urban explorer

A great exhibition titled “Future City” (well worth a visit) currently on at The Barbican in London inspired a search through some travel snaps to find images of a dramatic day in Dresden where i visited Coop Himmelblau’s UFA cinema. The UFA Multiplex cinema was one of Coop Himmelblau’s earliest built public projects. Descirbed as the ‘block and the crystal’ it is a stiking form that defines a clear departure from the prefabricated concrete boxes that make up much of Dresden’s built environment post WWII and from the famous Baroque buildings such as the Semperopera, Dresden was so admired for before the war, few of which remain today. I actually visited the buidling a few days prior this one but dull and gloomy clouds prevented any good shots, as i was wandering the rooftops of the Zwinger Palace on this day the sunshine began to disappear behind an enormous thunderstorm, so i ran down to the cinema to try my luck again.

For those Antony and the Johnsons fans out there here is a great link to The World of Adam. Adam Schecter is a New York animator with a somewhat unique view of the world….He has done a series of music videos to some Antony and the Johnson songs……. beware of furry animals with musical instruments and chainsaws when exploring his other movies..

Sitting here in my spartan flat in London, tirelessly pounding away at my laptop, i can’t help but think back to a couple weeks ago when i was in one of the most inspiring studio spaces…… aalto’s own studio. A note to all employers, this space made me want to sit right down and start working on the next masterpiece.

Well a trip to Finland to explore the buildings of one of the master architects of the modern era was never going to be a far off my radar, to coincide it with the 10th international Alvar Aalto Symposium was an added bonus. Aalto’s buildings stand the test of time, their attention to detail, beauty and warmth still radiate.

the town hall at sayanatsalo

aalto’s studio in helsinki