The creation of this rock-cut architecture spanned 12 dynasties…(and sometimes I feel like working on a project for a year seems like a long time).
The Naqsh-e Rustam - IRAN (Achaemenid dynasty c. 550–330 BC)
Stunning multi-era Persian reliefs and tombs in this Necropolis or City of the Dead. The additive and subtractive architecture here nicely reflect the life/death theme. More here.
l'Arc de Triomphe wrapped by those honoring late artists Christo & Jeanne-Claude
I’ve seen Christo’s drawings of this for years - so good to finally see images of this project being realized. In the link (below) there is a photomontage (sketch) of an early wrapping idea in 1962.
The Arc is covered by 25,000 sq metres of silvery fabric, secured by 3,000 metres of red rope and fulfills one of the many life-long proposals of Christo & Jeanne-Claude, who were best known for large-scale wrappings and other massive site-specific artistic interventions.
Lots more excellent images/information here.
2019
“All bricks are motivated to be arches.” - Louis Kahn
Watch this funny-ish short video as Will Quam takes Stewart Hicks on a walking tour of Chicago neighborhoods and discusses brick motivations.
NOTE: Greg Burns and I tried sailing the kayak two days ago but Denver decided to have no wind for us. I will be on the ready for the future breezes.
AKDA Four-Plex (India)
Beautiful brickwork that pays homage to Louis Kahn’s work (see bottom image). Read more.
Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad completed 1974 Louis Kahn
'Lost Golden City' (Egypt) - Unearthed 2021
Built 3,400+ yrs ago, the mud brick rooms and artifacts reveal much about daily life of the time through discovered tools, scarabs and colored pottery (containing hieroglyphic inscriptions). More information here.
