Brian, "...corn flake packet..." "poultry" With descriptions like that, I must look into the project you referenced. I'm not dissapointed with the proposed embassy design. The overall massing design is innocuous. I believe the textured facades utilizing the "crystal-like ethylene-tetrafluroethylene (ETFE) scrim", will be the buildings most notable aesthetic feature in addition to the landscape design. By the way, I spent the day (Sunday) in Oak Park Illinois touring Frank Lloyd Wright's first home and studio as well as touring many of his early commissions (homes and one Church) scattered throughout the small community. I'll have a few photos to share at some point. Gilliatt
Hi Gilliatt, Back to you on the proposed US Embassy in London. It was interesting that the two Brits included in the selection process were none other than Lords Palumbo and Rogers who were overruled by the Americans in the choice of submission. Lord Palumbo was involved in trying to get an absolute horror of a huge bronze cornflake packet on stilts built on the site known as 'poultry' in the City of London about 20 years ago; thankfully he was defeated. I don't think their preferred building wasn't worthy but, frankly, I prefer the chosen scheme; although you may think differently. The problem with major developments of any kind is that they are usually open to forces beyond the normal business/aesthetic (if that isn't a contradiction in terms) that we never really know what the determining factor in the erection of public buildings really is. The word Freemasonry springs to mind but let's be thankful that, at least, there appears to be competition among architects.
Hi Gilliatt, I don't mind if you read any of my conversations with others, I think it's intended by the Admin so that we get some idea of the overall interaction between members. Anything that might be of specific interest individually can be sent through the Private Post arrangement. The problem with obtaining the books is that I have only published one called Pro Bono Publico, which can be purchased through Amazon. If you google Pro Bono Publico by Emil Miller you will get some info concerning the book. The second, which I had printed privately, was written for friends and acquaintances as it is virtually impossible to get books published freely unless you have contacts in the business
. The current novel, coincidentally, has a literary theme and actually mentions the difficulty of getting work published even when, as in the story, they are great works and the consequences that arise from their rejection. I got the idea for the story when I read how often great writers were repeatedly rejected before being recognised. As with my second book The Fateful Circle I will have it printed privately and circulate it to those who might be interested. I don't mind the expense because it gives me the one indispensable requirement for any writer, namely, feedback. Brian
Brian, Don't fret, I realized you were engrossed with your latest book. I believe it was in a conversation with Lost Princess. Please don't accuse me of eavesdropping, it was an innocent glance on her profile page. Regards edit - By the way, I would be interested in reading and supporting "our own" by purchasing your book(s). How should one go about this? Gilliatt
Hi Gilliatt Sorry to have been away from LitNet recently but I have been heavily involved with completing my latest book. It's finished now but I still have a good deal of tidying up to do. I will get back to you on the Embassy question in due course. I just popped in today for a quick look and a laugh. Cheers, Brian
Part 1 I’m not familiar with the selected firm KieranTimberlake. Meier and Pei of course, have been around for some time and Morphosis has entered the realm of household names among architectural firms, at least here in the States. My first impression was one of surprise at the apparent fragility and openness for a building that will require, sad to say, extreme approaches to security and blast or impact force protection in the design. Regarding the aesthetic of the overall massing, it is rather simple design; a cube. I liken it to a gossamer cube on stilts. Our firm has been involved with several Federal and law enforcement projects requiring heightened levels of protection employing techniques that I would suspect will be utilized in the new Embassy as well.
Part 2 In the case of the Embassy, it appears that the design will employ a raised plinth in the round, enclosed by segments of concentric barrier walls encompassing gardens and pool of water (mote?) on the side facing the Thames. More details here, if you haven’t seen this already: http://blog.kierantimberlake.com/new...ssy-in-london/ Sustainability, “green building” is fast becoming the rule rather than the exception in the built environment. I see that the proposed Embassy design will strive toward “Platinum” LEED certification which is currently the highest rating. (LEED = Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, developed by USGBC). Many of our past projects achieved “Silver”, however several recent projects have attained “Gold” certification. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leaders...nmental_Design We’ll have to make it a point to check in on the progress from time to time. You will be the “eyes in the field”
That's OK Gilliatt, the district for the proposed Embassy isn't among the most salubrious parts of London but at least it will avoid terrorist attacks in a residential area. I will give a clue to the painting as you suggest.
Brian, I haven't forgotten about your Embassy update. I am piecing together my thoughts on the topic, but I continue to be distratced by my nonsense. Oh, and please consider adding a clue regarding your painting! I was taking the hat approach to my research, given the distinct black hats with the "mortar boards" on top. Cossacks? Hussars? dragoons? It appears that they have been battle worn in search of home. Gilliatt
