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.
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