My first experience with Brutalist architecture was seeing the Southbank centre for the first time, I was immediately drawn to how strange and alien it seemed. Here was a building that proudly showed off its concrete, angular construction. It sat in the same eye line as several of London’s most expensive, and stunning works of architecture. To my untrained eyes it seemed unsightly and blocky, it had the air of an unfinished building, someone had forgotten to paint the thing, or funding had stopped 70% of the way into the construction. I was drawn to it however and although it may have given off an unpolished air, it was clear when looked at closely that every decision was carefully thought out, the exposed concrete conveyed power and functionality, while the repeating sections of the buildings suggested a modular nature – like Lego on a much bigger scale.
In a departure from the usual fare of this blog I will take a look at development projects for London. These are things that may or may not be put into practice or may simply exist as a thought exercise. The inspiration for this post was a visit to the Tate Modern where I wandered into a small side room housing the so-called paper architecture of the late Soviet era. The immateriality and elusiveness of these designs as criticism of socio-political mores of the time eventually became the idea of considering what might count as a utopic use of space in the modern world. The point is not that they should have any functionality but that they should say something about the way we conceptualise idealised spaces or what one might call ‘imagined spaces’.
Something that really fascinates me is what people can do with very small amounts of space. We don’t all live in penthouse apartments and mansions but it is very possible to make a really cool space from almost nothing. I noticed this in particular when I was travelling around Asia and saw some of the tiny rooms and apartments inhabited by students. This triggered a subject of interest which I have since been investigating. Bedrooms are perhaps the most interesting example of space innovation as there are so many components to consider – as are studio apartments.It can seem really stressful finding a way of getting round limited space and if you’re not careful you can feel like you are just living in a cupboard of stuff. Some people find it easier to keep smaller rooms tidy but others just end up swimming their way through piles of clothes and objects to find some vague form of floor space or appearance of carpet.My absolute favourite examples of smart spaces or space innovation are pop up beds or clever cupboards. Things on top of things, things within things – there is such a satisfying feeling when it all fits in oh so neatly. Often, I enjoy looking at a clever space like this much more than a grand and beautiful monument or impressive sky scraper. Beds on top of cupboards or raised above desks are particularly cool, as are smart wardrobes that appear as if from nowhere. Staircases turned into cupboards and draws are a really good use of space. I have seen quite a few genius studio apartments. They really made me think, hey, living in a small room is not as bad as it is made out to be! It doesn’t have to be cramped or depressing.
Dana? How could a gender neutral name screwup a summer of Computer Camp? Well, it seems when you're a pretty boy, computer whiz, and might lead the camp to its first ever summer's end Science Fair it can happen. Did I mention it's girls only? Read on to witness the embarrassments, awkwardness, and misunderstandings. And the deep friendships, brilliant adventures, and heart to hearts. It's certainly not your average, Dana goes to camp a boy, but comes back-- not a boy story. For sure going home he was not the same boy he'd been.
8 year old Cyrus' parents have died, and he's been placed with his temperamental Uncle Kevin James. When his uncle doesn't know what to do; he places him in therapy. Now Dr. Clara Sage has only just graduated. Dealing with a post traumatic stressed mute will be a puzzle.I'm sure she'll figure it out though.
Kayla Newman is a mind fairy. As her powers begin to unfold, she is sent to Alfea to learn control and continue her successful line of ancestors, some of the most famous mind fairies to graduate from Alfea. Unrest makes itself felt on the school grounds as rumors continue to surface of burned ones attempting to penetrate the barrier and enter the school grounds. The teachers refuse to talk to their students about it, but step up training and form joint teams of specialists and fairies. Thus, Kayla and Riven meet each other for the first time, but from the very first moment it is clear that they do not like each other.Riven x OC
Born several years before Maho, Jiro Nishizumi was in line to be the heir of the Nishuzmi Clan. However, he could not partake in Shensha-do due to to being a male. However... His father's connections in Europe provided the perfect training ground for Jiro in the case he could return home and assume the role meant for him, and not Maho...
For all of London's natural variation, we tend to see the same photos of the same buildings and places when looking at photos of city. When you're shooting buildings and places that have been around for a very long time, centuries in some cases, it can be hard to come up with an innovative way to compose your image. Thousands of photographers have taken photos of these famous buildings and so it's unlikely you're going to find a shot that hasn't been done before. Nevertheless, here are some of Trevor McClintock Photography’s favourite subjects in London and some new ways to shoot them.
I am going to let you all know about my OC's from my fanfictions. So far the OC's will be from D. Gray-Man, Bleach, and Naruto. I will also be adding OC's that are available to whoever wants them.
While in the park with Amity, Luz explains to her why the force is so powerful, as she teaches her about Star Wars. Until she sees that she suddenly can use it for real? Part of the Multiversal Nexus short story series.