The Design Gesture

Author: Bhakti Kulkarni

Xi’an Qujiang Art Center: an Interesting Cultural Sanctuary In A Glass Box
Xi’an Qujiang Art Center
History and story of Xi’an Qujiang Art Center
Architecture shapes the society in forms of structures, art, and built. Whereas society is a collaborative form of past events documented as history and shared as a culture today. These events have shared a larger part with architecture and the public both. This collaborative involvement has led to the initiative of preservation. History is passed down in a variety of forms in various cultures. Some prefer to write it down as part of manuscripts, some use verbal skills as storytelling passes on. In some parts, the structures and archaeology hold more value. Passing on these vital to the next generation is also a responsibility shared by architecture. Hence cultural sanctuaries enter the picture.
Each country is proud and respectful of its heritage and displays its affection in multiple forms. The core of the travel and tourism industry also runs on these bases. The tour planning and coordination also follow the historic trails. As we understand the denser, restored, and well-presented heritage, better the attraction for tourists. This historical architecture is also responsive to the climate they remain standing in today with few external supports. Religion and beliefs also participate in this coronation as they are also linked with the building and surroundings.
China as a nation has rich culture and history which has also been documented for several decades. Following the traditions and rituals, people offer their respect and gratitude towards the past. Beginning from their participation in the silk route across the world, engaged in a few battles till the religion spread across the land. This rich belonging of nature is showcased and exhibited in front of the world through, Xi’an Qujiang Art Center. The magic glass box stands tall enveloping the history of its nation within. This structure surprises its visitors with the charm of visuals along the journey of history.
Location
Photo by Shiromio studio from AchDaily
The project is located at the intersection of the Qujiang Cultural Industry Cluster and Central Culture Business District (CCBD), two important parts of the city (QCIC). It’s a remarkable presence that appears to float in the atmosphere like a technological marvel. It is located at the highest point of Liaoyuan and is close to the Xian Botanical Garden. As it approached the interior design, CCD blurred the lines between the building, landscape, and interior, injected tension and purity into the 5,500 square meters of large space, and developed an interactive space that blends futuristic, contemporary, and artistic aspects, which transports visitors to an imaginative world.
Structure and design
Photo by Shiromio studio from AchDaily
The project is constructed in 2019, occupying an area of 10,200 Sq.m. Designing architectural firms are Gad and T.R.P.O. The structure resembles a glass display hung in the air and forms a distinctive visual marker next to the urban road. People are drawn to the location and encouraged to experience the design story through the activities taking place in the exhibition hall.
After then, browsing itself is included in the show. The question of how to handle the interaction between the structure and the location provides the basis for the original design. An urban highway in Xi’an with considerable traffic is the South Third Ring Road, which is close to the location. The architect had such a setting prepared for such a traffic pulse.
How will people get to the site given the 10-meter green belt of the road’s height differential from the site? The lyrical response is provided by the landscaping. The route that winds through the belt has been designed with a gradual slope so that it “disappears” as the walker approach. The stroll experience develops into a means of communication with the location as well as a closer relationship between the location and the city.
Art Center seems like a giant crystal “sanctuary” and is built in the majestic historical city of Xi’an with a modern and fashionable gesture. It provides stunning contemporary touches to the region with a rich history and significant culture. It wants to establish itself as a landmark for the city and set the era’s fashion.
Site grounds
Photo by Shiromio studio from AchDaily
The landscape on the podium’s roof and the botanical garden on the site’s east side provide a continuous interaction when viewed from the exhibition hall. The designer’s story of the place is made up of the terrain and built form, which at that precise time naturally elicits the feeling and experience. The drop-off area’s space streamlining and landscape design cross over with one another. The architect doesn’t want visitors to enter the exhibition hall, so he lets them pass right past the first-floor landscape garden instead. People may reach the exhibition hall with four clear walls by ascending the 88-second straight staircase, passing through the landscape area, and then going down the steps.
This imaginative and poetic setting is not only a stunning gallery where wonderful works by artists are shown, but it also inspires interaction between viewers and the art along their journey from the entrance. There are certainly adaptable and adaptive “blank” spaces that can inspire the public’s creativity and the development of art. The journey to the location is not a simple one, but rather one of falling, twisting, surprise, and eventually opening up, which appears to correspond with the emotional experience of humans. On-site anchors hold the entire structure in place. The structure is incorporated with the land, and the base is tucked away behind the lush slope.
