The Castle Museum of Saginaw County History’s Post

Reflecting on my recent visit to the Van Gogh exhibition through the lens of an architect 🌻 As an architect, I'm constantly inspired by the intersection of art and design, seeking creativity in all its forms. So, when I had the chance to immerse myself in the world of Vincent Van Gogh's art at a recent exhibition, I couldn't pass up the opportunity. Walking through the gallery, I found myself drawn not only to Van Gogh's mesmerizing brushstrokes but also to the architectural elements within his compositions. His use of perspective, light, and space captivated me, offering a new lens through which to appreciate his work. One particular aspect that resonated with me was Van Gogh's depiction of buildings and landscapes. Through his bold use of color and texture, he brought these architectural forms to life, infusing them with a sense of dynamism and emotion that transcends mere representation. As an architect, I couldn't help but admire Van Gogh's ability to capture the essence of his subjects with such depth and intensity. His paintings serve as a reminder of the power of design to evoke emotion and create meaningful experiences for those who inhabit or interact with our built environment. Leaving the exhibition, I felt not only inspired but also reaffirmed in my belief in the profound connection between art and architecture. Van Gogh's legacy reminds us that creativity knows no bounds and that true beauty lies in the ability to express oneself authentically, regardless of the medium. If you're an architect or design enthusiast like myself, I encourage you to seek out opportunities to explore art beyond your usual scope. You never know what new insights and inspiration you might discover along the way. #VanGogh #ArtandArchitecture #ArchitectsInspiration #ArtisticPerspective #LinkedInPost 🎨🌻

Because Public Art is Important and we all care about it. It's a civilizing influence and common sense. #thewrap #artnews https://lnkd.in/gHB8Abhr "... poignant, ephemeral, mystical, and optically deceptive — these are just some of the words used to describe the most striking public art interventions of 2023. Visionaries like MAD Architects‘ Ma Yansong, Jim Denevan, Anish Kapoor, and el Anatsui shook up the art scene, magnifying their creative genius by transforming seemingly ordinary elements into extraordinarily poetic and show-stopping installations. Whether to celebrate the natural world, breathe new life into derelict architecture, or comment on the tragedy of human realities, each of these artworks emblematize the incredible power of manipulating scale, material, and shape to craft unforgettable masterpieces."

#NewArticle The palace of Charles V in the Alhambra: graphic analysis of the ‘large plan’ (circa 1532) Antonio Gámiz-Gordo & Antonio-Jesús García-Ortega  Around 1526, Emperor Charles V decided to build a new Renaissance palace in addition to the Nasrid palaces in the Alhambra of Granada, a monumental site currently included in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) World Heritage List. In that period, a large floor plan, which is preserved today at the Library of the Royal Palace of Madrid, was drawn to represent the building and its surroundings. Although this anonymous drawing has attracted considerable historiographic interest, a study of the graphical aspects analysed here, namely, paper assemblage, drawing technique, representation system, metrology, graphical scale, dimensioning, and labelling, is lacking. To accomplish this analysis, the original document was carefully examined and digitalised with high definition. This process allowed a comprehensive graphic analysis, utilising other drawings from the same period as a comparative reference and studying for the first time the major characteristics of one of the most relevant architectural drawings of the 16th century. https://lnkd.in/gMvGD_-G

In Andratx, Serra de Tramuntana, Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain, what was once the largest chicken farm in the island chain, has adapted and been repurposed into an art gallery and cultural center. The original chicken coops on the property were converted to an art gallery, studios for visiting artists, and a theater. The main house on the property, which is over 300 years old, has been recently restored to be rused again as a space for visitors to stay as well as an office to oversee everyday activities on the property. The primary structure has been refurbished with the original materials used to build the home, leaving them exposed for a stronger connection to the historic prevalence of the property. An important part of the project was recycling and reusing as much of the original structures and materials as possible. The designers were able to repurpose old furniture, original stone and glass found around the site, and repurpose it within the renovations. Historic preservation and adaptive reuse projects such as this, bring new life and meaning to historical sites while also making sure they are maintained in the long term. While redevelopment can be carbon intensive, it is significantly less damaging than new construction overall. We’re all in this together #sustainability #sustainabledesign #sustainablearchitecture #architecture #architecturaldesign #adaptivereuse #restoration #historicpreservation #recycledmaterials #recycle #design #art #artgallries #culturalspaces #design

“What comes to your mind when you think of the 1920s? For most people, the 1920s conjures up images of jazz, flappers, Old Hollywood, the Great Gatsby, and the Chrysler Building in New York City. It was a time of prosperity, exorbitant spending, and entertainment that gave rise to one of the most popular decorative #arts and architecture movements — known as #ArtDeco. Characterized by exquisite craftsmanship, lavish decoration, and rich materials, the style has become synonymous with the Roaring Twenties. So, what was the Art Deco movement all about and what differentiates it from other major movements? Finally, despite its popularity today, what makes Art Deco so closely associated with the 1920s?" I have to admit I am one of those people who loves Art Deco. The Great Gatsby is my favorite book. It all speaks to me in a positive way. Speaking of speaking a fun activity that students enjoy when on a #museum visit is to have them imagine what the subject in an artwork might be saying. Hand out papers with an image of the piece they are viewing. Each page will have a blank speech bubble on it where students can write their imagined dialogue. Art Deco pieces are a good place to start this activity because they usually have clear images that are somewhat familiar to most students. The best part is hearing the dialogue students imagined along with their rationale for it. Have you ever done this activity before? How did it go? What did you learn by doing it? I encourage you to share your thoughts in the comments. #MuseumEducation https://lnkd.in/gcGbNu2R

