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(BAD) Blog About Design

(BAD) Blog About Design

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Architecture Around The World: NYC

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With so many people in New York for fashion week I think it's the perfect time to do an "Architecture Around The World" post about the big apple. New York city is the epicenter of art, fashion, design, and much more, but you already knew that! It's a city with over 8,000,000 people, making it the largest in the USA. NYC's architecture is extremely diverse. From classically designed buildings like Saint Patrick's cathedral to modern buildings like the Frank Gehry building in Chelsea. What draws me to this city is that on each street and on every avenue I can experience something different and incredible. Even though the city was settled in the late 1600s, the oldest architecture in the city dates back to the 1830s. This is a result of the Great Fire of 1835, that destroyed most of the buildings on the South East tip. The Great Fire caused architects and designers to rethink using wood framed structure an instead design with stone, and other more durable materials. (ABOVE) This photograph shows the incredible size of both the city and Central Park. The park occupies the center of the city. Isn't this photograph just beautiful?

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(1) The Frank Gehry building in Chelsea is one of the most beautiful modern buildings in the city. The design sort of resembles a cloud. The unique waves, and shapes are extremely Gehry. Vanity Fair named it one of the most attractive office buildings. 
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(2) The Metropolitan Museum of Art is a classic building. It's located on 5th Ave, adjacent Central Park. The building was designed in 1874 in the Beaux Arts architectural style. The museum houses classic European artists as well as Islamic and Classic Antiquity, Egyptian and more. Just to let you know: admission is pay as you wish, so stop by!
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(3) This is the pavilion at the Met. Here you can enjoy lunch, as well as snacks. The facade of the classic building directly in front is part of the original museum from what I understand. The building houses the American wing. I love the classic design of the facade contrasted with the modern design of the all glass pavilion.  
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(4) The Woolworth building is in the Gothic Revival architectural style. It was completed in 1913 and designed by architect Cass Gilbert. I simply love the design of the building. The details here are incredible. How beautiful is the top of this building? 
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(5) The Apple building is one of the most impressive modern structures in the city. It's located on 5th Ave, close to Central Park. The actual store is located underground, the glass structure is sculptural if anything. It was designed by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson. FYI: The store is open 24/7, 365 days.  
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(6) Saint Patrick's Cathedral is also located on 5th Ave (I guess most of my favorite buildings are located on 5th). The cathedral was designed by architect James Renwick Jr. and completed in 1878. I love the details of the structure, Gothic architecture is one of my favorites! 
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(7) The Hearst building located on 8th is NYC's architecture in a nutshell. The base of the building was completed in 1928, however, the main structure was completed in 2006 by architect Norman Foster. This marriage of classic and modern architecture is exactly what the city is about. 

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Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Featured Post: New York City

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Yesterday I had the honor of being featured on LDV with this post. Here it is in case you missed it...
The Architecture: New York City architecture is very diverse. Walking down one avenue or street you'll see styles ranging from Art Deco to Gothic. I find this diversity to contribute to the city's overall beauty. The best example of Art Deco architecture is the Chrysler Building. The Chrysler building was completed in 1930, by architect William Van Allen. The building is constructed of masonry, with a steel frame, and metal cladding. The Woolworth Building is an example of Gothic architecture. The Woolworth Building was completed in 1913, by architect Cass Gilbert. The building's Gothic detailing is concentrated at the top of the structure, which is massively scaled to be read from the streets below. If you travel downtown, you'll be greeted by brownstones and townhouses. These smaller structures, surrounded by tree-lined streets are popular in SoHo. SoHo boasts the greatest collection of cast-iron architecture.

