These are a few of my favourite things… Christianna Anagnostopoulou
Hot on the back of Phil’s favourite things, our Project Architect Christianna is coming in hot with her list of cherished doo dads, places and buildings. With choices spanning the Far East to the banks of the Amstel River, we’re in for a most international affair this month.
Hailing from beautiful Greece, it’s no wonder Christianna’s choices slant towards the philosophical so don your thinking caps and plug your brain in.
Favourite Building - Mediatheque in Sendai
The Mediatheque in Sendai, Japan by Toyo Ito, is top of my list. Its full openness and connection not just as a building but as an idea makes it something special from an architectural perspective.
A combination of a library, art gallery, and media collection, Mediatheque was designed such that everything is visible and fully exposed. It blends the idea of the library and the media, inspired by the connection between the old and the new.
The building is characterized by open and flexible spaces. The idea of openness starts with the transparent aesthetic of the exterior and the extensive use of glass walls that invite you into the inner workings of the place no matter where you are. This theme is continued in the structural innovation and tube-like columns that support the building. The absence of traditional structural columns allows for versatile use of the interior spaces, promoting adaptability for various activities and events.
Even today, I find it prophetic of the way the world has changed. The openness and transparency of the building have ‘predicted’ the new normal in our lives with social media and all the exposure it brings.
Amsterdam
As far as I can remember, I was interested in cities that have a strong connection with the water, but I always had a special bond with Amsterdam. I suppose Amsterdam can be on the top of the list for numerous reasons: it has a very characteristic architectural landscape, it is cultural and diverse, has world-class museums and a famous cycling culture.
The concentric rings of canals, built during the Dutch Golden Age in the 17th century, are a defining feature of Amsterdam's architecture. The canal houses, characterised by their narrow facades and gabled roofs, create a visually stunning and unique urban environment. These houses often feature ornate facades, elaborate decorations, and a variety of architectural styles, ranging from Renaissance to Dutch Baroque.
For me, the uniqueness lies in the relationship between the distinctive architecture, the urban design, and the accessibility to the canals which is primarily a result of historical and economic factors.
In the 17th century, during the Dutch Golden Age, property taxes were calculated based on the width of the building's facade. Property owners had an incentive to build narrow houses to minimize their tax burden while still creating functional living spaces and at the same time exhibit their wealth with ornate facades and elaborate decorations.
This allowed for more houses to be built along and have access to the canals and by building upward instead of outward, Amsterdam residents could accommodate their growing population without expanding the city's footprint.
Image courtesy of https://www.cntraveler.com/story/amsterdam-cruise-ship-ban
Panton Chair by Verner Panton
My favourite design object of all time Is the Panton Chair by the Danish designer Verner Panton. Made from a single piece of moulded plastic, the Panton Chair was one of the first examples of a chair designed to be manufactured entirely from one material. This represented a significant departure from traditional chair manufacturing methods and showcased Verner Panton's forward-thinking approach to design.
Unlike traditional chair designs with straight lines and right angles, the Panton Chair features smooth, flowing curves that give it a dynamic and sculptural quality. The chair's fluid, organic anthropomorphic shape challenged the norms of furniture design at the time and helped establish the chair as an icon of modernism.
The Panton Chair's timeless design and versatility make it suitable for a wide range of settings, whether used in a contemporary home or a commercial space, the chair's silhouette makes a statement in the environment.
Beyond its innovative design and material use, the Panton Chair has had a significant cultural impact. It became a symbol of the 1960s and 1970s counterculture movement, embodying the spirit of experimentation and freedom of expression that defined the era. In my opinion, the most iconic and influential chair of all time shows the power of design in all aspects of life.
Image courtesey of https://www.utilitydesign.co.uk/vitra-panton-classic-chair