The Exhibit
Photo by Shiromio studio from AchDaily
The Beginning and Legacy of Ancient Chinese Murals is a permanent display. It has 88 panels (of which 67 are originals), spanning from the Neolithic to the Qing Dynasty, making it the first exhibition to methodically and thoroughly present the entire art history of early Chinese paintings through murals. The art from the Goddess Temple in Liaoning province, the earliest mural ever discovered in China, the palace mural from the Qin Dynasty, the first major unified empire in Chinese history, and the mural from the Tang mausoleum, that is being shown to the public for the first time, are the highlights of the exhibition.
Gold items, jadeite, and Picasso artwork are now on display at the museum as part of the special show. We previously hosted the Maritime Silk Road Exhibition, the Dunhuang Murals Copying Exhibition, the Dong Bo Zhai Collection-Royal Gold Wares of the Ming Dynasty Exhibition, the Grand Canal Relics of the Sui Dynasty Exhibition, the Exhibition of Imperial Porcelain of the Ming and Qing Dynasties Exhibition, and many more.
Our museum is committed to offering the general public a wide range of high-quality exhibitions. With the State Cultural Relics Bureau’s consent, our museum established the Mural Conservation and Restoration Center with the Shaanxi Provincial Institute of Archaeology to coordinate efforts to preserve, study, repair, and display the discovered murals.
Interiors
Photo by Shiromio studio from AchDaily
The interior space maintains the building’s lightness, which gives it the appearance of a “floating crystal palace,” while also showcasing modern splendor through its layout, uses, and experiences. Its textured surfaces and incomplete buildings represent vast architectural ideas. At the corner of the entryway is an impressive huge irregular spherical artwork. Its asymmetrical design highlights the tension in the area by providing varied visual experiences to individuals at various distances. The adjacent audio/video room hovers above the waterscape, which combined with the artwork generates a dynamic of delicacy and solidity, resulting in a happy relationship.
Dramatic experiences are produced as individuals travel in 88 seconds up a very long escalator from 1F to 4F. The linear escalator appears to transport visitors into a time tunnel that is lit up at the top by a beam of light and is surrounded by towering stone walls that seal off the exterior world and block the sight line. Inside these 88 seconds spent mounting the escalator, as the light filters down from the bottom groove, such profound, timeless, and pure design helps individuals to find inner calm without being distracted.
Photo by Shiromio studio from AchDaily
When you reach 4F, your range of view abruptly expands, offering breathtaking visual experiences thanks to the super-scale translucent space. Three levels separate the exhibition hall space. The entire building is a suspension framework. The functionality of the steel is put to use under the suspension design when the tension mode of the column switches from absorption to bearing tension. To create the illusion that there is almost no column in the interior area, the length of the suspension pillar is decreased to 200 mm.
As a result, the exhibition space’s freedom may be unleashed and the sight line to the outside can be virtually completely unhindered, blurring the lines between inside and outside.
The Qujiang Art Centre’s glass house, or exhibition hall, uses double-layer complete glass curtain walls to maintain the brightness and visibility of the exterior façade, allowing the building to connect with nature. The curtain walls are 2 meters apart from one another. To realize the environmental protection capability of temperature regulation, ventilation, and sound insulation, the top opening fan and bottom ventilator’s opening and shutting are controlled. The huge aluminum curtain wall’s flatness is guaranteed by the lightweight, high intensity, and high flatness of the cellular aluminum sheet. The illusion of floating is further enhanced by the surroundings’ reflections.
Photo by Shouquing Wu from AchDaily
The area is filled with a massive golden mineral stone that appears to be erupting from it. This structure represents the sturdy center of the project, and the engraving of the “Grand Milestone” property development map on its surface demonstrates a cutting-edge method of informing the public. Different-sized holes let light through, which causes eye-catching dazzling dots to appear on the floor. The architect continues to reflect on the central idea of the space by thinking about how architecture and nature interact, how people communicate, and how experience itself is limitless.
