This building was designed by Vo Trong Nghia Architects in 2016. The retreat was built with the focus on appreciation of the surrounding atmosphere. Due to this, the building is meant to blend in with the environment and compliment its beauty, instead of disruption the natural tranquility. Similar to other Nghia Architects projects, the structure is built primarily out of bamboo. With rounded roofs and seamless edges, the spa blurs the line between the indoors and outdoors, as the natural environment is left on display.

This building was designed by Vo Trong Nghia Architects in 2017. The structure was designed as a remote island getaway resort. While the building was designed with peace and tranquility in mind, Nghia Architects used primarily bamboo in the building process. Just off the coast of Vietnam, this resort can only be reached by boat giving it a very exclusive feeling. Most importantly, the structure was built with very little environmental disturbances, this is why it seems to blend into the island, especially with it’s outdoor features.

This building was designed by Vo Trong Nghai Architects in 2017 as a new headquarters for the tech Nanoco. The goal in this project was to promote unison between people and nature. Another primary focus of the building was to use materials with high quality and easy maintainability in order to last hundreds of years. The modern glass design allows the building to fit in seamlessly, especially with the added vegetation on the sides.

This project was designed by Vo Trong Nghia architects in 2018. It was constructed with the tropical environment of Vietnam in mind, as the structure is covered in plants and shrubs to promote green wellness. Along with environmentally conscious looks, the greenery also provides shading inside of the building, as well as a layer to protect against heat. This unique design is called a “tropical double skin.” It acts as an alternative for buildings in urban areas that must also coincide with the tropical environment.

I visited Big Ben for the first time when I was in middle school, and it was a breathtaking view. As young as I was, the clock made me feel tiny whenever I looked up at it. Though, it also makes you think of London’s industrial history when seeing it. The gothic revival architecture used in the construction of the clock gives a very powerful, old time feeling. During the day, the clock is easily noticed due to its height and near gold color; though, at night, the clock fully illuminates and shines down onto the city. Overall, it was a very positive experience, and very memorable architecture.  

As a high schooler visiting OU, I toured the Bizzell Library for the first time. From the outside, the red bricks and high arching windows are a gorgeous view. The building gives off a strong scholarly persona with the high columns in the front and straight edge hedges surrounding it.  Upon entering the Great Reading Room, I was met with the most collegiate style room I’ve ever seen. It’s like seeing a classroom from Harry Potter. The high ceilings with old wooden arches surrounding them give the room a very vast and empty feeling as well. Though, the windows give a very open feeling as a spot to watch over the entire campus without being bothered. Overall, I find the building to be very aesthetic holding a powerful presence.

I first visited the Empire State Building when I was in elementary school. It was one of my first big trips as a kid, and every part of New York was new for me. The size of the skyscrapers, and the vast amount of buildings throughout the city were all encompassing for me. When we got to the Empire State Building, it felt very surreal to see in person. As a building that has appeared on thousands of different tv shows and movies, it’s almost like meeting a celebrity in real life. The view from the top was just as impressive as looking up at the height of the building. Overall, it was a very memorable experience.

Years ago, when I was in middle school, I visited the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris with my family. It was one of the most memorable trips we took due to the unique architecture and history that the structure displayed. I remember looking at it for the first time and feeling incredible small due to its size. The view was breathtaking, both inside and out. It’s hard to imagine its construction, as well as the incredible process it must have been when it was first built in 1163. I’m very glad I was able to visit before the fire tore down parts of it.