On our bike tour we drew several buildings limiting our drawings to three, five, and eight lines. The first building I drew I focused my first drawing on the two dimensional voids and solids of the building found on the façade. The second drawing I did of this building, I focused on the angled perspective of the building because it was important to show the particular location of the building in relation to the surrounding city. The third drawing, I focused on combining both the angle of the building as well as the lines that created the voids within the façade.

In the third building we visited, I focused my drawings on the angles and cuts of the building. In my first drawing, I focused on the simple overview of the corner cuts of the two relating buildings. The second drawing, I drew lines to start to connect the “cuts” of the building and show the relationship between the two buildings. The third drawing I started to show the continuation of theses lines in the façade.

Despite my struggles with the physical biking aspect of the tour, I did find the experience to be very beneficial. It was a good way of looking at architecture in a different way and to see a major part of the city in a fast and easy way.

Library Perspective

The library we visited has a clear sense of public space that gives back to the public. Consequently, the space is used by the public and has become place of activity. Although, it was raining when we visited the site, it was clear that the space has become a place for the community. The transparency of the library allows for a clear connection between the public space and the building. The entrance to the public space, which filters the people under part of the library, gives an idea of procession through the space.

My drawing captures the sense and size of the public space in relation to the library. It also provides context as to where the library is located and the surrounding neighbors. My drawing could better show the transparency of the library’s façade and/or show the entrance to the space. However, I do think that the public space is highly important so I believe it is effective to show the public space in my drawing. More development of the library façade would allow the drawing to be more effective.

Ciutadella vs Montjuic

After exploring the Ciutadella Park, located in the Exaimple, and the Botanical gardens, found in Montjuic, it is easy to notice the differences between the two spaces. Both of the green spaces offer a refreshing break to the city of Barcelona and provide an enjoying and relaxing environment. The Ciutadella Park incorporates the surrounding context well and allows for a smooth transition between the city and the park. Located in alignment with the Arc de Triumph and the city grid, the plan of the park is vitally important. It is obvious that the layout of the park was formed into a rigid and particular system to ensure uniformity with the rest of the city.

My visit to the Botanical Gardens of Montjuic was a completely different experience. First of all, the journey to this space was very different than the journey to the Ciutadella Park. Montjuic is an organic and natural experience with windy streets and narrow paths that lead up into the elevation changes of the mountain. While the Botanical Garden are organized into a plan, the journey throughout the space is very flexible and organic. Unlike the rigid and strict grid system of Ciutadella Park, the Botanical Gardens allow for a free flowing path throughout the greenery. Since the Botanical Gardens are located on Montjuic, the scenery from the space is incredible, providing views of the entire city from the highest point of the gardens. 

While the two spaces were completely different to each other, both areas adapt well to the surrounding context. The Ciutadella Park, located within the grid system of the city, takes on a orderly system plan. On the contrary, the Botanical Gardens are free and flexible, relating to the natural and organic experience of Montjuic. 

Southern Spain: Trip 1.0

After returning from our trip to Southern Spain, its is amazing to see the differences between various parts of the country. To me, the city that differed the most compared to Barcelona was Toledo. The city was a great experience with beautiful scenery and impressive architecture. I truly enjoy the scenic journey to the top of the mountain while walking up the old stone stairs. The small quaint city had much to offer, including churches, mountains, and even homemade swords. However, compared to Barcelona; Toledo seemed to be a city from an older time. Barcelona is a modern city that provides many sources of entertainment and constant new places to explore. While Toledo was full of gorgeous sites to see and home of the impressive Catedral de Toledo, the vibe of the overall city was quite “small town”.

It is interesting to see a city that appears to not have changed much since its older times. While searching for a place to eat lunch, it was much different than in Barcelona where we are usually overwhelmed by choices. In Toledo, it was between a few selections of smaller restaurants. Toledo did not offer any of the big commercial stores found in Barcelona but instead had a variety of smaller individual shops. WIth all of these observations made, I am not trying to provide a negative outlook on Toledo. I was simply amazed and intrigued by the drastic difference between the cities. I was stunned by the size and beauty of the Cathedral and enjoyed traveling throughout the mountain and the windy streets. I enjoyed the simplicity and history of the city and consider my time in Toledo to be a significant part of my trip.