Leaving the traces
Photo by CCD from AchDaily
Once a mistake, document the history. Past is the best teacher without any fees or filters. Culture binds people and promotes growth. This agenda is carried forward by many countries, actively participating in their legacy-restoring missions. The supportive facilities are provided through the medium of building, hence architecture. The role and responsibility that the structure beholds are heavier than what it appears. Well-known titles to new start-ups in architecture are leaning towards the edge of supporting this cultural sanctuary motto and contributing to benefit of the population.
October 29, 2024
Designing Greener: Essential Domains of Sustainability
Reconnecting to the green
A sustainable or environmentally friendly building may preserve or raise the standard of living in the area in which it is situated thanks to its design and characteristics. Achieving a high degree of efficiency is necessary to do since it minimizes pollution by using less energy, water, and other resources. The LEED accreditation, which stands for Innovation in Environmental and Building Design, is the generally recognized official designation that determines if a structure qualifies as sustainable.
Sustainable construction reduces the use of energy and water and is a crucial component of urban planning that aims to mitigate climate change. Below, we examine some of the green constructions that lead the way for more responsible urban design, ranging from massive skyscrapers to innovative museums. The development of eco-neighborhoods, which are urban projects to reduce the impact on the environment and change citizens’ living habits to make them more responsible for their surroundings, is one of the new trends in urban planning, as opposed to the commuter towns that were created as a consequence of the Industrial Revolution and the development of the 20th century.
The key to this kind of project is the use of sustainable technology and materials in the building of structures and other infrastructure. Proposal of the institution for Aquaculture and marine mining research accommodating user experience and public interface through planning and pragmatic design.
Advantages of green building
Photo by Andrew Sadler from Buildpass
Better environment
According to statistics, environmental issues like air pollution causes over 4.2 million fatalities annually and more than 3 million of those deaths are among children under the age of five. These figures simply serve to highlight how hazardous our ecosystem is as a result of carbon dioxide emissions, trillions of litters of untreated sewage thrown into the ocean, and other pollutants. By using natural resources wisely, green buildings successfully cut down on pollution. I.e., lowering carbon dioxide emissions to slow down climate change. Green structures also contribute to a healthier environment and a less contaminated planet. Healthier interior circumstances like lighting, air quality, etc., also contribute to a better indoor atmosphere.
Cost-effective
Photo by Team from TPM Builders
According to studies, making the upfront investment in sustainable buildings would result in savings that are more than ten times that amount after ten years. The investment’s return lasts for ten to 80 years. The effective use of resources, which enables consumers to save much more by lowering operational and maintenance expenditures on electricity, water, etc., is a key component of green building. Although green buildings might initially cost more than conventional structures, the cost difference is often recovered in 3–4 years. Additionally, because they would spend less on upkeep and make more money, building owners who receive rent from their property would see a considerable boost in their revenues.
Improved Health
Improving the environment, especially the air for building occupants, is one of the objectives of green buildings. An inhabitant of a green building has better health since they run a lower chance of being exposed to air and water pollutants. For instance, materials used to decorate and build buildings, such as carpet and paint, are responsible for the majority of indoor pollutants. Such pollutants may be harmful to the body when inhaled, and if they build up over time, they can result in major health problems like respiratory difficulties. On the other hand, owing to the security of the building materials utilized, residents of green buildings enjoy greater health.
Increased efficiency
Photo by Chris Nevada from Northern Nevada Real Estate
One of the main benefits of green architecture is the optimization of water and energy. Fuel efficiency results in less usage of coal, a key source of electricity for the globe. Solar panels are set up to use solar energy to protect this natural resource. The structures are also built with enough natural light coming in via the wood paneling to prevent the need for artificial lighting at anyway time, which saves even more energy.
Green buildings in different sectors
Photo by Kayla Matthews from Blue and green tomorrow
Hospitality sector
Professionals in the industry have chosen to align hospitality with ecology at a time when sustainable travel is no longer a choice. All parties involved in the hotel industry are working to contribute to the sector’s progress and to make it as sustainable and responsible as possible via creative and devoted plans and activities. They are all aware that an ecological transformation will unavoidably be a part of the hotel industry’s future. This program’s goal is to influence responsible travel in the future by concentrating on five main areas: fostering cultural diversity, enhancing community living standards globally, lowering energy use and carbon emissions, lowering waste generation, and making wise use of water resources.
