Futurism (reflection of lesson)

Futurism is an art movement that was founded by Tommaso Marinetti in Italy around 1909 to 1916 and was at the time a concept that was a refreshing change from the constant sentimentalism and romanticism that was commonly involved in art projects and media. This movement was based on progression, more specifically of speed, machines and cities. They were eager about the world they believed was awaiting us all, rather than what the world offered them at the time. The only problem with this movement was that a large portion of those involved in this movement were fascists.

This is a photo of Tommaso Marinetti in a picture that conveys the ideas, styles, and approach that he wanted futurism to lead.

The reason for this was that many of the members wished to overpass the anachronistic liberal parliament in Italy.  To push Italy into the vision of the exciting and new future that awaits them, to excel whilst they still had the chance of being ahead. An example of this vision was Marinettis manifesto that consisted of the bases of futurism, such as speed, technology, and war. His position allowed him to intelligently publish his manifesto on the front page of the most popular and respected newspaper with the memorable quote of " a speeding car is more beautiful than the victory of Samothrace." This was a rather bold thing to say at the same time.  Samothrace was a Greek God, and what this statement represented was to let go of the past, to persuade the readers to understand that with time certain things lose their relevance. To introduce a shift in all the readers perspective. Futurism often consists of rather bold and violent scandals, such as the evenings that were planned by members to lure an audience with food and entertainment, and then later violently assaulted the audience; however in some strange way these attacks seemed to spike the curiosity of the public's interest in the movement.

Marinetti had quite a different perception of art at the time; he had distaste for traditional and political artistic work. He was very drawn to his concept of technology and violence, in addition to this he was so drawn to violent that the futurists themselves opposed political correctness, they encouraged madness, an opposition towards what every day civilians were accustomed to.


This had an evident influence in the artwork as seen here:

The first artists is Umberto Boccioni with his piece known as "simultaneous vision" (1912), this is an example of the common artistic styles found in futurist paintings, such as how the forms are overlapped in a way to capture the forms change in movement and overall motion. You can also see pieces of cubist and expressionist styles with how the forms are broken and spread out. This in technical terms is known as the technique of divisionism which fragments light and colour into dots. What I find interesting about this piece is how the artist shows the beauty in chaos, how Boccioni didn't take a typical approach with dark colours, but showed the truth in chaos. How chaos is a whirlwind of bundled up emotions and forms that can no longer be contained. That all the different colours and emotions start to slowly come together creating a poisonous and unrecognizable presence. The use of divisionism gives the piece a childlike essence with the texture it creates, as if the chaos seeps all the way into the texture of the paint, giving it a shaky and slightly fluid form.  

The next piece is known as "Armoured Train" by Gino Severini in 1915.  This painting is very important as it shows us an insight of the effect of how the futurists glorified war, as around this time was when Italy took part in the first world war, therefore many futurists used this an opportunity to promote their ideals onto the public.  I personally find it strange and quite monstrous to glorify war and yearn for it, more specifically I don't understand why they believed that war was a part of progression, when in fact those who took part in the war truly saw how dehumanizing and disgusting it was, in addition to this most of the futurists who took part in the war died in the war. Despite this, what I like about the painting is how the choice of bright colours contrasts against the topic of the painting, more specifically how blue is a colour that symbolizes peace and a sense of tranquility, when in fact it is the colours of the soldiers who are almost making a cross like symbol. What this could possibly mean is that to Severini violence and war was almost a call from god, however what this also could mean is how war and violence itself is an illusion, a manipulation at its finest. How war doesn't declare peace, all it does is slaughter mankind. This is what I like about this painting, how it is able to transfigure to fit many different opinions and perspectives, ultimately challenging the mind to objectively look at war, to see how people both justify and argue against it.

