Architecture // Design // Life // Thoughts // Anything and Everything
Just wanted to share a small article in the August issue of We People Magazine (東西名人). A fathers day special interview on father and son/daughter that work together. No arguments about design or architecture, just a casual and fun interview. It was quite an enjoyable experience.
http://picasaweb.google.com/alfredlw/WePeopleAugustIssue?authkey=Gv1sRgCLH6w_mvsPDoMA#
A 2 page spread in 明週 No.086 // 2010.03.04. on the design and conception of our Ocean Blue residence project.
I recently went through a spurge of craving for web applications that was initiated by re-installing firefox (I started to check what new toys there are out there). I am an architect by training, so my familiarity with the digital field has always been with the more visual side of things... but as any righteous video game playing 'geek' would do, I have always had a strong fascination for gadgets that are only sometimes useful, and usually just a waste of time. But, I have to say recently I found some programs/web applications that I wish I knew earlier... a lot earlier. Maybe it is the new trend of more humanistic user interface designs or the 'coolness' factor that Apple brought to the table (10 years ago, no one would think you are cool by carrying some form of digital device, you'd be just 'geeky' and not in the cool way they speak of it now...) Now, I am not a 'computer guy' so this is pretty much some of my thoughts from an user's point of view. The main purpose of this writing and the ones to follow is just to share the information on these very cool apps that everyone should try from a 'normal' geek's point of view.
The first app/web service that caught my eye is animoto: in short it is a web service that lets you upload images or video and the service will create a personalized video out of it, just watching the sample video on their start page gave me the cool jingles all over (and video is always good for someone with a short attention span like me).
Our firm's (C. Y. Lee & Partners) signature building Taipei 101 Financial Center is getting a green update and going for the LEED gold medal.
http://www.archdaily.com/40848/tapei-101-to-become-the-worlds-tallest-green-building/
All the excuses aside - such as the benefits of micro four thirds system, the compatibility with various lenses, the similarities to range finders, the in body stabilization, all that and more aside - although I like to think of myself as a photo enthusiast, I was plainly and whole heartedly sold by the retro look of this beauty at first sight. The texture and materiality alone brings back that childhood joy of holding your favorite toy. I was genuinely excited when I finally located the matching leather case for the body two days ago. Now when was the last time something engaged you like that? Now time to think about the Zeiss ZM C Biogon 21/4.5 and all those other fun lenses... I see that cash draining black hole widening again...
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless handheld from Taiwan Mobile
Architecture only as good as the picture?
Architecture, without doubt, is a visual art. We in the field constantly use pictorial representation, abstract or defined, to communicate our ideas. Architecture is also a physical art, many aspects of design can only be experienced and felt. In our age of terrabytes and optical lines, the speed that information travels and spreads is almost unscalable. Coupled with our reliance on mass media and electronic communication, it seems that we increasingly base our judgment on superficial information. Maybe we just do not have the time to digest the waves of information that bury us. Maybe we just do not want to take the time anymore. So in this new age, the architecture image, is not just a method of communication or record...it might very well be the entirety of its existence. The truth which remained so important to this field of design is now digitally enhanced. I admit that I have reaped the benefits of the digital age, I can no longer complete my designs without my digital tools. But I think that, precisely because of our reliance on digital tools, we should value the tangible aspects, the fleeting realities that we call building even more.
Perhaps now more than over, we should understand that architecture is never just as good as the picture.
Note: photo of Ocean Blue Residences, courtesy of Tim KuoRemember the good ol' days of the paper pad, pencil, and your trusty special 20 sider dice that always roles criticals? Admit it, you know what I am talking about. Most of us of the 'fringe' sort, meaning you were not the popular jock that got all the girls (well, at least I did not) have spent many nights with friends in dark and secluded places (basements, garages, and various unsavory places) bent over pieces of paper scribbled with numbers and alien names. Most of us have stared across the table at the tiny shining figurine on some sort of cryptic battle map, rubbing our hands with anticipation, breath held for the role of the dice from the hands of god who sits behind the dungeon master's screen (usually just a fat dude behind a piece of paper) Know what I am talking about? If you have no clue... well, you were probably one of the 'cool' kids. Now this concept by some dudes over at Carnegie Melon (I think the school explains it, they probably have the biggest D&D club out of every university in North America).... is AMAZING. Their idea is genius, combining the best of both worlds, the real interaction with friends, and the functional, graphical capabilities of the modern day computer. Alas. I wish I was a teenager again. To roam the mysterious lands wielding my trusty sword again.... but then I probably wouldn't be able to afford the setup. Ah, the irony.
