iMedia: Norman Foster

Recently in our class we have been discussing the way shapes have an important part of our environment. We have come to terms with our origins in out modernist growth and realized the facts of our present with the postmodern trend. Our examination of Frank Ghery led to the new understanding of postmodern architecture and how it is becoming a trend in our cities.  Colorcoat, an online article site, had an article called 12 Architects that Changed the World. It talked about the leading architects in the world. The one that caught my eye the most is Norman Foster. He was the developer of the Gherkin, a famous building in london, that has reshaped the image of downtown London. 30 St Mary Axe is the actual name of the gherkin which the majority of the citizens of London don't even know.

The Gherkin can be related to our understanding of light, shape and design in our class. The light of the Gherkin is great because it uses an open floor plan that allows for the maximum light to reach the rooms. Not only is it perfect for our understanding in that sense but it challenges the status quo. The Gherkin was the first major skyscraper introduces to London's skyline. The way it looks like a cigar created a lot of criticism when it was first built. Many british citizens were upset with it, my grandmother included, but now it is one of the most prided buildings. The british have become proud of their new growth in ascetically pleasing skyscrapers and how they are finally leaving the middle ages gothic  building style. There is still criticism of the change but i think that the new age of architectural art is blending well with the british people. The picture to the left is so powerful because it holds three time periods. The old gothic style of the religious nature in England's church. Then there is a postmodern building next to it with the mixture of contemporary and east coast styled architecture as a home complex. And behind those two rises the extreme immensity of the Gherkin. These three time periods, although separate and different, blend together extremely well. This is humanities. The blend of old and new. The mixture of our world to build a society that know from past to present. Our life is a blend of old and new and sometimes change may be difficult. But, usually, it will be better for us. And we must be aware that we can bring a new world and our insight may be difficult but could be greatly appreciated and loved by many. My few cents for the future is that hopefully I won't have to worry about having homework due friday nights.