One of the icons of the city is definitely the Flatiron building, originally, the Fuller building. You may see it in many movies, in fact, nowadays, in many selfies. The style of the building is unlike that of the city’s early skyscrapers and the construction process was different as well in that there are fire escapes. This sketch is from the front view, on a summer day. This building is the quintessential example of early New York skyscrapers. One addition, due to the form of the building, winds swirl around it. Be careful, or you will have a Marilyn Monroe subway grate moment!
What architecture! Of course, this is by Santiago Calatrava. People are inspired to become architects upon seeing this building as it is uplifting for many who long to be closer to the arts. This week, the sketch is of Spain’s Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia, which is home to all the arts as as it is both an opera house and a cultural center. Thanks to my aunt, I saw his works in my early university life. Additionally, one of his newer works is in the city, that is, the World Trade Center station (PATH). That building is truly astonishing, as well, and has brought many supporters and detractors out of the woodwork. Nevertheless, his works are unique due to the fact that he thinks like an engineer, but draws like an architect. This is why he is both more complex and convoluted than others, I think.
I should have entered, but I could not, unfortunately, as I did not have time, as always and like everyone. Who has time? This sketch was from my second visit to the city, and yet it seemed like the first time I saw New York’s buildings. Actually, this was a great trip for sightseeing with one of my wandering uncles -he has seen more than 50 countries. I was lucky, having a guide. We walked around Manhattan, perhaps, 15 miles to finish all the buildings that I wanted to explore -of course I did not. The Guggenheim is from "the greatest American architect of all time" -Frank Lloyd Wright, a modernist. I very much relished discovering his ideas, but it was a real regret that I could not observe the interior. There is always next time!
This week, the sketch comes from one of the most important, prestigious universities in the U.S., that is, MIT. Although there are great deal of buildings which I would like to sketch -of course, the Stata Center and the Department of Linguistics and Philosophy by Frank Gehry, the Kresge Auditorium by Eero Saarinen or Simmons Hall by Steven Holl (don’t worry, these are on the way), I preferred drawing the main entrance of the university where many individuals try to take a photo, or, rather, selfies! At any rate, the fact that I want to point out is -actually, trying to figure it out- is a new green place which is next to the bus stop. The university demolished one of their dormitories- I guess- and now nothing remains except what appears to be a steel sculpture. I think that they have a promising plan for this place. Before leaving, thank you, MIT, and all the other universities located in Boston and raising Boston rents! Students are truly very happy to pay an arm and a leg in rent!
It is very much a modest question, which asked I myself when I first saw this building, that is, how can people be below the cantilever of the ICA without any concern? Perhaps, I am not the only one who has wondered this. Of course, I (we) trust in the architects and engineers behind these projects -their knowledge and mastery of new materials, and yet another question presents itself: should a public space give individuals a burdensome atmosphere? This is because the concept for the ground level is having a public space freely accessible to visitors as part of the Harbor Walk (under construction as of writing). The walking public is grateful for this access, but if I am not comfortable in that space, what is the point? In fact, you can see that my sketch is in front of the building, not under the cantilever, unfortunately -I wish I could have listened to the concert to view the acoustics and the Boston skyline.
