This horseshoe design is a very fitting, but modern addition to Oklahoma State’s campus. I went to OSU fall of 2018, the first year of classes in this building. The front features tall, beautiful columns and a gorgeous balcony with this view of campus:

I know, not the best view in the world, but it is something for Stillwater. Also, the inside is high-tech full of glass and modern architecture.

During my time at Oklahoma State, I thought this to be the greatest piece of architecture there. I’m no longer a business major, but I still think it is a phenomenal building that is worth a visit if you ever find yourself nearby.

The Luis Carlos Prestes Memorial was one of Oscar Niemeyer’s last designs, finished in 2013, and is located in Porto Alegre, Brazil. The structure is a tribute to Captain Luis Carlos Prestes, who is revered as a hero in Brazilian history for leading a rebellion to overthrow a dictatorship ruining the country in 1924. The design is complete with statues honoring Prestes, and inside different artifacts, photography, art, and stories highlight Prestes’ cultural importance. This significance is what Niemeyer wanted to illustrate in this design. (https://www.inspirock.com/brazil/palmas/memorial-luis-carlos-prestes-a691750583)

The  Palácio da Alvorada serves as the home of Brazil’s President, and was designed by Oscar Niemeyer. The structure is very similar to that of the Supreme Court of Brazil’s design (also designed by Niemeyer), and was finished in 1958. It’s modernist style uses the columns and curvature to portray a playful yet sophisticated landmark. The building has three levels, complete with a movie theater, a heliport, a library, a banquet hall, a chapel, a medical center, and much more. Niemeyer wanted to build a palace fit for a ruler, while still using his architectural influences. Here, the President of Brazil can carry on with their stately duties while their family is close by on different floors yet still safe. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palácio_da_Alvorada)

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.

The Cathedral of Brasília was designed by Oscar Niemeyer and currently serves as the head of the Archdiocese in Brasília within the Catholic church. The structural shape of the church is called a ” hyperboloid ” shape due to the extension of the columns. Most of the church inside is underground, so it is far bigger than it seems to be (like an iceberg almost). The building is also encompassed by a pool which must be walked over before going into the cathedral. The church definitely displays the futuristic architectural style that Niemeyer often used. (https://www.architecturaldigest.com/gallery/stunning-modern-architecture-oscar-niemeyer)

The Oscar Niemeyer International Cultural Centre was finished recently, in 2011, and is located in Aviles, Spain. There are 5 buildings composing the entire structure, consisting of: a colorful concert-seating area making up an auditorium, a dome which houses exhibits, a tower made for looking out at the land around the compound complete with a corkscrew staircase, a larger building with a cafe, a movie theater, and a shop, and an area that Niemeyer said was for “education, culture, and peace”. The odd curves and designs speak to Niemeyer’s architectural style. (https://www.architecturaldigest.com/gallery/stunning-modern-architecture-oscar-niemeyer)

I tried to find a picture that does this building justice. Driving past it on the way to Texas is one thing: its sheer length, beautiful columns, and different architecture styles from throughout the world really catch the eye. However, going inside and experiencing its size is a whole other thing. This is the largest casino in the world (yes, THE WHOLE WORLD) and it is right here on the OK/TX state line. The lobby is beautiful with chandeliers and lights, and the casino is incredible to walk through. In two visits, I still haven’t seen the whole thing. The building is divided into 8 parts, each representing a different destination throughout the world (Beijing, Vienna, and Cairo to name a few). Its intent to develop a world-wide experience can be seen by the above image. The far left reminds me of pictures of London, and the middle looks like the Coliseum. This building has always intrigued me, and it is sure to surprise you if you’ve never visited.

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.

The Royal Exchange in London England first opened up back in 1571. The Royal Exchange is known as London’s first purpose-built centre for trading stocks. The original design for the building was inspired by the Antwerp Bourse, the world’s first purpose-built bourse, or stock exchange. Since its opening, The Royal Exchange has twice been burned down and now operates mainly as a luxury shopping and dining destination.

I had the opportunity to visit The Royal Exchange last summer studying abroad and it was amazing to see, although I only saw it from the outside. I really like the pediment sculpture on the top of The Riyal Exchange, which includes a quote from the Bible “The Earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof”.