Medical facilities
As resource-intensive institutions, hospitals need a lot of natural resources to deliver high-quality treatment while maintaining sanitation, including power, water, food, and building materials. However, hospitals may significantly lower their carbon footprint by using easy, clever, and sustainable methods. This idea is referred to as Green Hospitals. The article discusses the different steps, difficulties, and solutions to create a greener, more efficient hospitals for the benefit of people everywhere.
A hospital needs heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems since it is available 24/7 a year. This is necessary to uphold the standards of care. Between 40% and 60% of the amount of energy is used for this. Additionally, a lot of energy is consumed for heating water, regulating the temperature and humidity of indoor air, lighting, ventilation, and a variety of medical procedures that emit greenhouse gases. Without sacrificing the standard of care in any way.
Office buildings
Your carbon footprint may be significantly reduced by using less energy at work. Our office is equally as essential as our home in terms of clean indoor air quality, convenience, and environment given however much time we spend there. Making the workplace slightly greener is definitely a win-win as research have demonstrated that possessing a green office improves cognitive performance and productivity. “Ecological and economic objectives should and may be in harmony. Anything else would be a profit-making scheme that would harm future generations.
Resource management
Photo by Brussels from Housing Europe
Lighting sector
The most crucial energy-saving element needed in sustainable construction is lighting control. Windows with the right orientation are essential for maximizing natural light. Although artificial light is necessary, there are ways to significantly reduce use. The lighting equipment uses the most energy. The use of CFLs and tube lights is psychologically the same. Even some designers believe tube lights to be more luminous than CFLs.
Waste management
Photo by Team from Joy of living
Waste management is a serious issue since it is seldom done in India and, if not handled effectively, can result in a number of illnesses. Waste management also includes recycling paper and preserving paper. The majority of architects (93%) are unaware of any waste management strategies and have not included any such strategies in their structures. This may be because they are unaware of any procedures and since trash management in India is not given sufficient attention. Almost all designers use some kind of paper-saving technique. They substitute paper for e-mails and use newsprint as rough paper.
Water management
Energy efficiency requires a strong understanding of water management. Water conservation is crucial for both the current and future generations. Additionally, many find it difficult to embrace change mentally. The majority of untreated wastewater is either used for irrigation or to clean restrooms. This is a simple habit that may be adopted in daily life and saves a significant amount of water. Although they save a lot of water, drip-free taps are rarely used in buildings. In order to limit the consumption of water from the tap and minimize water loss, designers also feel that rainwater should not be squandered and should be utilized for cleaning or other domestic tasks.
The green beginning at the end
Photo by Matthew Mackey from FRICS
Many people in the real estate sector have been attempting to make buildings “green” for a few decades now by switching out traditionally manufactured components with environmentally friendly alternatives and installing energy-efficient technologies. The end result of all this experimentation has created constructions that are less detrimental to the environment since buildings have a large environmental imprint. The collaborative initiative will only lead to a better and greener future.
October 29, 2024
Aquarium Aquatis: A breathtaking experience with the wave
Cohabitation
Photo by Furnando Guerra from AchDaily
Coexistence and co-living had been extensive parts of human history. Various lifestyles merge in the form of an ecosystem. Duel or multipurpose buildings are more preferred in the last few decades. Humans are more leaning towards the wholesome experience where one is part of many at the same time. Living in a state-of-the-art structure is not enough without the wow factor included within. Amenities and facilities are playing the most important part in the overall experience of the visitor. Including the unique factor adds up to the value of the journey as well as creates a global impact for the structure.
Europe’s largest freshwater aquarium was situated in a Vivarium called Aquatis. The opening was on 21st October 2017, in the vicinity of Switzerland. The amalgamation of science and sustainability is achieved in this very structure and has become a tourist attraction for the residents as well as the global population. It is designed considering the pedestrian movement pattern and in the best interest of visitors.
