religious ecstasy

Following the week's topic of discussion (religion & sexual morality), today's posting would entail Dionysus, the ancient Greek god of wine, the inspirer of ritual madness and ecstasy. He IS the major figure in Greek mythology. To the Romans he is Bacchus; the God of frenzy, patron deity of agriculture and theatre. So strong is his influence on mortals that there is a cult dedicated to him and each spring, they would celebrate in a festival for 5 whole days.

What interest me is philosophical and literary concept between Apollo and Dionysus. Apollo is the God of the Sun celebrating lightness, music, and poetry, while Dionysus is the God of wine, ecstasy and intoxication. Modern literary have contrasting concepts between Apollo and Dionysus - wholeness vs. individualism, light vs. darkness and civilization vs. primal nature. Interestingly, the ancient Greeks did not consider the two as opposites or rivals. It seems that modern Western philosophical and literary figures have used this concept to invoke in their own search of making sense of the world. One such figure, is Friedrich Nietzsche in his work The Birth of Tragedy whereby the tragic hero of the drama, the main protagonist, struggles to make order (Apollonian) of his unjust and chaotic (Dionysian) fate, though he dies unfulfilled in the end. Another leading figure is Ayn Rand for her best-selling novel, The Fountainhead - a classic for all Architects to read.

A character trait for an Apollonian:
Thinking, self-controlled, rational, logical, ordered, the dream state, principle of individuation, value for human order and culture, celebration of appearance/illusion, plastic & visual arts, human being(s) as artists.

A character trait for a Dionysian:
Feeling, passionate, irrational, instinctual, chaotic, state of intoxication, wholeness of existence, celebration of nature, brute realism & absurdity, music, human being(s) as the work and glorification of art.

In Sexual Personae by Camille Paglia, the two concepts is split into gender with Dionysian associated with females, wild/chaotic nature, and unconstrained sex/procreation, and Apollonian with males, clarity, rationality/reason, and solidity, along with the goal of oriented progress. I can just imagine the anger and hear the screaming feminist out there asking for my head! Ladies, before you start calling me names, Paglia is a woman. So please stand down! To her, she attributes the progress of civilization to males (Apollonian) revolting against the Dionysian forces of females. This chaotic state is overpowering and alluring at the same time, and the turn away from it towards socially ordered virtues accounts for the prevalence of asexuality and homosexuality in geniuses and in the most culturally prosperous places such as ancient Athens.

As much as I try to agree to Paglia, I think it's rather limiting to pigeon-hole gender in such a way. And I don't like pigeons. They are rats with wings especially the ones you get in Trafalgar Square. Awful creatures. Now, woodpigeon is another thing altogether - they are delicious!

lightbox

Kunze Seeholzer Architektur & Stadtplanung designed Chapel of St. Benedict is located in a park near old Kolbermoor spinning mill, Germany. The chapel has a classic image of a church but reinterpreted with a modern spirit. Concrete and wood is used primarily with rainwater as an extra element cleverly diverted to flow visibly inside a wooden gutter fitted onto the external walls thus reminds the visitors the passing of the seasons.

The simplicity of the great wooden door creates the facade. There are no windows to disturb the clean external walls. Light filters along the whole internal perimeter making the interior looking dissolved and its ceiling looking suspended. The whole chapel is a clean interplay of light and shade, interior and exterior and sky and earth.

life's little pleasures

This week I'm going to focus more on the topics of religion and sexual morality. Recently, I've noticed a lot of interesting religious buildings popping about. Another reason for this recent interest in the subject arose from a discussion I had with the Brunette and some of our friends over Sunday lunch. So, I'll start with a little story first. You see, I'm a good-ish, sober-ish, non committal and non practicing Catholic boy but believe in God and the greater power that surrounds us. Mama has always tried to convince me to be more religious but I'm just too stubborn. Like all good Catholic Italian mothers, they are constantly worried I might go wayward and God forbid if I convert into another religion, she would never forgive me. 'Mama don't worry, little Guido would never do that - per sempre prometto'. Fingers crossed. Religion was never a pre-requisite for my chosen companion anyway and I'm not about to change my ways anytime soon.

So back to Sunday lunch, I've always admired Ash and Sarah. R-(Ash)-id have been going out with Sarah for 8 years. They are as much in love now as they were back then. Sometimes, it makes me soooo sick!! Awww...just kidding guys. I'm just pulling your leg. I'm just envious (good envy), that's all. We were interested in discussing about their relationship because Rashid is a Muslim and Sarah, a Catholic. According to them, it is a common occurrence but still littered with misunderstanding and taboo. It doesn't matter whether they both are liberal in their religious outlook, the trials and tribulations come from external factors. None of which have affected them. Such is life, I guess. As long as I've known him, all his previous companions have always been non-Muslims. Apart from his name, you would have never guessed he was one. Everyone even calls him Ash to make it even more confusing. So, it came to no surprise that they told us that they are get engaged and preparing for the wedding next summer while we were having dessert. Hurrah!!