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Where To Visit: If you have never been to the city before, then stopping by Central Park is a must. (ABOVE 1) Central Park spans from 59th street to 110th street. The park is home to playgrounds, lakes, ponds and ice-skating rinks. I love Central Park as it's a relaxing place, to take in the city. (ABOVE 2) If architecture is what you want to see then going to the Guggenheim Museum is the place for you. Built in 1959, by architect Frank Lloyd Wright this building exemplifies the modern movement of architecture. The museum is home to a renowned collection of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, early modern, and contemporary work. (ABOVE 3) If the non-tourist part of New York City interests you, then head down to the village. The village is full of small shops, quaint buildings, and great places to eat. (ABOVE 4) The High line is a one-mile park, built on the former elevated New York Central Railroad. I love coming here on a sunny day, as there is usually someone playing the guitar, plus there is a section of grass where you can lay down on. (BELOW 5) Bergdorf Goodman, is a wonderful place to visit if you are strolling down 5th avenue. During the holiday's, the store is beautifully decorated and a popular place. I love walking past their window displays as there is usually something that catches my eye. 

What To Wear: I love both of these New York inspired looks. A great pair of pants is crucial in the city, as long dresses will be stepped on and get dirty. The floral blazer to the left is such a great choice. I love the color, match it with a great pair of jeans and you have the perfect look! A Denim jacket is necessary in the city. Instead of pairing the jacket with a rough pair of pants, pair it with a feminine floral pair to soften the look. 
What To Wear: Matching a simple blazer with a wild pair of pants, creates a great street style look. I love the Manhattan blazer to the left paired with a Denim shirt. The leggings to the right are so much fun, and such a perfect choice for a day in the city. Paring them with a solid blazer and top, are a perfect idea for the spring. 
What To Wear: Shorter dresses, are a great idea in the city as they do not get dirty easily. The dress to the right with its leather trim, paired with a brass necklace is the perfect New York look. I love the leather sleeve jacket to the right paired with a great pair of black trousers. Both of these looks are pretty, but have that rougher touch. 

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Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Architecture Around The World: Tel Aviv

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It has been quite some time since I last published an "Architecture Around The World" post, so I'm thrilled to inspire you with one today! With over 2.5 million international visitors yearly, Tel Aviv is known as "The City That Never Sleeps". With stunning beaches, and phenomenal shopping, it's no surprise that Tel Aviv was named the third "hottest city of 2011". In addition to the city's incredible social life, the city's architecture is highly looked at. (ABOVE) The Hechal Yehuda Synagogue was built in 1980 by architect Yitzchak Toledano. The structure is built of white concrete, because of its unique design the structure was given the nickname 'Seashell Synagogue'. (BELOW 1) This structure is part of a collection of buildings referred to as "The White City". "The White City" refers to over 4,000 Bauhaus or international style buildings built from the 1930s. Bauhaus architecture was brought over from Germany. Bauhaus buildings have flat roofs, smooth facades, and cubic shapes. (BELOW 2) Bauhaus architecture is not the only architecture movement found in Tel Aviv. Bright colors and architectural details can also be found throughout the city. I love the Mediterranean energy this structure brings to the street. (BELOW 3) The Synagogue of Tel Aviv University was built by Swiss architect Mario Botta. The building's exterior is built of reddish stone from the Dolomite Mountains of Italy. What do you think of the architecture of Tel Aviv?   

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Thursday, February 7, 2013

Architecture Around The World: Amsterdam

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Amsterdam is an incredible city in the Netherlands. In 2010, Amsterdam was ranked 13th globally on quality of living. It's a city rich in architectural history. Architecture in Amsterdam has seen many changes throughout the centuries. In the 16th century, wood structures were demolished to make way for brick structures. During this time many buildings were built in the Dutch Renaissance style. In the 17th century, Baroque architecture was the main design. In the 18th century, French culture heavily influenced the city's architecture therefore, Neo-Gothic architecture became the norm. The 19th century was all about Art-Nouveau. (ABOVE) As you can see from this aerial shot, the city has many different architectural styles. The differences in the buildings give the city and incredible look and energy. Despite most of the buildings being attached to each other, each has its own voice. (BELOW 1) The Zaandam hotel is such an interesting hotel architecturally. The hotel is designed to look like buildings stacked upon buildings. The blue building stacked at the top right is the bridal suite. Pretty cool, huh? (BELOW 2) The Oude Kerk is the oldest building in Amsterdam, built in 1306. It's interesting to see the buildings around the church, they almost 'protect' it. (BELOW 3) The city archives building, was built in 1923. I love the modernity and complexity of the structure. If you stare at the building long enough, the stripes start playing with your eyes. The building is a large "Colonnes de Buren" installation!  (BELOW 4) The Begijnhof is one of the oldest inner courts in Amsterdam. Many of the facades of the buildings in the court date back to the 17th and 18th centuries, however, the actual framework dates back to the Gothic period. What do you think of Amsterdam? 

