jay thakkar’s Post

XRANGE Architects' Railway Department Park: A Landscape of Traces in Taipei • XRANGE Architects' Railway Department Park in Taipei, Taiwan, is a 17,000-square-meter park that occupies a site with a rich history dating back 130 years. Originally the site of Taiwan's first railway during the Qing Dynasty, it later became the Taipei Artillery Factory and the Taipei Railway Factory in 1900. Today, it is a national historical monument and a green focal point in the ambitious Taipei West District Gateway Project. • The park's design concept, "Landscape of Traces," envisions past transformations on the site as historical imprints or urban traces to be revealed to the public. Archaeological reconstruction was not possible due to the lack of precise information and the permanent removal of historical remains for train tunnels. Instead, the design employs a "blurred," "gradient fade," and "fuzzy edges" landscape language to approximate the past without claiming absolute positions. • Traces of past buildings, structures, and railway tracks are represented as blurry, lo-fi imprints on the museum grounds, their overlaps and collisions telling the stories of over a century of growth and transformation in Taipei. Good Read (link to the Article) https://lnkd.in/gfVPW5SZ

Conference & Exhibition | 22nd of March 2024 | 12 pm - 5 pm | Goethe-Institut Äthiopien In Ethiopian rapidly changing urban landscapes architectural heritage is often neglected or seen as an obstacle to development. However, heritage is intertwined with local lifestyles and identities that create a sense of belonging and pride. On a more practical basis, architectural heritage is a container of past building knowledge, which can be beneficial for our contemporary challenges in urban Ethiopia. Heritage is a susceptible issue and is often overlooked. This conference is intended to initiate a debate between experts, government representatives, and the public. The conference consists of a keynote lecture and two sessions that give room for debating urban heritage from different perspectives: SESSION #1: "Decoding Addis Ababa’s Urban Heritage” SESSION #2: "Imaginairies of Housing in Addis Ababa" The conference is co-organized by Piet Nieder of Technical University Berlin, Rumi Okazaki of Shibaura Institute of Technology Tokyo, and Tadesse Girmay Addis Ababa University. Rumi Okazaki is an Associate Professor at the Shibaura Institute of Technology’s School of Architecture (Tokyo). She investigates architectural and urban history, mainly in Japan and Ethiopia. Her work addresses the connection between historical preservation and social sustainability. Tadesse Girmay Gebreegziabhe is an Architect-Planner and Archaeologist-Building Conservator, teaching and researching at EiABC-AAU. He collaborated with different Universities overseas in researching about heritage of Ethiopia. He is a board member of ICOMOS Ethiopia, Heritage Chair at the Association of Ethiopian Architects, a member of the Ethiopian Archaeologists Association, and a Local representative of Warka Water and the Society for the Conservation of the Ethiopian Heritage. Piet Nieder is an architect and doctoral candidate at Technical University Berlin since 2019. His ongoing dissertation entitled “Ethiopia and the Architecture of the Chthulucene” led to the publication “The Addis Ababa House – A Typological Analysis of Urban Heritage in Ethiopia”. Online participation (apologies if the connection is not perfect): https://lnkd.in/dm7NTnAq | Meeting-ID: 623 9142 0864 | Kenncode: 307106 Exhibition: Curated by ANKEBOOT the exhibition gives insights into Addis Ababa’s architectural heritage from 22nd March to 02nd April. The contents of the exhibition come from the recently published book “The Addis Ababa House – A Typological Analysis of Urban Heritage in Ethiopia (1886–1936)”. The book will be presented after the conference in the evening at Goethe-Institut.

This 1888 image is a fascinating historical photograph showing a section of the Eiffel Tower during its construction. One intriguing detail in the photo is the area highlighted by a red circle, which reveals what appears to be the top of an arch, partially buried beneath the base of the tower. This architectural feature is not commonly associated with the Eiffel Tower's well-documented construction history, raising questions about what might have existed at this site before the tower was erected. The presence of this arch could suggest that the land on which the Eiffel Tower now stands was once home to a more ancient structure. This hypothesis aligns with the theory that many famous monuments worldwide, including the Eiffel Tower, were built on top of or in the remnants of earlier, possibly much older, constructions. The arch's design and construction materials may hint at an earlier era of architecture, possibly predating the modern era. One theory that could be explored is that the site of the Eiffel Tower may have originally housed a starfort or similar fortification, a type of structure commonly associated with the Tartarian Empire—a civilization that some believe was erased from history. Proponents of this theory suggest that a massive flood event, sometimes referred to as the "mudflood," buried much of the world’s earlier architecture, leaving only the tops of these ancient structures visible. The arch seen in this photo could be a remnant of such a buried structure, hidden beneath layers of earth and subsequently incorporated into the foundations of the Eiffel Tower. If this interpretation holds, the Eiffel Tower would not merely be a triumph of 19th-century engineering but also a symbolic structure built atop the remains of a much older and potentially forgotten civilization. The idea that this arch could be evidence of an ancient starfort lends a sense of mystery and depth to the site, inviting further investigation into what might lie beneath one of the most iconic landmarks in the world.