The next piece is known as a "sculptural construction of noise and speed" by Giacomo Balla (1915) which consisted of aluminium and steel being painted on wood. One of the defining traits of futurist art was that the sculptures always had a heightened sense of mystery and meaning, as if they were always one step ahead of the mind. What this did was attract even more attention to the art form, as people can never accept a question without an answer. Its three dimensional element allowed it to interact and challenge the users visual understanding directly. Perhaps this is the strongest reflection of futurism as a movement as what this reflects is how sharp their ideas and motives always were, they were never discreet, they were never shy, they were always trying to break out of the mould that they felt was trapping man’s ideals intelligence, and overall progression. Despite this, what this also shows is its biggest flaw, progression itself is a flow of movement, and bulks don't flow, all they do is slow down the progression with a heavier weight. They were able to progress, but not with the potential that their ideas had as it was their ideals that destroyed them in the end. 

Overall I really enjoyed looking at this movement as it really challenged my own way of thinking, it's just really interesting to see the many ways in which mankind itself over the years responds to different situations, and how interestingly we seem to rarely change over the years with how we wish to sell our ideas and make them grow. Maybe that's what progression really is, one whole circle that goes round and round. The only difference being that we just notice more things the more we go round. This relates to my theme and project proposal as it really showed me an insight into the theme deconstruction and reconstruction itself. How even ideas themselves are mentally pulled apart and back together again, that it’s more than what we just visually see. It also gave an insight to the way in which certain individuals think; more specifically how my beliefs concerning my ideas may possibly clash with others.

Visiting North Greenwich

My next trip was to North Greenwich, this is an area that I have visited many times before and thus I am very familiar with the environment and the surrounding architecture. The area is one that I am very fond of as the architecture is spaced in a way that makes the individual feel as if they can breathe and just take a break away from everything when in this area. 

Here are the pictures.

From this picture you can see the wide space that is left for individuals to walk and explore, this may seem like a simple element, but I've noticed that in many areas the architecture is more often then not squashed into a space. People may not know but this can have a very big influence and impact on your behavior, in addition to this areas where architecture is squashed often leaves me feeling quite dizzy as I don't feel as if I have space to breathe. This also badly affects the architectures overall visual engagement and interaction as the individuals eyes are often rushed to look at the building, not giving the individual time to interact and explore the buildings elements and aesthetical features. This also encourages individuals to ignore the buildings presence and features (when in a tight space) as they are often focused on certain places and areas. A wide space can also encourage an individual to think fondly of a building, as they relate it to a place where they have an calmer peace of mind. 

What I loved about this building was how beautiful and yet so simple the texture of this building was, what I thought made it so successful was that the eyes excitedly follow the direction of the wave it creates, as if it illusions the eyes. The wave made me think of a sound wave, as if the building sought to visualize to use what the eye cannot see, the many processes and reactions that happen without our notice, such as the simple movement of air, more specifically how we can feel it but not see it. To empower ones awareness of their senses, which individuals naturally tend to enjoy and are greatly interested in, as it includes understanding more about yourself and the wonder of the world. I also liked how it carries the mind into a daydream-like state of mind, as if it encourages the mind to resemble its state of flow. As it made me think back to the simple state of mind one enters when inside a tunnel, how everything seems quieter and just strangely a lot simpler then you thought it was. This being used as a shelter just highlights this feature. 

What I really liked about this structure is that it strangely just makes one smile, exciting and interacting with  the mind in a playful way. Its repetitive pattern is somehow able to relax the mind and encourage it to strategically interact with its surroundings.  

This was the O2. My personal opinion on the exterior of the building is that its overshadowed by too many different structures and elements being in the way of the building, which stops the individual from fully visualizing and interacting with the building. My favourite element of the O2 are the spikes that come out from every angle, as it gives the building a defiant presence, of one that has a soft but sharp exterior. Almost like a turtle, slow but sure in every single step that it takes. What I also love about this feature is that it uses the sky to further highlight and individually characterize its spatial presence and impact, furthermore giving the building a more iconic aesthetical form that makes it more memorable to each individual, to the extent that just by seeing a single feature they will immediately recognize what structure it belongs to.

Overall this visit was very refreshing to the mind, it relates to my theme and project proposal as in comparison to my past visits, it shows the impact of contemporary architecture and the contrast between the two themes of historical and modern architecture and the effect this has on space. This made me reflect upon the decision of my sketch up models and the style I believe would be the best to not only support the linguistic philosophy, but to also have the strongest and most effective impact on space. 