Urban Locality
Photo by Furnando Guerra from AchDaily
In any project, the designer and planner play a vital role, as their imagination leads to the erection of the building. The dreamer of the Aquatis Aquarium is Richter Dahl and associate architects. The aquarium is part of the whole plan called Biopole, which is situated North of Lausanne and accommodated within a science-based science park. The location is important, at the junction of the city’s highway bypass and the brand-new, 2008-opened M2 line of the Lausanne metro.
The group is made up of a car park with a hotel and an aquarium-vivarium situated in it. The freshwater city with a central mall linking it to the parking lot and the “Lausanne-Vennes” metro station. Although each building has its individuality, they all add to the cohesiveness of the whole.
Multipurpose Structure
Photo by Furnando Guerra from AchDaily
The structure belongs to the city of Lausanne, where the opening ceremony took place in September 2010. The play of levels on three different heights opens the clear staging area in the south direction. Where the hotel has 143 rooms divided into 3 criteria are facialized a restaurant, a wellness area, and multiple meeting and gathering spaces. The extension of the building in the shape of a letter L puts the spotlight on the central space of the platform. The core of the project, where the heart beats is the freshwater aquarium.
Photo by Furnando Guerra from AchDaily
The aquarium’s glass facades shines in the breeze, in contrast to the hotel’s screen-printed glass facades, which reflect the surroundings’ hues and the passing of time. Not only does the structure consist of creating an impact, but the exterior attracts the spotlight too. The attaching technique on the 100,000 metal discs allows them to suspend from this exterior while yet being moveable. The use of the right material with its appropriate form in the right directional manner creates a visual depiction.
The wind’s impact can occasionally resemble fish scales underneath the sun or waves over the water body. Water may be found on the ground, in an outdoor pool located between the two structures, which only enhances this play of shadows. The use of natural elements in the structure creates shadow games for the visitors incorporating nature within their experience. He also takes part in the establishment’s lighthearted, family-friendly aspect.
Photo by Furnando Guerra from AchDaily
The glass façades of the aquarium shimmer when the wind moves them, in contrast to the clear glass façades of the hotel. In the case of the hotel, where it reflects the colors of the surroundings and the whims of the weather around it. On this façade, 100,000 aluminum discs are hanging, yet due to the fastening technique used, they are still moveable and forms various angles.
The wind’s impact resembles fish scales reflecting sunlight or waves on a body of water. Between the two buildings, there is water at street level in an outdoor pool. This water body contributes to the play of light that is reflected off of it. Additionally, it supports the neighborhood’s family-friendly recreational activities and participated in the area development.
The aquarium
Photo by Furnando Guerra from AchDaily
The first two levels of the structure open up an arena of aquatic life for visitors. This path is rich and diverse in nature that includes more than two million liters of fresh water, twenty distinct ecosystems, 10,000 fish, and more than a hundred reptiles. These reptiles are transferred from the previous vivarium of Lausanne and relocated within. The methodology that is crucial to the running of aquariums and the maintenance of animals is covered in great detail on the ground level.
The remainder of the ground level is used to greet guests and includes a lobby, store, changing rooms, and restaurant. These spaces are generously exposed to the south and have a terrace with views of the outer water. The smooth and soothing natural light enhances the glamour of the space. On the first level, there are classrooms and gathering spaces for outsiders. Given its organic, circular design, which reflects its educational and cultural purpose. The structure has a distinctive character that catches the eyes of locals all over the world.
Sustainability component
Photo by Furnando Guerra from AchDaily
The idea of constructing physical and energy systems as part of the complex leads to a realization that completely satisfies the requirements of the structure. Rational energy usage and moving toward the goal of sustainable development complete the initiative. This method includes the suggested and well-researched resources. The “outer skin” of the buildings’ component is also well thought of. The façade has also been improved in terms of both investment costs and thermal performance.
Similarly to this, utilizing a renewable energy source with minimal greenhouse gas emissions is made possible. This technique is based on the district heating network of the Industrial Services of the City of Lausanne. The base of the idea is the incineration of residential trash produced in the locality.
Photo by Furnando Guerra from AchDaily
A combination of High-performance machinery using environmentally friendly fluids and maximizing heat recovery produces the cold and comfort needed for the whole complex. These services of the building are responsible for its functioning and are well worked upon. Healthy public and structural collaboration are achieved through a well-planned design. The platform’s two buildings are managed centrally to maximize the interactions between the two groups of users. This alteration guarantees the technical equipment to operate with high reliability and more efficiently.
