Built in 1987, the Bonjour Tristesse Apartment building was created for the Berlin International Building Exhibition of 1987. Siza, among other progressive architects, were selected to design the buildings for Berlin after the war and help create a new image for the city. While the housing project was intended to modernize the area, it seems to blend into the Soviet style aesthetic. At first glance, this building seems to blend in to the scene. It doesn’t stand out or pop to the eye. Yet, its oddity creates a mesmerizing experience that leads to uncovering more interesting features.

These salt-water pools were built in 1966 in Leça da Palmeira, Matosinhos, Portugal. At only 26, this project became Siza’s most recognized piece. The entire project consist of two pools, changing rooms and a restaurant and sits within the natural rocks along the coast, leaving the view of the beach completely uninhibited. What makes this site unique is the use of the natural landscape within the project. While the materials are starkly different, the contrast compliments the aesthetic and atmosphere of this piece of art.

The Iberê Camargo Museum is an art museum dedicated to the late Brazilian painter Iberê Camargo. Built in 2003, the museum sits on Guaiba Lake in Porto Alegre. The building consists of three floors with ramps that line the wall and spiral around the perimeter of the interior. Interestingly, upon entering, visitors take an elevator straight to the top of the building where they then walk the ramps downward with access to the art displays. The blend of curves, sharp angles and unironic monotone color draws intrigue and is reminiscent of a building from Tony Hawk Pro Skater.

Built as an office building for an industrial factory, the “Building On The Water” is seen floating In the middle of a lake in Jiangsu, China. This visually stunning building was built in 2014 and is just as remarkable on the inside as it is on the outside. Álvaro Siza was chosen specifically to design the office with the idea a floating building as the basis. Siza recruited Architect Carlos Castanheira to aid in its design. The horseshoe shape is particularly unique and the over-saturation of neutral colors and abstract architecture gives this building a timelessly futuristic feel.

               My mother was born and raised in College Station, Texas before moving to Norman, Oklahoma and meeting my father. After college, they moved back to my father’s hometown: the most famous oilfield haven nobody has ever heard of, Elk City, OK. Needless to say, I spent quite a bit of time traveling to and from the Dallas-Fort Worth area, visiting grandparents and cousins. Dallas could have been one of my earliest observances of art through architecture that I can remember. Namely the Chase Tower.

               The Chase Tower is probably the most unique modern pieces of architecture that I have ever encountered in person. I remember sitting in the backseat of my mom’s Lincoln, cruisin’ down I-35, and wondering if one of those old school biplanes could fly sideways through that hole in the middle.

               The Chase Tower was designed by the famous architects Richard Keating in 1987 and stands 55 stories tall. The tower sits center within the nation’s largest self-contained arts district. This building remains one of my all-time favorite pieces of modern architecture.

The Building – Chase Tower (chasetowerdallas.com)

Just a few years ago I had the pleasure of visiting Austin, Texas. While it wasn’t my first time in the city, it was my first time going downtown and experiencing the tall skyscrapers and modern architecture. The most memorable building that caught my attention was the Frost Bank Tower. Although not the tallest building in Austin, it was the most unique. My first impression was that it looks like an owl as well as a building out of Gotham City.

The building was designed by Duda/Paine Architects and stands 33 stories in the air and was built in 2003. The exterior of the building was awe inspiring but simultaneously let off a very ominous tone. If I was an evil mastermind, this is what imagine my lair to look like. However, after entering the main lobby, that feeling immediately disappeared. While it still maintained this regal atmosphere, it gave off a more comfortable feeling by mixing elements of stone, marble, and brown leather. In fact, it somewhat reminded me of the hotel lobby in the movie Home Alone 2.

Overall, I really enjoyed this building. Rarely am I fascinated by modern architecture but this one really stands out and radiates a wide range of emotions.

One of my most memorable vacations I took as a child with my parents was a trip to Savannah, Georgia. Already in my teens I had a strong interest in history, especially early American history. Savannah is rich with historical remnants as parts of the city date back to the late 1700s. Within the historical district of Savannah community center squares that are surrounded by historic houses.

I think my favorite square was the Chippewa Square. Not only was it the most beautiful as it sits in front of the gothic-styled First Baptist Church but it was actually the iconic bus stop scene for the  Forrest Gump movie. [1]

Many squares contained large statues of Revolutionary War heroes and beautiful water fountains that were located in the middle of the square like a magnificent centerpiece. Many of the houses were federal style and had to meet a strict code of appearance as in all being painted the same and well maintained. Additionally, the entire block is covered in huge willow trees that create such an amazing atmosphere that you just can’t find anywhere else.

[1] Forrest Gump, Savannah: Bench & Filming Locations (gosouthsavannah.com)