Born in the post-war period in the United Kingdom, the Brutalism movement was first met with skepticism but has found a new appreciation in the last decade, capturing the imagination of new designers fascinated with the interplay between striking geometric shapes and the exposed raw materials in which they are rendered. From Britain, the movement spread throughout Europe, Southeast Asia, and Africa, gathering different variations influenced by the cultural and socio-economic status of each area. In this article, we delve into the particularities that define Italy's contribution to the Brutalist movement, exploring the style through the lens of Roberto Conte and Stefano Perego. The two photographers have also published a photographic essay on the subject, taking the form of a book titled “Brutalist Italy: Concrete Architecture from the Alps to the Mediterranean Sea”. In the post-war years, Europe was in search of a new identity, based less on enthusiasm and trust in technological innovations, and instead challenging architecture’s role in society. The change in ideology attempted to address the landscape of destruction that followed two consequent world wars, moving to disassociate architecture from politics and assume a more socially conscientious role. The response was a need to scale down and create functionally sound buildings with a minimum of materials or decorations, thus favoring exposed materials and simple shapes.

"The Grand Tour: Unveiling Architectural Transcendence and Postmodern Playfulness" Journey back to the 17th and 18th centuries, a time when the Grand Tour became a Renaissance rite of passage, a gap year for the elite to traverse Europe. Aristocratic sons, accompanied by bearleaders, explored classics in situ, from Florence's Duomo to Rome's Coliseum, not just for education but for a transformative coming-of-age experience. Amidst stereotypes and debauchery, the Grand Tourers interacted with Europeans, encountering bold women and expanding cultural horizons. Jonathan Richardson's detailed accounts epitomize the cultural exchange, capturing the essence of marble sculptures and paintings. Returning with newfound cultural wealth, these Grand Tourers influenced British culture. Inigo Jones, inspired by European travels, designed iconic British landmarks, fostering Neo-classicism—a prolific architectural style. The Grand Tour's impact on classical architecture transcended borders, influencing landmarks like the United States Capitol Building. Fast forward to the 1970s, Postmodernism emerged as a colorful reaction to Modernism's elitism. Venturi's call for embracing architectural ambiguities and the ordinary influenced this movement. Postmodernism, marked by historical allusions and whimsy, challenged the architectural norm. The UK's response to the classical realm evolved, with Edward Lutyens introducing a unique English classicism. While Modernism and Postmodernism battled, the 1980s witnessed a shift to digital representation, exploring geometry's essence. However, architecture grappled with an identity crisis amid economic agendas and climate change concerns. In this complex narrative, the classical realm, whether European or English, becomes a battleground for establishing our imaginative existence. As we navigate the architectural cosmos, the question lingers: Are we taunting the ancient world or unveiling the profound meaning embedded in our creative journey? #GrandTourLegacy #PostmodernPlayfulness #ArchitecturalEvolution #CulturalInfluence #ClassicalArchitecture #ArchitecturalIdentity

* Proposed Project* Blossom @gordonhuether – University of Rhode Island Fine Arts Center - | Kingston, RI | Laser-Cut Powder-Coated Metal Panels, Dichroic Glass | 14–15'H x 18'W Concept: Blossom takes its name from the form of the work and the metaphor of the blossoming of the creative spirit of artists. The design is meant to provide a respite from the stresses of academic pursuits and a transitional space that will bring students out of their classrooms and studios to the campus beyond. The artwork creates a space for casual gatherings and collaborative study. In addition, the design was inspired by the ‘theater in the round,’ evoking theaters of the ancient Greeks and Romans, and a contemporary theater arrangement where the audience can be fully engaged with the performance. Blossom is a gentle response to the strong architectural forms of the center while its materials of glass and cut steel provide an introduction to the light filled foyer of the new construction. Blossom is also inspired by organic and natural forms. With its eight soaring ‘petals’ grouped to form a circle, the reference to a floral form is clear. The resulting internal space is both sheltered and accessible. The selected materials for Blossom respond to both natural and artificial light sources, so that it remains an activated space throughout the day and night. Four of the petals will have panels of dichroic glass and four will be fabricated with laser-cut metal panels. Dichroic glass is a multi-colored glass that has reflective properties, creating a kaleidoscope reflection of colors when it is hit with light and viewed from different angles. Laser-cut metal has infinite possibilities. Patterns and shapes, whether representational or abstract, can communicate stories, symbols and themes. These patterns will create a symphony of shadow, constantly transforming under qualities of seasonal light and times of day. Blossom is meant to draw the community to meet friends and study or simply enjoy the light and shadows that will fill across the space. https://lnkd.in/gBXK9--4

New York's Libraries Turn Heads with Stunning Metal Gates! --  In the bustling streets of New York, USA, a quiet revolution is taking place in the most serene of spaces – Libraries. This revolution isn't about books; it's about the breathtaking Custom Metal Gates at the entrance, a signature creation by Crazy Metal. Imagine a library in New York, a city where every building tells a story. Now, add an entrance that's not just a door, but a gateway to imagination and knowledge. These custom metal gates are not just functional; they're a piece of art, welcoming every visitor with a promise of the wonders inside. Crazy Metalhas reimagined the library experience, starting from the very entrance. These gates are a fusion of New York's bold architectural style and the timeless beauty of metal craftsmanship. Each design is unique, reflecting the character of the library it guards - be it modern and sleek or ornate and classic. In a city known for its iconic landmarks, these library gates have become a new point of interest. They're not just barriers; they're an invitation, a nod to the city's ever-evolving narrative of culture and art. Next time you're in New York, take a detour to one of these libraries. Witness how Crazy Metalhas transformed a simple entryway into a landmark of artistic expression. #NYCArtistry #LibraryGateRevolution #MetalMasterpieces