Oh Nicole, the Places You'll Go

I only take prescriptions from Dr. Seuss. The problem is there are so many words swimming around in my head, that if I'm not careful, they will flow out into a muddle of typing and spill over the blog. In other words, I haven't slept much this week, so this post will be straightforward.

On Monday, I went to the ASU's Nelson Fine Arts Center, designed by Antoine Predock.

It was the winning design of a national competition.

Nobody hangs out there.

Before I go on, I can't help but do more university comparison. What's interesting about ASU is the variety of nationally and internationally acclaimed architect that reside there in stone (concrete, stucco etc). As shown in the picture above, the buildings at ASU often have little connection besides a color scheme and some standard details. In comparison, the U of A is more united by brick and familiar shapes; it has a vernacular. Since ASU was established as a state university after the U of A, I suppose ASU's decision to invite these architects was the university's way of saying, "Looky here, we're good too - we're cosmopolitan!" Fine, whatever floats your boat. Your small, small boat.

Back to Predock, there are good points and bad points to the center. It graciously harkens back to the Native Americans with its blocky forms and aged finish. It also gratingly holds unnecessary and complicated additions, half of which are human friendly. For example, the front of the building neither offers shade nor seating and that continues within. I appreciate it as a form of sculpture, but as a visitor, I felt detached from it. The center felt like a part of some ancient ruins that were really made by confused aliens. Perhaps scientologists would like it. Of course, that is just an opinion as to why people pass through instead of linger.

On Tuesday, I visited The Lakes, a well thought out world of suburbia. It is a community conceived in the 1970s that really focuses on the human aspect of living and offers a mixture of apartments, townhouses and houses for it. Instead of street alleys, there were grassy walkways. There were cozy restaurants and small parks and ball courts nearby. It all revolved around a man-made lake, which after my initial skepticism, was like a pleasant oasis. The lake uses treated sewage water and has a canal running through it, so thankfully it churns and reuses its water. The whole community and its charming ideas reminded me so much of Zobella's project and her goals. I've seen it, and it can happen. It works!

On Wednesday, I went off to the Biltmore Hotel, the Fiesta Hotel and a somewhat commercial discussion about carpets for architects. The carpet talk was um... interesting. I learned about the dying strategies and broadloom vs. carpet tile. It was catered by Paradise Cafe. I had a tuna sandwich. Next.

Note: The real lobby is not half as bright as this Google image.

The Biltmore Hotel is a swanky 1920s affair designed by Albert Chase McArthur, though the credit unfairly goes to Frank Lloyd Wright who only worked a few weeks under McArthur there. Done in art deco, it is an iconic Phoenix spot of architecture. Unfortunately, the lobby and other portions of the hotel burned down in 1973. Fortunately, a skilled team that included my advisor rebuilt it again. My advisor worked on the masonry and much of the design like the stained glass in the front room. The Fiesta Hotel miles away is a more affordable interpretation of the interior, which is more comfortable in many ways. In short, if you have money and would like to visit Phoenix, maybe stay at the Fiesta and explore the Biltmore. Or go crazy and do the opposite.

Before I go, I should say that I have finalized my sustainable home design! I will be starting the model next week. I will give more information on what I'm doing with that on my April entries since that's my researching and model making season.

Well, that was not straightforward. I think I was brochure writing again like Ms. Toews says. On another note, I love reading everyone else's blog entries. Keep doing what you're doing.

Have a wonderful day and enjoy your stay.