All posts by boomer

Sir Giles Gilbert Scott’s Battersea Power Station

The Sir Giles Gilbert Scott’s Battersea Power Station was refurbished by WilkinsonEyre. They were able to preserve the main design features of the power station while also creating a state-of-the-art events space. The notion of respecting the history of the building while also increasing functionality is amazing.

WilkinsonEyre truly created a perfect blend of a building that is modern and healthy, while also including the character that only time can give to a building. The way that they found a balance within the design goals is remarkable and puts into perspective the quality of Wilkinson Eyre.

Guangzhou International Finance Center

The Guangzhou International Finance Center designed by WilkinsonEyre is the twenty third tallest building in the world. It is located in Guangzhou, China and it is an absolute work of art.

Inside and out this building is truly remarkable. The level of detail and intent in the design demonstrates the quality that WilkinsonEyre delivers. The elegance that has been achieved while doing it in such a grand fashion is such a wonderful work of architecture.

Gardens by the Bay

The Gardens by the Bay is a WilkinsonEyre design located in Singapore and is such a display of creativity. They explain on their website that the design goal was to create an “architectural icon, a horticultural attraction and a showcase for sustainable technology at the heart of the Gardens at Bay South” and this was their response. I find it remarkable that such an ambitious design was actually constructed.

The aerial view is remarkable but the interior gardens are full of amazing scenery. The project is one of the biggest climate controlled glasshouses in the world and it is equally beautiful as it is impressive.

18 Blackfriars

The 18 Blackfriars design by WilkinsonEyre is quite remarkable. The idea of an asymmetrical building with a consistent repetitive pattern is such a creative layout. The balconies and massive amount of glass create a space that is full of light and is spaced in a way that must create an interesting perspective.

This design is part of WilkinsonEyre’s redevelopment plan. It’s amazing that the animations and design description can create an idea of the building that is so immersive. The way that the building looks in the design animations from close up and from far away are such drastically different sights but both equally beautiful.

Gallogly hall

I remember anticipating the construction of Gallogly Hall as I was around it constantly. I was able to see it in person and outside during certain phases which made it a much more interesting experience. I worked at the AME Machine Shop, which is directly next to Galllogly Hall so I was constantly reminded about its phase in construction. When it finally was finished, I remember thinking that it had a clean exterior design, but I also thought it was fairly boring. Although, the interior was very open and modern looking it and the utilization of glass was great.

University of Oklahoma Opens Biomedical Engineering Building ...

I enjoyed that the university still pays homage to the Cherokee gothic style of architecture that the campus embodies. Once I walked in all the natural light flooded in and the central staircase stood out. I remember loving the gradient of frosted glass on the staircase which was such a nice interior feature. I also thought that the amount of study spots was impressive for how open each of them felt. It’s interesting to think about my initial thoughts and how my thinking now goes directly to the architect’s intent now. The intent can be seen clearly through the functionality of the building. I’m interested to see how the building ages and I hope to see more buildings like it in the future.

Univ. of Oklahoma on Twitter: "Last week, @ENGINEERINGatOU ...

Bizzell Memorial Library

Bizzell Memorial Library, The University of Oklahoma | Flickr

The Bizzell Memorial Library has been one of the most influential buildings in my life. I have spent so much time over the years learning and reflecting here. It was one of my favorite buildings on campus whenever campus was my playground as a kid living in Norman. It has become a safe haven for me during the school year and has so many great spaces both inside and out. I love the Rock Canyon Garden the most and it’s my go-to study spot. 

Oklahoma Canyon Garden | University of Oklahoma Libraries

I remember noting the distinct style of architecture as a child and later learned more about the Cherokee Gothic style that OU’s campus embodies. I think that it creates such an interesting environment that is appreciated by all of those who experience it. I’m inspired by how many different generations have learned in this building and I especially love the sign out front that reads, “The spirit of learning is a lasting frontier”. The Bizz is more than a library to me as it has impacted me and my family in magnificent ways and I hope that it continues to do so.

Thorncrown chapel

Eureka Springs' Open-Air Thorncrown Chapel Is a Paragon of ...

My family and I recently visited Eureka Springs, Arkansas. My Brother and I were able to sneak off and visit the Thorncrown Chapel. It is located just outside of Eureka and was designed by renowned architect E. Fay Jones. Jones was mentored by Frank Lloyd Wright and you can see the similarities in design. The chapel is very open and filled with natural light. It creates an experience that feels like an extension of the surrounding woods. The symmetry and simplicity of the structure creates a spectacle no matter the angle or distance and is such an interesting sight. My Brother and I were submerged into such an interesting space that really complimented everything it surrounded and it was such an awesome experience.

Ledbetter house

I lived in Norman when I was younger and my Uncle Eli lived on Brooks Street. I remember seeing this house for the first time and it really caught my attention. It was the Ledbetter House.

I remember thinking that the hanging disc and overall appearance of the house was interesting as a kid. The house sparked a lot of thinking for me and stuck with me over the years for some reason. There was something about its uniqueness and creativity in design that made me want to know more about the designers intent.

I later learned that the Ledbetter House was designed by Bruce Goff who was mentored by Frank Lloyd Wright. This discovery happened right before this course and was such a cool way to reconnect with a building from my childhood. I think it’s interesting that the philosophy behind the design in the Ledbetter House is noticeable by the mind of a child even though it’s not fully understood.