tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2499096525132034194.post8823989723992296687..comments2024-03-27T03:24:25.140-06:00Comments on Knorr Architecture Blog: Top Ten Works of Architecture (A Personal List)Knorrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16064964991999477963noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2499096525132034194.post-84851597583672269072010-03-08T10:33:26.202-07:002010-03-08T10:33:26.202-07:00Michael, I enjoyed reading your list of top 10 wor...Michael, I enjoyed reading your list of top 10 works of architecture. I'm sure that the list has changed in your career, as my top 10 changes by the week (or so it seems). I can only say I've visited 4 of the 10 you've posted, but I'm proud of those four that they've left a distinct impression (most notably, the Barcelona Pavilion with is beauty in its simplicity).<br /><br />A brief top ten, though it might be a little different from your list and is based solely on the feeling I had in experiencing the space each of the following provided:<br /><br />1. Seattle Public Library. With brilliance in light and an envelope which captures possibilities of spatial angularity, this building reinvents the library and allows surface to come alive with vibrant colors and crazy textures. Words can't do it justice; you'll have to go and check it out (and check out a book while you're at it).<br /><br />2. Chiesa Sullautostrada, or "church of the autostrada," is a truly amazing work of architecture by Giovanni Michelucci in that it epitomizes the art of space. I was shocked as to how experiencing the space within left me truly speechless; an effect which many churches might strive for. In a word, it was moving (and therefore appropriately adjacent to an Italian highway).<br /><br />3. The Kimbell Art Museum. I may be biased in choosing this building as I've had the opportunity to visit this great work since I was very young with several school field trips (both in elementary school and in undegraduate school). That alone should attest to its timelessness.<br /><br />4. Pantheon, Rome. Once again, the beauty of the void is indescribable in words and requires the human experience. Not often can you feel so small, yet so big at once. Its a magical experience (especially when its raining!)<br /><br />5. Pergola solar del Forum, Barcelona. Michael, you would undoubtedly consider this work as a piece of engineering, though I can't help but consider it great architecture as well. It evokes an incredibly strong and sharp movement into the Mediterranean, as if it were about to pounce into the Sea; its a beacon for progressive thought, and the approach toward this structure is like nothing else!<br /><br />6. Barcelona Pavilion. (see above). The materials are seductively simple and worth a return visit.<br /><br />7. The Portuguese National Pavilion, much like both sites in Barcelona, lacks function but more than makes up for it with incredible use of materiality. Simultaneously heavy and light, this building makes you respect architecture and the power of creation. (I know its sounds over-the-top, but that's how I felt when underneath the simple curve).<br /><br />8. Fountainplace, designed by I.M. Pei in Dallas. Not my favorite architect nor my favorite building type (a skyscraper), I think I slowly fell in love with this building during the year's time I stared at it from my office window. A trick of form and color, this building changes so drastically when confronting it from different angles, and I applaud Pei for that simple excitement.<br /><br />9. TWA terminal. (again, look above for a great description). That, and I'm obsessed with airport terminals. So needless to say, this one makes the list for its sheer defiance in airport terminal typology.<br /><br />10. I'd love to insert the Salk Institute here, but I have yet to visit. Or perhaps an alluring piece of sculpitecture by Hadid or Libeskind. As much as I love their work, I have yet to experience enough of them in positive light. I'm still waiting...Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16642154897020622103noreply@blogger.com