This is the Salk Institute, designed by Architect Louis Khan, which is a research institute which looks like it was designed to allow people to focus on their research. This building reminds me of form over function, and a very basic and intentional design, since there don’t seem to be any features that are purely ornamental. The building was designed to be as enduring as possible, that way instead of patching and repairing resources could be put into the actual science that is being researched there. This can be seen through the very basic, (but sturdy, rigid, and enduring), concrete walls. The building also features several labs with large windows, and was designed with the express purpose of letting natural light reach even the lower lab levels. This building is a testament to what architecture can be, simple, elegant, in communion with nature, and enduring with very little upkeep.

The Chiesa di Dio Padre Misericordioso, or Jubilee Church is a structure located in Rome. The unique curved walls of the structure give the viewer a sense of the architectural ambition present. Buildings are commonly defined by their surroundings, and this church was meant to improve a blighted area in this district of Rome. The influence of this structure is intangible when measured in the pride people can feel to know that this wonderful structure acts as a beacon of hope . The nontraditional nature of the church also signals to its visitors that this is a building for the future.

This work of architecture stretches across 110 acres in the Santa Monica mountains in Los Angeles. The campus was designed by Meier and includes several key buildings designed by other architects from different eras. The key emotion one can draw from this complex is awe and amazement.

This courthouse named after the former Supreme Court Judge is in downtown Phoenix, Arizona. Built in a postmodern style it fits in well to its surroundings as well as allows for an eloquent view of the facade of the building.

This building acts as the seat of government for the city of San Jose. Built in a postmodern style in 2002, we can see the trademarks of Meier’s design and influence throughout its forms and construction. This pivot to postmodernism in government building construction signals to outsiders that the city itself aims to be progressive and innovative in their approach to governance.

Here we can see the front of the building at the corner of Elm and Boyd in Norman, Oklahoma. The pointed dome structures of the building add to the unique nature of the building that has been described as “the most recognizable building on the OU campus”. I find the architecture to fit perfectly with the museum’s purpose as a repository for culture and knowledge for the state of Oklahoma.

This project by Thom Mayne and Morphosis was intended to house the health division of Giant Interactive, a video and game company. However, after being built, it better suited the game designers and now serves said purpose. The building is so intricate and spread out that several pictures are needed to see all the views. There is office space dangling over the water as seen in the second image, and the grass-top bridge-looking structures are a unique part of this building as well. The building is beautifully designed, and features incredible lounges and facilities.

Here is a nightime perspective of the Fred Jones Jr Museum. The collection of sculptures outside of the front entrance create a breathtaking experience for new visitors as well as a warm welcome for those frequenting the museum on a regular basis.

Within the interior contains several floors of stunning artwork dating from the early 15th century to modern rotations of visiting artists. The various collections of the museum are rotated on a frequent basis to give visitors different opportunities to appreciate the depth of the collection.

A couple years ago my family went to the Guggenheim Museum in New York. I’m not very into art and the art I saw didn’t do anything to change that. I did like the building though. I like the way it sits like a mushroom on the street corner just as much as I like the inside. While a regular building would have something boring like stairs in order to go from one floor to another, the Guggenheim has one massive spiraling ramp.

You can look at the art in one long go rather than going one way on a floor and then getting lost before accidentally looking at all the same artwork again. It is actually impossible to get lost when your on a ramp because there is only one way to go. For the way I like to experience art, the Guggenheim was perfect. Would go again.