The unofficial blog for: Introduction to Architecture, ARCH 120, Fall 2008 Johnson County Community College Business and Technology Division Architecture Program

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

monday video

I like Lin's ecliptic ice rink especially in nighttime.  The rings create an optical illusion of movement and depth supporting by the effect of the sparkling light makes it appears like a constellation of the sky in the earth.  Circle as a shape of the ice rink represents eternity or heaven might mean this park will last forever with its heaven's pleasure.  Instead of bringing the sculpture into the site, she redesign the whole landscape become functional by exploring the possibility of any activities in the park.  Overall the park looks gorgeous.

Monday, August 25, 2008

Art video response

I was by far the most influenced by James Turrel. I felt that out of all the artists/architects in the video, he was the only taking a risk by creating something that most people might not understand or appreciate. I didn't really understand the value or purpose of this piece of architecture myself, but he saw and still sees a vision of what it could to make people's lives a little more enjoyable. Most artist's work isn't really appreciated until many years after it is created; and I think this piece may be the same case. (if it is ever completed)

Sunday, August 24, 2008

James Turrell Skyscape Pomona College

This exhibition illustrates space, color, shape while blending into the environment. You can see through the top and look at the sky while relaxing at the same time it has an open feel to it even though it is located between buildings. James uses different lighting effects. It also provides seating area surrounded by trees for a peaceful feel.

Mondays Art 21 Video


Out of all the artists that we watched on Monday the one that i liked the most was Maya Lin. I liked how she wanted to design something that people could interact with, rather than just a statue or sculpture that people could only look at. I like how she takes her love of art and her love for architecture and combines them both into her work. She wants people to enjoy her work not only by looking at but also being a part of it, like she did with the ecliptic skating rink.

Art: 21 Video

After viewing this video, I would have to say Maya Lin intrigued me the most out of all of the artists featured. She took the concepts of Art and Architecture, and combined them in a way that allowed the city of Grand Rapids to interact with the art, rather than merely observe it. She wanted to help reinvent the area by bringing life and color to a part of town that lacked these elements. By creating an outdoor ice skating rink that people could interact with, as opposed to simply a sculpture / piece of art, a new sense of life has been injected into an area of Grand Rapids that had previously been neglected.

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Video response from Monday

The architect/artist I liked best from the videos we watched on Monday was Maya Lin. While part of the reason could be that I love skating and she was designing a (really cool) skating rink, I also liked that she has been able to make a living of doing what she wants on her own terms. She wanted to be both an artist and an architect and she has successfully made a living of combining the two and living the true definition of an architect. Lin knows that, as an artist, she needs to create a work of art that people will want to see on an everyday basis. However, she also knows that, as an architect, she needs to design something that will be functional and solve the problem at hand.

art:21 excerpts from 08.18.08 class

art:21 art in the twenty-first century


Laurie Anderson
"Place" introduction

Artist: Richard Serra
New York City Studio
“Torqued Ellipses”
Making “Charlie Brown”
“Charlie Brown”

Artist: James Turrell
Outside “Roden Crater”
Inside “Roden Crater”
“Friends Meeting House”
“The Light Inside”

Artist: Maya Lin
“Ecliptic” Ice Rink
“Avalanche” Sculpture
Making Atlas Sculptures
Architecture & Memorials