architecture preview

A. National Centre for the Performing Arts, China
     1. architect: Paul Andreu
     2. built: december 2001-december 2007 (opened)
     3. where: Beijing, China    
     4. it is open to the public, so I could visit it
     5. $340,053,000 to build
     6. history: This modern building is shrouded in controversy, many people do not appreciate the            
         contemporary architecture and that it should have had traditional Chinese architecture.
     7. I chose this building because I loved how unique it is. The "giant egg" as they call it, is so
         inspiring, with the jade pools surrounding it and the contrast of the two different glasses. The
         reflection of the building in the pools is so magical and inspiring.Even the inside of the theatre
         is so gorgeous.
                          


B. Cubic Houses, Netherlands
     1. architect: Piet Blom
     2. built: 1977 (opened)
     3. where: Rotterdam, Netherlands
     4. most houses are private, but there is a house open to the public for tours.
     5. there is no information on the price to build
     6.  history: The architect chose this odd shape to optimize the limited space for the homes.
     7. I chose these buildings because the odd architecture calls my name. The bright yellow color
         along with the funny shape is so cool to look at. Also, the fact that this idea wasn't made in this
        century is fascinating. It's cool to so that "modern" architecture was beginning in the 70's.
                             


C. Turning Torso, Sweden
     1. architect: Santiago Calatrava
     2. built: February 14, 2001- August 25, 2005 (opened)
     3. where: Malmö, Sweden
     4. It is an office building, but you are allowed to go inside
     5. $272,006,400
     6. The architect was inspired by the shape of twisted cubes to create this building.
     7. I chose the building because the twisted shape is so unique. It has many cool lines and patterns
        draw me to it. The twist of the "backbone" adds to the twisted effect, I really like this design
        style. I think it's so cool that this is the tallest tower in Sweden!
                                                 


D. Atomium, Belgium
     1. architect: Jean Polak, André Polak
     2. built: 1957
     3. where: Brussels, Belgium
     4. It is open to the public, you can even buy tickets for tours.
     5. There is no info for the initial cost but renovations cost around $29,464,760.
     6. history: This structure was built for the 1958 Brussels World Fair.
     7. I chose this structure because the futuristic structure of it is so interesting. I think that it's so
        that it is supposed to represent an iron crystal magnified to this size. The fact that it is so old and
       still standing is a accomplishment on its own. This with the fact that the area around it is so
       beautiful adds to the marvel of this work of art.
                                          


E. Eden project, United Kingdom
    1. architect: Nicholas Grimshaw
    2. built: 1998 - march 17, 2001 (opened)
    3. where: Bodelva, England
    4. These buildings are open to the public. 
    5. $183,983,850
    6. Inside the biodomes are plants from all around the world.
    7. I chose this structure because I genuinely want to visit it. The clean and cool modern
        architecture is so inspiring. Plus, I get to see a bunch of beautiful plants that I wouldn't get to
       normally see. I think the vicinity is so beautiful, I would very much like to go see it.