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Post Your Favorite: Architecture!  (Read 948 times)

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Entangled

Post Your Favorite: Architecture!
« on: 12 Jun 2013, 02:09:50 »
Welcome!  I've started this topic to share and discuss something that we all see most every day, but that few ever stop to think about:  Architecture. 

Architecture?  What do you mean by that?

Well, architecture can mean several different things.  It's a word used for buildings and structures, as well as for designing buildings and structures.  It can be descriptive of the building methods used, or of the style and design of the finished product.  Additionally, it can be used to describe the work done by an architect in designing a project.

Oh, I see.  That sounds stuffy and boring, why would anybody be interested in that?

What!?!  Architectural works are frequently viewed as a cultural heritage, examples of which often outlive their creators.  The great designs of our ancestors have become their legacy, and are easily identified by people the world over.  Egyptian pyramids, Mayan cities, Greek temples, the Roman Colosseum, European castles, East Asian temples, Islamic mosques of the Middle East:  Mention any of these to anyone, anywhere, and they'll likely already have an idea of what it would look like.  I'd say that's a pretty powerful legacy.

Fair enough, but this is a Minecraft forum, for a survival server, and I don't see the relevance of all that...

I'd like to think that there's a lot of overlap; Most players like to build, some are very good at it.  For most of us, it's hard to look at an inventory full of mining world loot and picture how to stack it up into a visually pleasing finished product, but it's easy to appreciate a great build.  Who can honestly say they don't love the big spawn castle?  Or the eccentric buildings in the wizard district?  Or the giant pink tree at VIP spawn?  Or a countless number of other amazing builds scattered across the towns and wilderness of the map.  The time, effort, and talent that goes into these builds is certainly worthy of admiration, don't you agree?

Okay, now I'm confused.  Is this about classic architecture, or real world architecture, or Minecraft architecture?  Did you say TREE up there?

It's about whatever you like!  My goal is to see people share whatever it is they appreciate and enjoy.  Classic, contemporary, real life or in-game, industrial, commercial, or residential, buildings, bridges, landscape design, urban planning, exteriors, interiors, furniture & lighting.  I don't think there's a wrong answer here, and you don't need a reason why you enjoy art - you're allowed to just enjoy looking at it.  Who knows, you might come up with a great build idea for V6.  Let's see some pictures!

Entangled

Mid-Century Modern / Residential
« Reply #1 on: 12 Jun 2013, 03:29:58 »
I've always been fascinated by the Mid-Century Modern era.  The buildings, the furniture, the graphic design, even the appliances and household minutiae:  Everything took on a unique style that seemed a fanciful, optimistic interpretation of what the future would bring.  The 'Atomic Age', as it is sometimes called, was an interesting period that began after the War and continued on into the 1960's.  Scandinavian and Brazilian design were quite influential in the development of the post-war contemporary style, as were the wonders of the newly-harnessed atomic energy and prospect of space travel.  Our peers from the fifties might be disappointed to know that we, 60 years later, aren't living like the Jetsons yet  :P

The post-war housing boom and healthy American economy allowed architects and developers some creativity when building new subdivisions.  On the west coast, a few interesting takes on the Modern style began to emerge, combining many unique elements that are unfortunately all but gone from today's residential construction:  Post-and-beam construction, large glass windows, open floor plans, a 'butterfly' roof or a flat or low-slope A-frame roof, simple geometric lines, and attention to well-landscaped patios and gardens.  An iconic example of the period is the 'atomic ranch' neighborhood - single story homes built on a slab foundation in tracts, most similar in appearance but no two alike.  Notable personalities from the era would include Joseph Eichler of Eichler Homes, the Alexander Construction Company, Anshen & Allen, Miles van der Rohe, William Krisel and Dan Palmer, as well as many others.  A couple areas in particular - Palm Springs California, and the Paradise Palms neighborhood in Las Vegas, Nevada, are great places to see surviving examples of the Mid-Century Modern / 'California Modern' residences.

Orpheus_only

Expressionist Architecture?
« Reply #2 on: 12 Jun 2013, 05:15:25 »
I enjoy the topic of architecture. Not to be confused with interior design, which I find good for end-of-the-day, stress-relief browsing. My favorites are (pardon the rough description, didn't know a proper term yet, but I ended up googling something) those unusually designed types. No wonder Orbit gave me the Oddest House in Town award. Airplanes and warehouses converted to livable houses, underground or treetop houses, and other odd things I StumbleUpon. I'm sure I read a few notable architects at some point, but now I forgot.

For example, really compact houses that make you ask how in the world people can live there. Multifunctional furniture and appliances, and rooms that actually fold out, like this tiny apartment.

And, this hobbit home in Switzerland.


And, this Free Spirit Sphere.


And finally, this upside down house (one of many worldwide). I tried to build one in my Noobtopia embassy, but I became a little inactive and the town staff re-purposed the plot.


Is there an umbrella term for this style of architecture? Expressionism maybe?
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