If you only spend one minute on each painting in the museum, it would take 11 years. 

If there is any architecture that keeps surprising me with time it has to be The Winter Palace or nowadays know as The State Hermitage Museum. It leaves a deep profound impact upon a viewer which words and pictures cannot describe. It is also no wonder that some of the greatest minds in history have in someway had a connect with this masterpiece. A whole book can be written on this subject, but I don’t want to attempt to go there here. Instead I hope these photos will bring you closer to it, and remember much of the complex is open to the public to enjoy.

There are many more breathing photos such as these at:

http://www.hermitagemuseum.org/html_En/05/hm5_9.html

All rights of photos are reserved by The State Hermitage Museum Administration.

The newly constructed Southern Cross Station (Melbourne, AUS) is a piece of architecture to behold. Upon first glance, the first thing noticed is its futuristic curved roof. They insist it was designed in such a way to control the flow of harmful gases. Whatever it maybe it makes for interesting architecture.

Have a happy and safe Christmas everyone. :)

It was the first day. He swiftly stepped into the classroom, briefly glanced across, then started to brush off the table and set-up the computer equipment. On a large projection screen, he went through his collection of graphics. He showed us various objects, ranging from photos to drawings. He claimed that we should start to build a collection/database, because it would prove to be valuable. “A student, must become a sponge, absorb information and ideas”, he explained that there would not be a better method than collecting. It would also give us ideas, and interesting thoughts that will lead us to an idea. “Collect anything interesting that you see”.

Whenever we think of graphics, our mind instantaneously pictures computer produced graphics. This is not without good reason, nearly everything around us relies on computers; especially the many advertisements that bombarded us on a daily basis. At the same time, there is a concern that if something is not produced via an expensive publishing software, that somehow the graphics will not match up. The teacher added that there is a sort of “movement” nowadays against relying on computers. That sort of work is losing its value against hand produced graphics, with good reason. There is a stronger sense of existents, creativity, and emotion that can not really be matched on computer. The point that he was trying to make was for us not to be afraid to draw, that it takes time and patients to master; but the end product would profoundly valuable.

He continued on by saying that no designer reaches the end product from the beginning stage, they go through a middle process. The design process involves us writing a design brief to outline the requirements, then researching, then thumb-nailing various different ideas, then developing the chosen ideas, and finally neatly presenting the final product. The bigger substance the middle process has the better the product will be.

The ultimate goal is to satisfy the client, but on a deeper artistic level we should always strive to make ourself stronger artistically.

ArchW

This brand new discussion board covers a wide range of topics, and as a result is promising. In due course a community will grow, where like-minded people can share ideas and news. Therefore, creating an optimal learning environment for each user to prosper, and have fun at the same time.

I don’t want to explain anything, and ruin it for you.

The Miniature Earth 

(this link takes you to the english version, there are other language versions)

PS. Architects, keep this video in your mind. At times you will have the choice to make a better world.

Not only that, but architects play a very important role in society. They are very conscious intellectuals who are in touch with the bigger picture. They set trends and move society forward.