Back to society
Photo by Furnando Guerra from AchDaily
The factor of storytelling through the structure is a must and be considered while designing. The track of the building must take the visitor on a journey and include holts at various points. These breaks allow the visitor to absorb the previous experience and get ready for what is coming forth. This play of story and structure completes the whole picture. Similarly, multi-functional buildings are a playground for activities to take place.
Architects are designers and images who put soul and memories into the structure. These efforts are taken to teleport the essence of the notion to the visitor. In coordination with the purpose of the building, the alleged strategies are planned. As the aquarium becomes part of the hotel and adds up to the experience of the residents. The thought behind the façade connects the inner lifestyle to the outer skin. These interconnecting relations of the building compliments each other scaling up to the exposure.
October 29, 2024
Hagia Sophia: An Interesting Identity Through Revolutions
The emergence
Emperor Justinian I (reigned 527–565) erected the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople, currently, Istanbul, to replace an older temple that had been destroyed also during the Nika Revolt in 532. When Justinian’s magnificent cathedral was first consecrated in 537, it immediately became a symbol of authority in Constantinople and across the globe. It was cleverly created by designers Anthemios of Tralles and Differentiating of Miletus. Their engineering achievement effectively contrasted a centrally located layout common in martyria, mausolea, baptisteries, and pilgrimage buildings with a longitudinal basilican form typical of Western Christian churches. As a result, Hagia Sophia’s structure includes a narthex, a naos with side aisles, and an oval apse that faces east.
Along with history
Photo by Source from Hole in the donut Cultural travel
The decision was political, an aggressive bid that highlights the country’s aim to play a key strategic role in the Middle East. Turkey has turned east after being denied admission to the European Union for decades. In this light, the restoration of Hagia Sophia first as the Great Holy Mosque of Ayasofya — now after eight years as a national museum — can be seen as a step toward the establishment of a Turkish Islamic hegemony with growing regional influence, as well as a new nationalist unification in the segmented Islamic world.
The negative reaction hasn’t been less troubling. The criticism leveled at Erdogan’s move, notably by Western institutions like UNESCO and the European Union, has shown the deep hypocrisy surrounding a lengthy and often deadly history of mosque conversions. Several mosques in Spain and Greece have been turned into cathedrals or converted for various purposes throughout the ages, a history that has largely remained unnoticed by Western authorities.
When we look at the past of Islamic architecture in a broader context, the renovation of Hagia Sophia into a mosque no longer appears to be a daring deed. Indeed, the heritage of Islamic architecture is abundant with principles that endorse the return, transition, and modification of historical monuments into sacred spaces. These principles apply to structures that multiple religious organizations inhabited at various times, and are thus influenced by the heritage of religious and cultural liberality.
Lots with customs
Photo by Tonygres from iStock
During prayers, people hide the murals with curtains, which I think is acceptable as long as they lift the drapes at other times. We should realize that the Ottomans left the mosaics alone for generations. Several of the murals were later hidden, but not demolished. The Ottomans recognized the aesthetic importance of mosaics. According to Islamic art historians, there was no major iconophobia in early Islamic culture. It is known that there are no clay figures in mosques generally. However, it is also known that the Turks did not care to worship beneath pictures of Jesus and Mary in Hagia Sophia. Sophia.
In addition to its stunning design, Hagia Sophia also displayed an interior filled with opulent mosaic patterns reserved for the top sections and galleries. These patterns were coupled with spoliated columns, elaborate carvings, and marble natural stone on the floor and lower portions of the walls. Thus, during religious festivities, the interior provided a sensory-rich experience further enhanced by motions, noises and melodies, incense, and other light effects.
The grandeur of the structure, its lavish decorations, and the ceremonial acts all contributed to the otherworldly experience taking place within. This experience was meant to acquaint the devout with the divine. Its original spiritual function is no longer served, but it nevertheless serves physical and symbolic purposes.
