Japan’s most important architect is the late Kenzo Tange. Previously I wrote about visiting one of his works, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. And I also wrote about one of his works being featured in an exhibit about architectural photography. I visited this structure, St. Mary’s Cathedral. Built in 1963, the [...]
Entries Tagged as ‘architecture’
March 7, 2008
An Art Deco Masterpiece
Before the Japanese emperor regained control of Japan in the mid-19th century, the Shogun exerted control over the warlords through a variety of means. The most important way was to require his lords and their families to live in Tokyo. This allowed the Shogun to keep an eye on them, keep their families [...]
March 6, 2008
Climbing Shinjuku Peaks
I like to look at the big picture. And that’s why I love a great view. When I’m hiking I find myself gravitating towards the highest point in the area, whether it’s a peak or a ridge. It’s the same in cities. I look at a tall imposing building and I [...]
February 24, 2008
Museums Around the Palace
Continuing my museums of Tokyo tour, I decided to venture near the Imperial Palace, at the very center of Tokyo. I visited the Science Museum and MOMAT (The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo), and made a short detour into the Imperial Palace Gardens.
Trotting Around the Palace Gardens
I ventured into the Palace Gardens with [...]
February 12, 2008
National Treasure no. 1
It survived centuries of invasion, occupation, and civil war. It burned down in a few hours last night. Korea’s National Treasure no. 1, Namdaemun, or the Great South Gate, was the oldest surviving wooden structure in Seoul. It was built in 1398, by the first King of the Yi Dynasty. Although [...]
January 28, 2008
Ta Phrom: Khmer Notes no. 7 /Meditating Wind no. 50
Of all the interesting temples in the Angkor area, Ta Phrom is the coolest. Known for the giant trees that have grown out of the stone ruins, it’s probably one of the most photographed as well. It was built by the prolific Khmer king Jayavarman VII as a Buddhist monastery and university. [...]
January 19, 2008
Angkorian Architectural Elements: Khmer Notes no.5
In this post I’ll describe some Khmer architectural elements with accompanying photos of mostly Angkor Wat. By no means is this an exhaustive list of the complex, religio-structural elements of Angkorian design. These are just some aspects that I found especially compelling.
The Temple Mountain
The most common type of Angkorian temple is the temple [...]
October 7, 2007
The Orchard in My Suitcase: Meditations on Home
Having recently moved into a new apartment, I find myself thinking about what home has been for me. It’s not a simple answer because I have lived in so many places that I’ve called home, 27 addresses to be exact. That’s a new address every 1.37 years. I don’t know anyone else [...]
October 6, 2007
Wat Umong: Meditating Wind no. 24
This photo was taken in the tunnels of Wat Umong, one of the most unusual temple complexes in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The temple dates to the 13th Century and distinguishes itself from the other area temples through its unadorned honey-colored bricks and stone, and the fact that it was in the forest.
Despite [...]