German Expressionism (Reflection of lesson)

German expressionism was a cultural art movement that began around 1910 to 1940, the movement originally consisted of literature and art that viewed experiences in a subjective view.  The purpose of this was to emphasise an emotional response from the user and to highlight different moods in different variations with the use of artistic expression. The artists who were involved in this movement saw it as an extension of defining what the value of being life was, more specifically what was its purpose, and to ultimately examine how this search for a purpose affects our individual lives and perspective day to day.

The painting known as the scream (made in 1893) by Edward Munch was a massive inspiration to the artists that later led on the expressionist movement, the early influence is evident with the way the colours are distorted to provide an emotional experience rather then a physical reality.

Expressionism was an avant garde movement that started before the first world war in Germany, and maintained its popularity even after the spread of the movement. The movements essential themes of literature and art was now extended to all expressive forms such as film, architecture, and even music. This however was targeted by one other rising culture which was the Weimer culture that was a result of the Germans loss in the first world war, that was highly influenced and enlarged by 1933, as a result of Hitler and his recent rise towards power and authority.

This did not however stop the expressionists from creating as their hearts desired, here are artists who are well known for their involvement with the expressionist style.

The first artist is Franz Marc with his piece "fighting forms" that was made in 1914, this is a brilliant example of how the emotional essence and impact of the piece was prioritized over the aesthetical feature of the piece. The piece itself is not only poetic and almost theatrical, but has a very clear purpose which I think is a very fine way of storytelling with the use of artistic forms. The user is already able to identify that the piece is based on two opposing forms, which is most likely similar to the idea of good vs evil. I personally see it as the reflection of an artists soul, of how the burning flame of passion and love is always clashing against the agonizing chaotic black hole that yearns for destruction and despair. 

There were also groups of individual expressionist artists that came together to share their passion and creativity,  One of the most popular groups is known as Die Brucke that formed in 1905, their focus was mostly on primitive art that  is influenced from prehistoric and non-western art work. Despite the dark colours often seen in expressionist work, Die Brucke expressed emotion through bright colours that was a very non-naturalistic response. This is one of the things that made Die Brucke so popular, despite this the group still stuck to precious traditional art styles such as being against abstraction and sticking to very revealing poses and forms. What I like about this in comparison to Franz Marcs work is that it shows how to express an emotional value doesn't necessarily have to be done with the typical dark colours and themes. 

This is a piece known as "the prophet" (1912) by Emil Nolde, what I love about this piece is how you can physically feel the individuals pain and sorrow through more then just their facial expression. The contrast makes it seem as if the individual is almost drowning in all the pain, slowly diving deeper and deeper into their own emotions until soon they will become unrecognizable. I think this is one of the best examples of the power of the expressionist style, to allow the user to emphasize with the individual in the portrait in such a personal way. To open up their minds into what hides behind an individuals facial expression. 

This is a piece known as composition VII (1913)  by one of my favourite artists Wassily Kandinsky. Kandinsky is commonly known for beginning and introducing the very first of abstract works. His own style was known as Synesthesia, which was expressing the link between ones own senses and ones own visual perception of art. What I admire so much about Kandinsky is how he made a language based out of geometric forms and colours, for instance how a circle was a representation of a peaceful and complete form representing the depth of the human soul. He also made links between musical theory, for instance how the colour yellow was the representation of the musical note C on a piano. His way of working is one that can never be repeated in the same beautiful and concise way ever again, His work is very influential to me, mainly because his way of understanding and relating shapes is something I find very interesting, especially as I am interested in architecture. How geometry has a universal meaning to us as individuals, more specifically how I feel as if there is a hidden language of communication beneath it all which isn't experimented and identified with as much as it should be. The power of visual communication which isn't being used to its full potential. 