Pointing out the Details
Photo by TR from The Muslimah ORG
The Hagia Sophia mosaic mosaics predate the iconoclastic era in Byzantium in the ninth century. At this point, the decorative layout of the structure was changed and the meaning of figurative Christian imagery was passionately challenged. The mural of the Virgin and Christ Child on the high altar is acknowledged as the first thread gestural figure to be inserted in the building, even though it was repaired in the 14th century. It most likely replaced a sizable cross that had been constructed in the sanctuary during the American Revolution. Although the Virgin and Child figures are enormous in stature, the gorgeous nearby structures and their gold backdrop appear to overpower them.
Political Influence
Photo by Meliha from Daily Subah
For the rulers, conquest was crucial. It represented the new regime’s assimilation of existing social, spiritual, and material realities. It did not just suggest wiping out current realities and starting again, but rather establishing meaningful linkages between the past and the present. The Turks were revolutionized by their conquests, as were the territories they conquered. One of the greatest examples is Hagia Sophia.
The Turks transformed Hagia Sophia, and it changed them. They changed the structure into a mosque and a symbol of imperial authority, but Hagia Sophia impacted their whole concept of imperial architecture. Even today, mosque architecture in Turkey is frequently modeled on Hagia Sophia, with a massive central dome.
Today, the ruler’s conquests, notably of Constantinople, are viewed through the lens of a self-congratulatory narrative: “The Turks arrived, crushed the Byzantine Empire, and constructed a new society from scratch.” However, this story cannot explain why Hagia Sophia has become so significant. In contrast, the prevalent view of Turkish victories in the 14th and 16th centuries in the West is that they were violent and destructive. However, this viewpoint fails to acknowledge that the rulers were the result of contemporary rather than medieval reality. It also fails to recognize how the Turks gave Hagia Sophia a different meaning by embracing its historical importance.
Dome of hopes
The first dome, as well as the eastern primary arches and the eastern partial dome, collapsed. Because we learned so much during this design and building process, the failure of the structure does not teach us any less. It teaches us much more. The seismic power of the earthquakes was widely believed to have seriously harmed the structure, although this was partly owing to flaws in the preliminary concept. The distortion was caused in part by the inability of the foundations and buttresses to withstand disruptive pressures from the dome’s lateral push.
Designers sought to remedy the systemic problem by dismantling the original dome during the construction of the second dome. To correct the problem in the initial design, he reduced the excessive lateral force by extending the radius to a nearly hemisphere-like form. It has been said that the initial dome’s uncertain configuration had a bigger impact on eyewitnesses than its replacement.
The Surrounding Green near Hagia Sophia
Photo by Ksenia Samorukova from Dreamstime
The Hagia Sophia as well as its landscape have been preserved and rebuilt several times over the years. The present situation of the Hagia Sophia Garden’s flooring and the present state of the Parts walls in the north, east, and south orientations of the landscape walls were reported and projected in this research, which was recorded and developed by our business. To measure the project regions, a laser scanning approach was used in conjunction with 3D scanning equipment. Georadar scans have also been conducted on the ground, and infrastructure projects have been planned. The drawings for the materials were reviewed on-site to avoid measuring inaccuracies caused by scanning.
Standing Marvel
Photo by Team from EVE Leather
Even after the destruction of portions of the edifice, Hagia Sophia remained a magnificent architectural wonder in every sense of the word. The structure pushed architectural boundaries and was regarded as the most highly influential structure in history. The unique architectural system that permitted the dome to be supported by only four piers, as well as the use of temporary phenomenon to complete the system, aided the other designer in terms of planning possibilities and structural design.
October 29, 2024
The Learning Curve: Is Education Through Experience Important ?
Turning the rusty pages of human development, one cannot overlook the importance of learning and failing via experiences. Every civilization educates society in one of two ways: religiously or scientifically. However, without the transmission of information, humanity would have perished a long time ago. Our educational system entered the scene after realizing the significance of such a special procedure. Doctors, priests, and teachers were recently seen as honorable and selfless professionals. This purity has been kept for years in the teaching profession.
The three professionals
  Photo by Team from Dreamstime
Over time, new courses, branches, and manipulating components entered the scene. In India, three degrees are regarded as professional degrees, with which you may obtain a license to practice and an abbreviation to go with your name. This includes doctors, architects, and lawyers. This vividly expresses the weight of duty that an architect bears throughout his or her profession.