And yes, neither of them will be converting their religion. Tolerance is what the world needs badly now and they are doing their share of it. So to Ash and Sarah - Congratulations and Good on you both! You guys make a brilliant couple. Just make sure I'm invited for the wedding. In fact, make the invite Guido & Plus one, just in case. I just don't know what to wear; perhaps my Hindu formal attire (a gift from an old friend) would be appropriate for the occasion.

Ps: Even the priest (pic above) can't help himself enjoying the beauty of a female flesh. How can we mere mortals stand any chance?! Amen.

ruin outcrop

This house reminds me of a view from Lake Como when I was visiting there a few years back. But, the project I'm writing is not in Italy but in Scaiano, Switzerland. Markus Wespi Jérôme de Meuron have manipulated a house within a historical village to create a simple cube house using natural stones with a flat roof; something usually impossible to get planning permission from a historical site. To add further hardship, the site is only accessible by foot and there isn't a road as well. Internally, the Architects have created various levels connected by several small stairs. Windows and slanting walls have been left untouched to add character to the house.

chicken or egg

[Verse: Pharrell Williams]
Don't wanna sound full of myself or rude
But you ain't looking at no other dudes cause you love me
(I'm sorry but.. so sexy)
So you think about a chance
You find yourself trying to do my dance
Maybe cause you love me (Uh, you do it well)
So then we tried - singing it slow now
Because you weren't used to how fast we touched (fast we touched)
Then we locked eyes - and I knew I was in there
And I was gonna tear your ass up (tear your ass up)

[Chorus: Pharrell Williams]
I know that I'm carrying on, nevermind if I'm showing off
I was just fronting (you know I want your babe)
I'm ready to bet it all, unless you don't care at all
But you know I want your (you should stop fronting babe)

[Verse: Pharrell Williams]
Trying to be the best girlfriend you could be
But still you sneak and look at me, and girl I love it
Then you give your other girl a show
Tell her you gonna call her ass how it was
And she's gonna love it (whoa-oh whoa, yeah yeah)
So then we tried - singing it slow now
Because you weren't used to how fast we touched (fast we touched)
Then we locked eyes - and I knew I was in there
And I was gonna tear your ass up (tear your ass up)

[Chorus]

[Bridge]
[J:] We got another one Pha-real [Pharrell]
[P:] Dance, oh oh
[J:] I call you Pha-real cause you're the truth, ha ha, Young!
[P:] Whoa-oh, oh oh
[J:] Uh, yeah
[P:] Dance, oh oh
[J:] Yeah, lemme talk to em
[P:] Whoa-oh, oh oh
[J:] I'm a keep it real

[Verse: Jay-Z]
Everytime your name was brought up
I would act all nonchalant in front of an audience
Like if you was just another shorty I put the naughty on
But uh, truth be told you do me for a loop, this Hov
I'm too old to be fronting when I'm feeling Denzel
And you acting like you ain't appealing but you are
Stunting like you ain't my only girl but you are (I was just fronting)
I'm ready to stop when you are

[Chorus]

[Outro: Pharrell Williams]
Dance, oh oh
Whoa-oh, oh oh
Dance, oh oh
Whoa-oh, oh oh

concrete boat, wooden house

We'll start this week in South America with a house built by Architects Martín Fernández de Lema and Nicolás Moreno Deutsch in Argentina. The site, Mar Azul, Buenos Aires have a tight brief in regards to its construction code. The local authorities demand that a large proportion of free space at both sides of the house thus limits the extraction of trees. The owners have decided to swap their boat for a house hence its 'dock-style' shape. In managing the tight conservation brief, the Architects have taken great care to preserve the natural environment of the chosen site thus profiting its natural qualities. It is split into two levels; one that emerges from the land which is used as a private space and a more public space on the upper level. The whole plan of the house is focused horizontally. Certain trees have been incorporated into the house which defines a circulation from the street. By opening the southeast forest view with large windows, its residence can enjoy and feel integrated with their surroundings. Smaller windows have also been installed on the opposite wall primarily to aid visual height of a seated person. No wonder the house is called House among Trees.

sitting quietly, doing nothing, spring comes, and the grass grows by itself

Today is an important day. Firstly, it is Audrey's birthday and secondly, the Brunette is meeting me at my 'bridge'. Looks like our relationship have turned a new leaf. We are slowly and surely becoming attached to each other and surprisingly (what??), we both feel good (very very good in fact!) about it. Funny thing is that we are suddenly more aware of our 'similarity differences' a new term I've coined when it comes of integration. You know what, I'm sure I can explain this term better with Architecture. And I will do just that but I need to research the examples to illustrate the idea first. Wait for it...