Overall what I really like about this is how a movement brings out many approaches and responses, creating an overall progression into something more, something undefinable.  I most definitely agree with this style of expression, more specifically how a paintings power isn't with its detail, but in how it makes you feel, how the colours and shapes have the power to touch the very core of your soul. This links with my theme and project proposal as it is an example of what I am testing (the linguistic philosophy), of the impact and influence shapes, forms, and col

ours can have when done in unification and with ones own heart and soul. To create a sanctuary for ones soul to escape to for refuge, peace, and salvation. As a design without emotional value or relation to me is not in any way a successful or meaningful design.

Visiting The Crystal

My visit to the crystal was part of a class trip, I have never visited the crystal before so I was excited to see what it could be about. The architecture was beautiful from the start of the journey to the end.

Here are the pictures:

This was a building in construction that we saw whilst walking to the crystal,I thought this building was beautiful and the construction lines and planning only enhanced its aesthetical form and spatial presence. I wandered what it would be like if buildings took on this form as their final finish and how that would affect architecture as a whole. To have "unfinished" buildings as a way to combat the way society presents the "right" and "perfect" image consistently in all medias. To praise an image of truth, of how we as individuals naturally are rather then by who we are expected to be. This way of thinking also made me realize one of the many ways architecture can be used to create (visual) impact, more specifically the wide influence architecture really has. I expect this building to be a success with its final product, as with just its construction form it has impacted my train of thought and encouraged me to reflect upon my surroundings and its impact. 

This was the building of "The Crystal". The building was beautiful and spatially communicated really well with its surroundings from the style of the architecture (which followed the same style of the surrounding architecture)  to the rhythm created by the forms contrasting shapes which reinforced and empahsised its visual engagement and interaction to the civilians nearby. The buildings overall aesthetical form and shape also complimented its surroundings really well, in addition to this the buildings exterior and surroundings (green grass) also linked very well with the purpose of the building which was of sustainability and creating a greener, safer, and overall better environment for all in the near future. The two colours green and blue were very effective in luring individuals in with its soft presence but then trapping their attention with its strong exterior. It also made the building seem as if it was a part of its own dimension, as the floors nearby were all made of concrete, I liked this element as it gave the building its own individuality. An element that will encourage those visiting and seeing it to remember it.

Next was the interior of the building, here are the pictures.

The interior of the building did the exterior of the structure justice as it interacted well with the user, as it felt as if you were visually exploring and playing with they structure, in addition to this I also really liked the way the architect used the what formed the base of the exterior of the building to become part of the main features of the interior of the building. This also linked again with the purpose of the building, making a statement of sustainability, how less can be made into more, and create more of an effective and enjoyable experience, maintaining a minimalistic style. 

Next we were exploring through the exhibition of the crystal, here are the pictures. 

This was just a model of the building with its surrounding environment, however the reason that I really liked it was because it made me realize what I wanted my final model to be, more specifically how I wanted it to look like and its overall quality. It made me reflect upon how when great care is taken to make something, it always shows in the finish of the piece, in addition to this I also set up a target for myself that with my own model I will aim to attain a similar finish and quality.  This also gave me an insight into how architectural model making and planning goes, more specifically how with the addition of one new building, an architect must see how this affects a whole entire area/city, not just the space that surrounds it. To see how it affects the city's overall skyline (if it contributes towards it), if it ruins the visual flow of the whole of the area, and if so how to change that. To examine its spatial value and contribution 

This was talking about the possible future of architecture  and ways in which architecture can communicate with nature, but also how it can be combined with technology and our everyday lives. I personally have mixed views about this as I believe that we need to let go of this ideology that technology leads the way to the future. Technology is amazing and will always be relevant, but because of this we have stuck with the same concept of how our future should be, not excelling our creativity for other possible concepts and inventions. I think its time to begin a new idea, more specifically a new concept of what the future can be. It's more of a factor now of what it needs to be for us as consumers to be more responsible for our waste, and I just don't personally feel as if the idea I was presented with is what it should be.  I believe we can do better to lead a new area of what tomorrow should and most definitely can be. 

