of both straight lines horizontally and curved lines vertically to emphasize the illusion. This building caught my eye since it was the first time I have ever seen a wavy tower. Seeing unique buildings like this baffles me and I question whether they are real.

5)    The Council House (Perth, Australia)

History:

The Council House was completed in 1963 and serves as the city of Perth’s city council center. It was designed by architects, Jeffrey Howlett and Don Bailey. The establishment of The Council House was in 1962 when Perth was announced to host the British Empire and Commonwealth Games. Perth was appointed to construct a creative building in commemoration of this event. In the 1990s, the city council underwent certain political changes and disputes but ultimately was refurbished. Like some of the other mentioned buildings, the Council House is made up of several glass panels throughout the building. More than 20,000 LED lights surround the glass panel creating a luminous portrait. Many critics consider the building to be ugly, but I thought it was quite magnificent since it is comprised of so many lights. The architects chose to use a more standard, simpler building structure. They also chose a uniform look with the windows aligning altogether. 

6)   The Big Pineapple (Eastern Cape, South Africa)

History:

The Big Pineapple is in Bathurst, Eastern Cape. This is not to be confused with The Big Pineapple in Woombye, Australia (they do look quite similar). It is a major tourist attraction and has three floors with a viewing sight on the top floor. Surrounding The Big Pineapple is surrounded by a pineapple field and was constructed by local farmers of Bathurst's agricultural community. I was stunned by this building because it is a legitimate replica of a pineapple. I would love to visit this site and be able to venture through a pineapple museum. I believe the architects did use aspects of realism since the colors of the pineapple are realistic to the actual fruit. 

Works Cited

"The Bean (Cloud Gate) in Chicago." Choose Chicago, 16 Apr. 2020, www.choosechicago.com/articles/tours-and-attractions/the-bean-chicago/.

"Council House, Perth Facts for Kids." Kids Encyclopedia Facts, kids.kiddle.co/Council_House,_Perth.

Dave. "GT Tower East by ArchitectenConsort." CONTEMPORIST, 27 Apr. 2020, www.contemporist.com/gt-tower-east-by-architectenconsort/.

Forrest, FG, et al. "Dancing House (Tančící Dům)." Prague.eu, www.prague.eu/en/object/places/1643/dancing-house-tancici-dum?back=1.

GmbH, STR G. "Jumeirah Beach Hotel." EMPORIS, www.emporis.com/buildings/107804/jumeirah-beach-hotel-dubai-united-arab-emirates.

"The World's Largest Pineapple Building." Atlas Obscura, 17 Aug. 2017, www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-big-pineapple-bathurst-south-africa.