Anyway, it is officially spring on Sunday. Hurrah!!! And like everything else in spring time, a new beginning has started for me and more projects to come for the studio. Like the Irish quote - If you don't sow in the spring, you'll not reap in the autumn. I'm optimistic that things are looking up from now on. Bring it on!

Happy Birthday Audrey!

hva er det du føler?

Opppssssss...I missed Thursday's post! Goddamn BT's exchange fault. I was left without the internet for the whole day. I can't believe this sort of nuisance is still around in 2010. Come on BT! What are we paying you for?!

Anyway, my loyal readers will already know my affinity towards Scandinavians and what better way to elaborate it than a project in Trollstigen, Norway. The site is situated in a plateau surrounded by nature. Reiulf Ramstad Architects have thoughtfully used materials to enhance the site's character. The design is a well-adapted within the mountains with functional facilities for the visitor’s experience.

The Architects have created a structure that defines transitions between new planned zones and the old natural landscape. The underlying factor is water because a conversation is accentuated from snow, to running stream and finally falling water. A sensitive approach has created a space within the gigantic rock as a static element and transitional water as variable element thus magnifying and creating a unique spatial quality.

the rhythm killer

Well...I guess we all have done it in some way of the other. The embarrassment, the rejection, the raised eyebrow and the deafening silence after. It's alright to make these silly mistakes when you're younger but to repeat them at a much later stage of life is a BIG mistake! I'm sure you readers will laugh but I assure you, it is more common than you think. This brings me to a story I heard not too long ago. A particular person by the name of Reed (obviously not his real name) met a fantastic young lady over the weekend. They exchange glances and when the night ended, the young lady decided it was time to take him to her chambers for an amorous ending.

He duly followed, as any hot blooded male would. Fast-forward to the end, as the exchange reached the climax, he heard her voice saying 'Exit exit exit!' Now, I would find that terribly disorientating and insensitive. I mean, let's not shock the poor boy into reality just yet. Especially when he's about to...ahem! Now, that would be a turn-off.

Saying that, the last time I checked, they are still together. Goes without saying - to each their own.

chinese curse

pinyin: níng wéi tàipíng quǎn, bù zuò luànshì rén
Translated: It's better to be a dog in a peaceful time than be a man in a chaotic period.

Have you ever heard of 'May you live in interesting times'? Well, it is a euphemism of a Chinese curse. It was as much a curse as anything, in much the same way as we now say -'go to hell'. Some consider is a blessing as well because the saying is as much a blessing as a curse. And the times we are living in are nothing if not interesting.

Normally, it is used when someone does not want to see another person happy. This means that the one who utters this hopes that the other person’s life may be surrounded by worries and obstacles which may follow a person as closely as a shadow. This is a curse which is said courteously but does not sound offensive. The reason behind this is that, 'Interesting times' in other languages may not carry any resentment, and one would hardly be offended.

So if someone says that to you, that person wants to see you devastated so beware!!

Oh! By the way, the building above is the Ningbo Historic Museum, designed by Amateur Architecture Studio and it's made from recycled bricks, stones and tiles - just thought you might want to know.

er-(NO)-tic

NOW THIS IS TAKING THE PISS!!! Vaginal Scent?!?! What the fuck are they thinking about?! Vivaeros is the company behind this interesting product that apparently isn't a perfume but an organic (of course it is!!) erotic, feminine, intimate scent for one's own smelling pleasure. What...Are they on crack?!

According to the company's website, it has been a great challenge to preserve the intimate scent without altering the essences. The product is developed for intensifying ones erotic fantasies by applying the 'slightly yellow' substance (Folks, I'm not making this up. It is on their company brochure) directly at the back of the hand. Simply breathe in to be enjoyed anywhere and anytime.

Ok people, first of all why would you want a vial of female scent with you to be applied whenever you feel like? That's desperate. Isn't it cheaper not to shower after the copulous exercises? Even worse, why would you need it if you're already with an aroused partner next to you? That's weird, imagine the conversation that they'll have, it'll go something like - 'Sorry love, do you mind if I have a drop or two of the vagina scent. I know you're lovely but I you know how much I like the VULVA Original smell'. I can't imagine any women being alright with this. Hilarious and fucking ridiculous!

For those who are tempted, check it out - www.smellmeand.com/. We at Alcoholic Architect hope that everyone smells nice in the morning. I just hope I'm not sitting next to someone wearing it while travelling in a packed London tube in summer.

books, brown, sound, sun

Ah-ha, oxidation facade yet again! The Curno Public Library and Auditorium in Bergamo, Italy is a monolithic concrete pigmented by ferrous oxides. The visitors will also noticed walls that are embellished with bas-relief alphanumeric characters. The Architects, Studio Archea have created a double skin wall that connects the school into two different spaces - Library and Auditorium. This clear separation creates a threshold and also keeps the local fire authorities happy with fire regulation compliance.

building blocks

What is worse; talking to a brick wall or talking to someone who is unresponsive? I preferred a brick wall because at least you know it's an innate object unable to have feelings. Talking to someone who will not engage in any emotional depth is just tiring and Goddamn difficult! In the end, you'll end up getting hurt.