This was a selection of videos talking about topics that relate to the themes that were part of the exhibition, I chose to listen to the Daniel Libeskind video as he was one of the architects involved in the deconstructionist architectural movement. In the video he explains his perspective of cities, sustainability and the overall theory behind it. What I liked about the video was that his way of speaking about it really made me see the beauty of cities and the architecture behind it. As when he talks about it, he doesn't unnecessarily over-complicate it but simply explains both the magic behind it, but also the purpose of it all and how how to succeed with it.

We then took the cable car to North Greenwich, here are the pictures. 

The cable car ride was a lot of fun, however it was quite a challenge for me as I have a history of a fear of heights, regardless it was a wonderful experience and I'm glad I had the opportunity to take it. The view reminded me of the view from the top of St Paul's Cathedral, however with this view I was able to experience more of an insight of the spatial navigation and presence of the architecture in the area. It was also interesting to see the slight change in the buildings shape and form from one area to another, as if each area has a very distinct change that reflects the area and the people living in it.

Officially leaving the area of the crystal. 

Arriving at North Greenwich 

Overall the trip was very exciting and enjoyable, it related to my theme and my project proposal as it widened my understanding of a buildings lifestyle, and the importance of its sustainability for both ourselves as consumers and for the safety of the environment we live in. It made me question on what change we can attempt to make to create major improvements in sustainability. That effective sustainability is the future of design. 

Visiting Portland Street

My visit to Portland street was essentially planned to be a joint visit based mainly on the RIBA library and exhibition (that was located in Portland street), however I was unable to find it and therefore centered the visit only on the street. Unfortunately it also rained so I had to rush my visit and wasn't able to take as many photographs as I liked. 

Here are the pictures of the street

This was the first building that caught my attention and already I am able to understand the spatial and structural planning that has gone into the street to create a certain style, What caught my attention was that combination of the colour of the building and the window style that created an almost vintage effect. The advantage of this style is that it allows the building to have an aesthetical multi-functional use which suits the everyday structural purposes of the street, such as being able to work well with the homes that were nearby, but also the style of the educational places. What I like about this building is how it softly blends in with the surrounding environment, not straining the eyes in any way, It interacts beautifully with the environment, for instance an increase in sunlight emphasises the contrast between the two colours and gives it a graceful shine, that encourages one to continue exploring and reminds them to look up and not just focus on architecture that is facing  their eye level.  

This was another building I saw that I really liked, despite its common building style I liked the way that the use of line was used throughout the building to create a rhythmic repetition that enhanced the visual interaction with the texture.  I also liked the way the buildings com-positional factors emphasised its three dimensional depth and change in shape. In addition to this I liked how the building unified different architectural styles into one whole form, this enhanced its spatial presence with users that are passing by. The only disadvantage is that with the streets architecture it can seem a bit repetitive, not highlighting the buildings main aesthetical features but overshadowing it, as it all starts to seem bland to the eye after a while. A building that when seen once can easily be ignored by daily users. 

What I liked about this building the most is that it acted as a checkpoint for the area, helping me to understand where I was and weather I was exploring in the right direction, because of this  I grew quite fond of this building as it was very helpful to me. This made me realize the wide variety in which a building can communicate and interact with users, but also the ways in which buildings can impact a users perception towards it. How a building can be manipulated in ways to encourage the user to target the building with positive feelings. The building was also designed well and had an aesthetically pleasant form that was also spatially designed in an intelligent way, to fit a small space but still create the illusion of an increase in space. 

Overall this visit was very resourceful as it gave me an insight into the architectural approach to the streets and the slow change that happens from where people live to the areas near stations and shops. It relates to my theme of deconstruction and reconstruction and my project proposal as it widened my understanding of the importance of spatial navigation and presence through architecture, more specifically how that can be used to empower a designs influence and purpose in an environment.     

Visiting The British Museum (High Holborn)

My next location visit was the British museum, I have visited the British museum quiet a few times but have never really gotten the chance to explore the features and elements of the building in detail. To get to the British museum I had to visit the street high Holborn, I was too focused on arriving that I didn't really take a detailed notice of the architecture whilst getting here. Upon arriving at the location I as greeted by the exterior of the building. 

Here are pictures of the exterior of the building.

