In lecture we covered a few different British architects and their works. The first piece of architecture (although it is much more then that) that we discussed was St. Paul's Cathedral. This historic building holds much meaning for the people of London, and it is so important that it is protected. At any time, there are five protected corridor viewpoints of the Cathedral. There may be no buildings that come within about two fingers width of the Cathedral, to preserve this space. Designed by Christopher Wren, the Cathedral was purposefully build so that from a distance, it looked like it was a building above the rest. Bob also mentioned that there are three different grades of listed buildings, Grade I, II*, and II. Grade II*. Buildings are graded according to their architectural, and historical significance and interest. Most buildings are listed, even those that seem miniscule—a barn that was made before 1600 will still be listed, for the mere fact that it was made before 1600.
As for more modern architects, we talked about Richard Rogers who is known for celebrating what makes a building's interior, on it's exterior. He is also marked by using primary colors. Known as “Lord Rogers,” one of his buildings can be found in London at Lloyd's Insurance Market. Another well known architect is Norman Foster, creator of the Great Court in the British Museum, the Millenium Bridge, the Gerkin and much more. On the walking tour we go to see a few of these buildings, which is always fun because it's nice to actually see the things you learn about, immediately after. Going to school to be a teacher, I think talking to kids about architecture is a great idea. Maybe not all of the kids would be particularly interested, but there may be one that will be, and besides that, it is just informative anyway. British architecture may seem far away from the education field, but I think it would be great to show kids where their creativity can take them.
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Its just fascinating to learn and see how the UK protects its historical properties while at the same time allowing for new 'artist' to make their mark. Its this line between the old and the new that you can see in every corner that makes this place so great!! And which i will miss once i go back to the states.
ReplyDeleteThe way Bob and some of our other speakers have talked about St. Paul's is really going to stick with me. That building is so key to London's history both recent and old. The way you talked about the blend of the newer architecture and the older was really respectfully done.
ReplyDeleteThat fact that London is a walking city makes the architecture of London so much more present in the daily life of Londoners. A person can easily walk by a 100 year old building on their way to work, school, or dinner. Just in the four months that I have been here I have had to cross St Paul's and the millennium bridge so many times to get on with my general day to day activities. It is breathtaking every time and instead of being upset at the crowd of tourist I feel very aware of the importance and significance that I always feel that much more appreciative of this wonderful opportunity to be here.
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