Published in 2017, ‘Islamic Palace Architecture in the Western Mediterranean: A History’ by Felix Arnold offers a comprehensive overview of Islamic palace architecture in Spain, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and southern Italy, tracing its evolution from the 8th to the 19th century. The book explores the cultural and historical significance of these palaces, including influences from Middle Eastern architecture, Greek logic, and Sufism, while providing detailed descriptions and plans of the known Islamic palaces in the region. Book Summary: “Palaces like the Aljafería and the Alhambra rank among the highest achievements of the Islamic world. In recent years archaeological work at Córdoba, Kairouan and many other sites has vastly increased our knowledge about the origin and development of Islamic palatial architecture, particularly in the Western Mediterranean region. This book offers a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of Islamic palace architecture in Spain, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and southern Italy. The author, who has himself conducted archaeological field work at several prominent sites, presents all Islamic palaces known in the region in ground plans, sections and individual descriptions. The book traces the evolution of Islamic palace architecture in the region from the 8th to the 19th century and places them within the context of the history of Islamic culture. Palace architecture is a unique source of cultural history, offering insights into the way space was conceived and the way rulers used architecture to legitimize their power. The book discusses such topics as the influence of the architecture of the Middle East on the Islamic palaces of the western Mediterranean region, the role of Greek logic and scientific progress on the design of palaces, the impact of Islamic palaces on Norman and Gothic architecture and the role of Sufism on the palatial architecture of the late medieval period.” Available: https://lnkd.in/dt5E-S-r Tags: #architecture_zubairsbookshelf #islamic_gardens_and_architecture_zubairsbookshelf

Reflecting on My Recent Academic Endeavor: Architecture has found a strange and unexpected enemy in ISIS, which has destroyed and looted countless religious buildings, monuments, archaeological sites, and works of art from different cultures and religions, most of which are considered World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. “In 2014, the city of Mosul fell under the shadow of ISIS, marking the beginning of a dark chapter in its history. The vibrant tapestry of cultures, traditions, and architecture that once defined Mosul was systematically dismantled, leaving behind a cityscape scarred by the ravages of war. The Old City, once the heart of Mosul, bore the brunt of this devastation. Its historic urban fabric, a testament to Mosul’s rich cultural heritage, was reduced to rubble. The Tigris riverfront, a lifeline that connected the city with its surroundings, was left desolate and abandoned. However, amidst the ruins, there is an opportunity for rebirth. Architecture, in its most profound sense, has the power to heal, restore, and bring communities together. It is not just about reconstructing buildings; it’s about reviving the spirit of the city, its cultural heartbeat, and historical identity. This thesis explores the role of architecture in the post-war recovery of Mosul. It proposes a unique approach, termed the rewriting method’, that goes beyond traditional restoration. This method weaves a new narrative of resilience and renewal into the fabric of Mosul, symbolically and functionally merging the riverfront and the Old City through strategic architectural interventions. The scars of war are deep, but so is the resolve of the people of Mosul. Through architecture, we can bridge the past and the future, turning the scars into symbols of resilience, and paving the way for a brighter, more hopeful future for Mosul.