Recently, I've had flashbacks memories of Audrey. We were so good together but somehow it didn't work out. The separation has been awhile but it still feel fresh, like a wound about to heal. Why does it take so long?! She was beautiful, caring, intelligent, a wonderful person in every aspects but somehow it didn't work out. Why? I care for her tremendously, I believed her, I would give more than a pound of flesh for her - I was deeply in love with her and there is nothing else purer. We tried everything but in the end, I remembered being devastated and completely drained. Perhaps, we both felt the same. Sometimes, this city is unforgiving and I can't bear to be here. This city reminds me of her, everything and everywhere have faint traces of her, like a silhouette following me. They are beautiful memories but it does have its sharp thorns and when I let my thoughts wander, the heart remembers the hurt.

Those memories are hard to forget, but why would I want to forget them anyway, it is very much part of my life and my existence. Without it, I wouldn't be what I am now.

doubts & concerns

[Intro]
I don't understand why
See it's burning me to hold onto this
I know this is something I gotta do
But that don't mean I want to
What I'm trying to say is that I-love-you I just
I feel like this is coming to an end
And it's better for me to let it go now than hold on and hurt you
I gotta let it burn

[Verse 1]
It's gonna burn for me to say this
But it's comin from my heart
It's been a long time coming
But we done been fell apart
Really wanna work this out
But I don't think you're gonna change
I do but you don't Think it's best we go our separate ways
Tell me why I should stay in this relationship
When I'm hurting baby, I ain't happy baby
Plus there's so many other things I gotta deal with
I think that you should let it burn

[Chorus]
When your feeling ain't the same and your body don't want to
But you know gotta let it go cuz the party ain't jumpin' like it used to
Even though this might ruin you
Let it burn
Let it burn
Gotta let it burn

Deep down you know it's best for yourself but you
Hate the thought of her being with someone else
But you know that it's over
We know that it's through
Let it burn
Let it burn
Gotta let it burn

[Verse 2]
Sendin' pages I ain't supposed to
Got somebody here but I want you
Cause the feelin ain't the same by myself
Callin' her your name
Ladies tell me do you understand?
Now all my fellas do you feel my pain?
It's the way I feel I know I made a mistake
Now it's too late I know she ain't comin back
What I gotta do now
To get my shorty back
Ooo ooo ooo ooooh Man
I don't know what I'm gonna do
Without my booo
You've been gone for too long
It's been fifty-leven days, um-teen hours
Imma be burnin' till you return (let it burn)

[Chorus]

[Bridge]
I'm twisted cuz one side of me is tellin' me that I need to move on
On the other side I wanna break down and cry (ooooh)
I'm twisted cuz one side of me is tellin' me that I need to move on
On the other side I wanna break down and cry (yeah)

[Breakdown]
Ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh oooh
Ooh ooh oooh (can ya feel me burnin'?)
Ooh ooh ooh oooh ooh oooh
So many days, so many hours
I'm still burnin' till you return

[Chorus]

deep roots

Melbourne, Australia is where we shall head next to look at a project that involves restoration, demolition, construction and alteration to an existing Edwardian house. The Architects involved have deliberately added transparency and openness to the new part of the house to create a contrast against the Edwardian house with its dark central corridor. The office, Architects Eat was inspired by Farnsworth House, Mies van der Rohe. As the project name entails, the mature Elm and Willow trees on site became the main constraints to the project. The building is suspended over the ground thus reducing damaging the critical root zones of the two trees.

brown oxidation

The Ferrous is a converted obsolete suburban structure. Under the supervision of Johnsen Schmaling Architects, this house is now an energy conscious home. The Architects have used the existing foundations, main perimeter wall and plumbing cores of a dilapidated 70’s ranch but gutted the interior to produce a modern family home.

Several new ideas were added such as a new roof supported by exposed metal and wood trusses, cedar-clad cabinets, a cantilever over the edge of the building to add more space without changing the original footprint and a north facing clerestory. When possible, sustainable systems and materials i.e. low-VOC paints and stains, recycled steel and reclaimed and locally harvested woods and veneers were also used. In the clerestory, Nano-gel minimises the need for artificial light. Meanwhile, bamboo has been planted adjacent to the patio to provide shade.

Steel panels is wrapped on three sides of the house, to create a warm colour as it corrodes, echoing the hues of a derelict farm equipment in the site and also a protection from the neighbours and the elements.