Home to the National Orchestra of Porto in Porto, Portugal, this structure has Rem Koolhaas written all over it in the ink of unparallel lines, subtly-textured and continuous patterns. The building is asymmetric, the seemingly cut off corners look to be different sizes, and the windows do not follow what a window normally looks like. The window of the entrance has one corner wrap around to the other side as the other three corners stay behind. The window on the left leans toward the ground. The window on top of the building is trapezoidal. You can see a cross-cut pattern subtly running across the surface of the buildings, but not parallel to any of its edges. I feel that this building is a great example of Rem Koolhaas’ imagination and creativity, breaking from right angles, parallel lines, and what windows should look like. So entertaining to look at!

This library designed by Rem Koolhaas is one of many examples of his taking a simple shape, like a cube, and twisting it, entertaining its viewers. Here, the center shows what may have been the starting concept, a cube. Flat sides, right angles around the building. But above and below the center, we see it break from the right angles, going outwards to meet the head and feet of the building. The foot of the building has a slanted line going from left to right, and the left and right sides are not a right angle to the ground. Behind the glass, the white diamond pattern is continuous, not conforming to the twisted lines that outline the building. Inside, the books rest in a continuous spiral shelving system.

Rem Koolhaas likes to break from right angles in his work. This museum in Seoul displays that as it seems to twist. From the flat top, the overhang drops lower on the left side, but as the overhang comes toward the center, you can see it dropping to the right side. You can even see that the overhang almost touches the ground as it recedes to the background. I am entertained as I look upon the building, following the supporting beams inside that make triangles, and sliding down the line of the overhang, right to left, and finally left to right, seeming tossed around by the shape of the building. It’s a monument that would seemingly take up your field of view if you stood in front of it, but you wouldn’t mind seeing the way the lines are never parallel.

This magnificent structure designed by Rem Koolhaas is a reimagining of what a skyscraper really is. Housing the China Central Television (CCTV) headquarters, this building stands out with its raised corner, referred to as “the overhang”. The continuing pattern of steel rhombi climb up the supporting structure until they converge in the largest rhombus of the all. Surrounded by grass in trees below the overhang, it seems as if it is in its own world, and I love the way it is such a drastic change from the surrounding city life.

I visited this famous restaurant while in Colorado with my family and I wasn’t expecting what was waiting for me inside. I like the tower with a clock and bell on the outside, which set it apart from the other shops sharing the strip mall space. It seems to hint that there is something exciting through its doors. When you enter, there is usually a line of people waiting to order. The wait is worth it though, and the low ceiling rises up and you find yourself in a little city.

The capacity of the restaurant is 1000 people, and the levels seems to rise and fall and go around corners. I spent nearly an hour just roaming around inside, looking at all the rocks and buildings they fit inside. I would definitely recommend this place for good food and exploration!

Located northeast of Arcadia Lake, Pops has always been an ideal location for spending time with my friends and family. It’s marked by the giant neon soda bottle in front of the building. I often see groups of bikers or car enthusiasts gathered there. Pops is a gas station as well as a restaurant. But this restaurant has a drink selection unlike any other. One side of the building is full of fridges with unique and interesting sodas. You can get anywhere from Strawberry Jalapeño Soda to Peach Cobbler Soda. I’ve tried so many flavors I’ve lost count. Sometimes I get disappointed in one flavor, but I’m awarded with a surprising one. Peach Cobbler actually tastes like a peach cobbler! The wall facing the front is full of windows with many bottles on display.

Behind the restaurant/gas station is an orchard and tables in the shade for eating. Whenever I go to the lake with friends and family, we always follow up with a trip to Pops for burgers and unique sodas.

While living in Taiwan my last two years of high school, I visited the palace museum in Taipei. The building itself shows attribute of Chinese architecture, with its swooping rooves and decorated wood beams. The museum holds a collection of treasure and art from when Chinese royalty fled to Taiwan, known then as Formosa (“beautiful island”). The immense size grows even bigger as your walk across the tile path and up the stairs and finally over the courtyard. I enjoyed seeing so many trees and ferns and other greenery. The garden seen on the bottom right of the picture included coy ponds for people to feed fish. Inside the palace, I was intrigued by the detailed art styles and seeing a timeline spanning several hundred years. I felt a great deal of respect for the people that chose to preserve the artifacts and documents.

My last two years of high school were spent in Taiwan. Everyone was so friendly there and I think the layout of the school I attended reflected that. The entrance to the Morrison Academy in Taichung was 30 feet of glass that welcomed visitors and student. There was always someone sitting near the double doors to sign-in people. The set of doors facing the parking lot and the set facing the interior plaza were always kept open and the breeze blew through. Only class rooms and offices were actually inside; every “hallway” was actually outside with a covering. These “hallways” all lead to the plaza so that everyone would pass through the plaza on their way to another part of the campus. Students could sit under the shade of the trees in the plaza for conversation or to relax. It was also a great place for school events. I always felt like the campus was for more than just school and extra-curriculars; The plaza encouraged students and other people to join together in conversation and other activities. I always miss Taiwan and the way it was welcoming like the giant open entrance to Morrison Academy. Many fond memories of sports, projects, parties, and friends.