According to the Third Place Theory, home is a fixed point on one’s journey. It does not mean that architects are only allowed to create houses. A place is designed by an architect, and its label is assigned by the user based on its intended function. Therefore, in reality, the Architect is directly connected to each living human on this planet who uses some or another place as shelter or workspace, or sacred. This connection must be respected and appreciated by both parties with their active participation throughout.
Such great responsibility necessitates preparation and hard effort. With so many altering and expanding academic patterns nowadays, institutions have devolved into disarray with a hefty monetary expense. Students must participate in extracurricular activities that include contacts and experiences. They are exposed to the world not just around them, but also to the farthest reaches of the universe, which may both challenge and teach them an important lesson.
One who is book clever may not be able to cut to the chase, while one who is street-smart will always find a way out. This elementary information must be instilled in youngsters at an early age as part of their molding journey.
Quality or Quantity of Education?
  Photo by Sources from Golden Heaven
Breaking down the barriers to learning will certainly improve the learning level, but will it assist to sustain the quality with each slot going out? The train does a U-turn when the quality and quantity stations intersect. This one turn determines the entire course to take. Today’s educational system is at the crossroads of making decisions and, regrettably, returning to the ride to take the opposite direction and repeat. The process is locked in this never-ending cycle of possibilities and experiments, which eventually leads to the passing batch value estimation.
The epidemic hit the world hard when people were fleeing. Not only have people and assets been lost, but the degradation in quality has harmed a whole generation. Architecture has always been a synthesis of science and art. This fantastic journey included people of a specific caliber and curiosity. However, when the train turned onto the quantity route, we left the quality stop behind.
Losses of the evolution
  Photo by Team from UC Today
Architecture studios were not only held horizontally but also fostered vertical contact. According to the experiences of a few students who graduated 10/12 years ago, student interaction was a necessary and unwritten rule. The first-semester student was learning and witnessing the thesis student’s work. And, finally, truly contribute to the outcomes that not only have an influence on the learning curve but also point out the limitations in the appropriate direction.
Competition has long been an important component of the curriculum. Undergoing these possibilities with the skilled will result in a once-in-a-lifetime experience. These elements are critical in the enhancement of replies, the value of decision-making, and the sensible design course.
The removal of these elements, as well as the burden of other influencing factors, is throwing pupils off course. This must be given due consideration in the future. Including the college student council, discussing the political scope with students, as well as cultural and sporting activities to push their sportsmanship spirit, and team building teachings must aid them all the way through. However, teachers are also responsible for examining individual students and directing their strengths in the proper direction. Students go through all forms, functions, meals, and failure loops for five years, but it only makes them stronger and ready to tackle greater obstacles in the future.
One’s that we lost on the way
  Photo by Joanna Zambas from Career Addict
In the current scenario, at least 30% of each graduating Architectural student changes their complete path in the profession for a variety of reasons. Lack of suitable prospects, loss of enthusiasm in practice, and inability to fund the course. Money has evolved into a power source, propelling the wheel of that train, causing it to take the quantity turn and benefit itself through multiplication.
Following the traces of politics, corruption, and reservation concerns, but stressing the outcome that needs to be reconsidered. When one adds multiple additional pieces to the origin, the links with the older portions are always weakened. Those who are connected already must stay in contact till the end through any bond or knot, this responsibility has to be taken seriously to set good examples for the coming batches.
Reality hit
After the internship experience, most of the students realize the work system and the order of discipline in the sector. Interaction with other co-workers and colleagues students get aware of the upcoming trends and demands of the future. As well a slight idea about the pay range and the capacity to earn a ration is understood. Few join back the same firm in which they have worked before but most of them either change office or just take another course of action.
Transition in place
  Photo by Dave Bruk from SOM
Architecture must be looked at with freedom and respect, where a single human has the skills with abilities to shape the entire skyline of a nation. This powerful tool is passed on for generations with great care and discipline. This grand tradition must be followed for eternity. Becoming part of the process with patience and pride, it is our responsibility to pass this on in the purest form. Externally affecting factors cannot be removed but can be manipulated to achieve the desired outcome.
Let’s translate this learning chaos into a knowledge fair.
October 29, 2024