Conservation Architecture in India: Living Buildings and Cultures https://lnkd.in/d9D24Szt #architectural, #architecture, #astrologers, #buildings, #conservation, #cultures, #development, #environment, #getgreengetgrowing, #gngagritech, #greenstories, #indian, #lifestyles

The Essential Elements of Islamic Ornamentation and Architecture: An In-Depth Exploration The allure of Islamic ornamentation lies in its balance between mathematical precision and artistic fluidity. #Islamicarchitecture

Architecture is a fluid art that blends various periods and styles while architectural history can be used as a method for tracking the development of architecture or buildings across diverse cultures and time periods, starting from the Stone Age to ancient Egyptian architecture and the building edifices of the modern era. Additionally, the construction styles have evolved across different centuries in different parts and civilizations of the world. Let’s delve into the architectural timeline, which spans from prehistoric times to the mid-20th century, and explore the different eras across various social and cultural backgrounds, influenced by early civilizations, religion, and social shifts. #architecture #interiordesign #history https://lnkd.in/dEbDDHGC

India is a land where ancient architecture meets awe-inspiring mystery. One such marvel that captures the spirit of Indian heritage is the "Hanging Pillar" of the Virbhadra Temple in Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh. This architectural wonder leaves visitors and scholars equally amazed and intrigued. The Virbhadra Temple, built in the 16th century during the Vijayanagara Empire, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and showcases a unique blend of religious significance and architectural brilliance. Among its many attractions, the hanging pillar stands out as an extraordinary example of the skill and vision of ancient Indian artisans. This pillar, unlike others, does not rest on the ground but appears to "hover" just above it, leaving a gap through which thin objects, like cloth or paper, can pass. The Mystery and a British Encounter: Legend has it that a British archaeologist, fascinated by the pillar's unique structure, attempted to study its construction by moving it slightly. However, this intervention had unexpected consequences. As he started his exploration, the temple reportedly began to tremble, a phenomenon that halted his efforts immediately. Concerned that any further disturbance could compromise the structural integrity of the entire temple, he decided to abandon the investigation. The story of this British encounter has only added to the allure and mystique of the hanging pillar. Was it an engineering marvel or a divine intervention that prevented any tampering with this ancient relic? While no definitive answer exists, the experience serves as a reminder of the sophisticated yet enigmatic architectural techniques used in ancient Indian temples. The Science Behind the Mystery: Many believe that the hanging pillar is an intentional creation by the architects of the Vijayanagara Empire, possibly as a testament to their advanced engineering knowledge. Some scholars suggest that the pillar is part of a carefully balanced system that distributes the temple’s weight, a technique that may have been well-understood by ancient Indian builders but remains puzzling to modern engineers. Cultural and Spiritual Significance Beyond the architectural intrigue, the hanging pillar holds deep spiritual significance for visitors. It is seen as a symbol of divine presence, a reminder of the temple’s sacredness and the mystery that surrounds it. Preserving India’s Heritage: The Virbhadra Temple, with its hanging pillar, is a powerful example of the need to preserve our ancient heritage. It’s not just about protecting stone and mortar but about cherishing the wisdom, skills, and spiritual beliefs that shaped an entire civilization. As we admire these marvels, let’s also recognize the importance of conservation so that future generations can experience the magic and mystery of places like the Virbhadra Temple. #India #IndianHeritage #AncientIndia #TempleArchitecture #Lepakshi #VirbhadraTemple #EngineeringMarvel #HeritageConservation #PrideOfIndia

Unsure what landscape architects do? Join the club, said Kevin Corrigan, who is about to earn his graduate degree in landscape architecture this month from the Sam Fox School at Washington University. “No one knows who we are. And I don’t blame them. I had a college degree in environmental studies and I had no idea either,” said Corrigan, who earned his undergraduate degree from Denison University. “Many times over the last years, when I tell someone what I’m studying, they tell me I need to come over and work in their backyard.” "I looked at a ton of master’s programs and ended up here because I wanted a program couched in the school of art and design, which isn’t the case for all landscape programs. I’ve also had a lot of opportunities outside of the Sam Fox School. In 2022, I had this really cool experience with Michael Frachetti (a professor of archaeology in Arts & Sciences) in the mountains of Uzbekistan digging up an ancient civilization for the first time. There are a lot of parallels between our disciplines. Archaeology tries to understand how people built their societies by, as they joke, digging up people’s trash. I think landscape architecture does that, too, but looks forward. We look at who people are, what a community needs, how they see themselves and what’s important to them, and then build that into a landscape." "I believe landscape designers have a necessary voice in any discussion about spatial design and the built environment. Historically, a project is a building and the landscape architect works around that. But the whole basis of this discipline is treating the urban realm as a whole and seeing how we can fit into and better integrate our urbanism into existing ecological systems in a manner that is, at the very least, as low-impact as possible, but ideally accentuates what is already there." #WashU24