End of week 3

This building, Girasol, built in the 1950s is one of the first modern buldings that we have studied as of yet on this trip. Not surprisingly the group loved it! This bulding, which was revolutionary in its detailing for its time is still in great condition. The tiles have been recently replaced however wooden screens on the front facade have since been replaced by metal ones.

Jon says that Girasol is ****ing awesome and that anyone who cares to learn more about it should check out Venturi s Complexity and Contradition (page 28).

My favorite part of this building is the small recess niche that terminates the edge of the entry vestible. The building is designed for function as most modern buildings are however there must be no janitors closet because this small detailed niche is intead used for storing the mops. Just goes to show that despite best intentions, people will use a building however it is most convenient.




Week 3 is offically almost coming to an end which marks the mid-point of the class related portion of our program. This week was comprised mostly of Villa excursions. We have found out a few things about Villas in Itlay.
1. The wealthy love to look out over the little people. As a result every villa begins with an extreme calf workout.

2. Villas are all accompained by a garden. However garden size does not necessarily relate to Villa size. All gardens must have waterfalls and fountains. At least one of these fountains must be spraying water from some unnatural looking body part.

3. The section is always the most important drawing for showing how the garden works. They used the basics. Water flows downward. Could be because of gravity.

4. Villa police do not smile and it is best to not touch the walls, statues, grass, or ground.

5. There are a lot of villas all around Rome most importantly Villa Farnese in Caparolla, Villa Madama (very hard to get into as it is used for visiting foreign dignitaries), Villa Giulia, and Villa Lante. They were all used as a piece of propoganda for exerting influence and showing off the power of the family that constructed the Villa. As a result, they are lavish, beautiful, and were designed by some of the most well known architects of that time.