What I like about the exterior of the building is how its style is linked well with the theme and purpose of the building, as already if an individual knew nothing about this building, just by its features they could assume its linked with traditional and historical themes. What I also like about the exterior of the building is how the space is spread out, making it a space where many individuals are able to relax and enjoy the environment. The wide amount of space is also used effectively to emphasise the buildings presence, and change of surroundings with its spatial elements, from the way the space changes from being open to being vertically crossed with the arches. The open space surrounding the building also empowers a sense of excitement when getting closer and closer to a building, as if it takes you back (as an individual) to the way the surroundings were in historical and classical times.

In this picture you can really see how the building both opens up a space for users to reside whilst also slowly drawing them inside the building and encouraging them to explore the exterior features of the building. What I really like is how the change in movement and perspective highlights the change in shape , further emphasising the depth of the building whilst also giving the building an extended sense of character 

Now that I analysed the exterior of the building, it was time to analyse the interior of the building and to interpret whether the two have worked together to compliment one another features, or have done the opposite. Here are the pictures.

This was the highlight of the interior features as it was the most beautiful, inspiring, but also the most powerful. What I like about this is how its features were intelligently unified with the elements of the sky and the metaphorical purpose and value of that to us as individuals. What simply looking up to the sky means to each individual. How it is often associated with dreams and ones eagerness to live and to prosper. It uses the clear blue colour to emphasise the clear association with the sky, and uses a silver to softly form a contrast that emphasises the brightness and presence of the blue. The colour of the surrounding atmosphere is also soft and clear to further highlight and empower the blues effect to the extent that each feature directs your attention straight to the ceiling. 

Here you can see more clearly how the pattern interacts with the surroundings, what I also find effective is the pattern as the design makes me think of stardust and the theme of astrology, as if when entering the building it is transporting us back to the past , once again creating a clear link towards the historical theme of the building (being a museum). This also compliments the exterior of the building, making the individual feel as if they are experiencing an essence of the past.

Here you can also see how the design experiments with perspective as it creates the illusion of a change in perspective and movement, as if the building itself is moving and continually shifting without our awareness. This again relates back to the sky and our own world, but more specifically the concept of time. How we possibly barricade our own possibilities with the ideology of time and not having enough time, how we stress ourselves out with age and not having the ideal achievements by the time when we all have our own individual and different roads. How we lock ourselves within one dimension with the solid belief that all we see is all that could possibly exist. 

This is why I think this is an amazing design as it not only captures your attention but it makes one think, it encourages one to think outside of what they see, to explore beyond what they can reach. To push past both societies and mans limits.

Overall I really enjoyed this visit and it was very inspirational, it linked with the aim of my project proposal of the linguistic philosophy as the ceiling design is one that I felt interacted well with the linguistic philosophy and is a fine example of the way the linguistic philosophy can be used in correlation with design, and to extend a designs overall form, structure, and engagement with its users, The design is also a good example of how to successfully carry out a design in contact with the linguistic philosophy.

Visiting St Paul's Cathedral

The first location visit I chose was St Pauls Cathedral, this was because first and foremost this was a building that I'd wanted to visit for quite a long time, but it was also a good start for my theme deconstruction and reconstruction as the building itself has been modified multiple times over the years. This would also be a good experience to help me evaluate how a change in architectural style (and material change) can impact a space.

To get to St Pauls I had to first travel to the station 'Mansion House' and the area was a beautiful landmark as it consisted of modern buildings, buildings in construction, and traditional buildings. Therefore I was able to see how these architectural styles can complement other buildings features, overshadow certain features, but most of all how it impacted the individual’s perception of space. For instance, weather I felt comfortable with the space, or that (with all the styles) I felt it was overbearing and made me feel as if the space was squashed and isolated.