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Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Architecture Around The World: Dublin

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I'm so excited about today's "Architecture Around The World" post. It's been a while since I've last posted one of these, and Dublin is the perfect place to get us back and running! The city's architecture is this wonderful combination of old and new. The most popular architectural style in the city is Georgian architecture. During the 18th century, much of the city was being designed in this style, which shares many similarities to the style of Palladio. (ABOVE) What I love about this photograph is the medieval architectural influence to the right and the more contemporary architectural influence to the left. Just like in downtown New York City (holla at ya city) each building has its own unique look. (BELOW 1) The Samuel Beckett Bridge was designed in 2007 by architect Santiago Calatrava. The structure's design is meant to look like a harp laying on its edge, the harp is a secular item icon for Ireland. The bridge crosses the River Liffey and is named after an Irish writer. (BELOW 2) The Georgian House Museum is the perfect building to get a good sense of the architectural style. I absolutely love the door way. That blue door is such a statement. (BELOW 3) If you've been to Europe before, you know that the streets are very narrow. In the distance is an old church. Again, you can see the combination of new and old. (BELOW 4) Trinity College was established in 1522. The school was design by architect Thomas Burgh. You can really see the Georgian architecture here. (BELOW 5) An aerial view of the city. Have you been to Dublin? How beautiful is River Liffey? 
   
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Thursday, July 19, 2012

Featured Post: Prague Style

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Yesterday I had the honor of being featured on LDV with this post! Here it is in case you missed it...
Prague is the capital and largest city in the Czech Republic. Architecture in Prague is largely in the Medieval, Baroque, and Renaissance styles. Most of the buildings have been meticulously restored, as a result, one is able to admire the smallest of details. (ABOVE) This photo was taken in Mala Strana, a wonderful district in the city of Prague. In 1541, a devastating fire destroyed most of the city. As a result, most of the structures are in the Baroque style. I love the red roofs and colorful facades. The buildings I'm used to seeing are beige and not nearly as colorful. I'd love to own one of these buildings for a spring getaway! (BELOW 1) This photo was taken on the Charles Bridge of the Smetana Museum. The museum is in the Renaissance style, and is dedicated to the life and works of Czech composer Bedrich Smetana. I love the facade of the third and fourth floors as you can really admire the detailing in the stone. (BELOW 2) The Rudolfinum is a Neo-Renaissance music auditorium, situated on Jan Palach Square. Since the 1940s, the Rudolfinum has been the home of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra. Which photograph are you inspired by? 

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The Fashion: For the looks above, I was inspired by the intricate details of Prague's architecture. I am a huge fan of the Dolce Vita lace dress, the dress's details is similar to the details seen on the Rudolfinum. Lace is very popular at the moment and if you're a fan of the trend then these two dress's are perfect! The Jewels California necklace has an Eastern European touch to it. The necklace would look great if paired with the second lace dress. I choose the House of Harlow flats because the pattern at the tip of the shoe is similar to the different roof patterns seen throughout Prague. Which piece is your favorite? 

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(ABOVE 3) A view of the city highlights the bridge and red roof tops. Prague is a highly traveled to city full of wonderful places to visit. Prague is often considered the most beautiful city in Europe. (THE DESIGN PIECES) Most of the pieces from above are from the Czech Republic. The 1960s Czech vase is from Art 1. When light passes through the vase a wonderful shadow is cast. The bronze chandelier is from Craig Van Den Brulle. The chandelier is designed by Jean Perzel who traveled to the Czech Republic and was inspired by the country's design. The 1920s Czech Art Deco walnut table is from Naga Antiques. I love the design of the table. Which piece is your favorite? 

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