Here are some of the buildings I saw

This building was the most visually eye catching out of the current three, I strangely found the part of the building that was in-construction to be more visually exciting, as the structure lines that were holding it together formed a diagonal repetition that was very intriguing. It helped me think and raised my awareness of the work that goes into creating a building as it’s quite bizarre to think how it gets to its final form, but also the beauty of construction, and a building that is slowly becoming. The beauty (or magic) of the growth that a building possesses as it slowly nears its completion. This also contrasted well with the part of the building that consisted of squares minimised in size and then overlapped, creating juxtaposition between the two forms. The only thing I didn't like was that the building wasn't given enough space to show itself off, to allow users to take in and understand its features whilst on their journey.  It's also quite a risk to have a building so close to the road (especially of that material) as a car can easily run into it and heavily damage the building and users inside. It also makes the space around it seem small, and squashed together. 

What I adored about this building is that it was simple but effective in its style, structure, and the space it occupied. Its structure was hard to ignore, and the building was styled in a way that seemed to invite you to visit and explore its features. The design consisted of two angles that contrasted one another softly to point at two different directions. In comparison with the previous design, what made this design stronger was that it was given the space to fully define its presence, however the design could possibly be extended and developed further with other measurements, such as its size, or perhaps be connected to another (similar) bigger structure. 

This was a more traditional styled building that I came across and I found the repetition of the buildings features and elements to be beautiful, the building catches your attention swiftly and guides you to explore its features softly. What emphasised its presence was that its surrounding space complimented its structure, colour, material texture and form. It's movement in combination with the the change in the roads movement made it feel as if the building was flowing with you.

I then took a chance to look around the exterior of St Paul's Cathedral and the environment surrounding it (any added structures or forms). Here is what I saw.

The exterior of the building was beautiful, the buildings spatial presence was defiant, as if  the space rightfully belonged to the building. What I found interesting was how (with the buildings placement) it seemed to create a whole different environment and atmosphere on its own, that contrasted greatly against the modern building seen around the area and the busy atmosphere surrounding it. It was as if time stood still and decided to leave a space in remembrance of what this building has experienced and gone through. That it will always remain as London iconic landmark, and a sign of the cities strength. This made me reflect upon how history impacts architecture, and how like all else, with time it only grows more powerful and beautiful. 

I admired how the nature was altered and added with the exterior of the building in such a simple way that the user can feel the delicacy of the combination. It gave the building a more humanistic value, a touch of sensitivity that encouraged the user to connect with the buildings spatially and spiritually. 

This was a structure I saw that immediately took my interest; it was just part of the decorative nature setup around the exterior of the building. It was so simple yet so effective and beautiful, the designs curve added to the atmospheres relaxing and peaceful essence.

I then went to visit the building, I wasn't allowed to take pictures inside the building, but I was allowed to take pictures when at the top of the cathedral which was capturing London’s skyline. My experience with the interior of the building was that it was absolutely wonderful, from the perspective drawings to the care taken with the decorative features inside the building. It made me reflect upon how care needs to be taken with every small detail, more specifically by not labelling anything as insignificant with design, the results given are extraordinary. The only thing I disliked was the tiled floor which I felt disturbed the flow of everything else inside the building; it was just aesthetically unpleasing and distracting to the eye. 

I then went to visit the top of the cathedral to view London's skyline, here are the pictures: 

My experience with the view (skyline) was that it was something you never wanted to stop looking at; it was somehow soft to look at with the eye. It was strange to see how small the people looked in comparison to the buildings, furthermore also seeing the top of many buildings when I'm used to seeing the front. Despite this I felt that the architecture wasn't matching the potential it could reach, the colours were too plain, too bland. There was something missing. I felt as if there was room for excitement, for architecture that can make the city glow and light up, to make those living nearby feel the energy and wonderment in architecture. To leave someone in awe when looking upon it. 

Overall I really enjoyed this visit and am hoping to visit again to look into the features and elements in more details, as with this first visit I was too excited to see the whole building and eager to do it before it would close. In relation with the theme deconstruction and reconstruction and my project proposal it allowed me to understand how a historical presence can affect an atmosphere and heighten an experience with a building. It also made me understand how the planning of a buildings communication with space (its spatial presence) can impact the users overall perception and liking of the building. How those who are busy communicate well with short areas of space as it feels like a choice that would  save time on their busy day, whilst those visiting would prefer areas with more open space, in order to take time to explore the area.