apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Well, it isn't new but in my opinion is probably the greatest or at least one of the greatest buildings of all time; Louis Kahn's Dhaka http://www.louiskahndhaka.com/

My grandfather's home in Kerala is one of them. It is more than 100 years old. Made out of wood to bring in the tropical breeze in summer time, 2 secret doors in the rooms, customized closets, it is a marvel to see - A charm to any eye that is tired seeing glass and 150 floor structure. Don't you think very tall buildings also scream - Capitalistic greed and power to the boot. An architectural piece says so many things about the person who had the money and the power to commission them. It is a silent tower of many values - standing tall and breathing loudly !

The Sprint Center in Kansas City is going to be a marvel when it is completed. They are nearly finished with the glass on the exterior.

It must be seen in person.

http://www.sprintcenter.com/

...the Frank Gehry Disney Concert Hall in L.A.

Brett Zamore’s Shot-trot house in Houston

It isn't necessarily new, but I adore the Vancouver Public Library at 350 West Georgia Street. Reminiscent of a historical Roman coliseum.. The building has 315 arches divided into nine floors. At certain points, the outer spiral of arches leaves the main body of the library like a spiraling tornadoe. This creates overhead walkways, and a wide plaza for mingling and shopping. My favourite is the rooftop garden!
A modernist classic building indeed!

the new steven holl addition to the nelson-atkins museum of art in kansas city is stunning, and will be opening to the public in june '07.

Brian, I agree with you. I saw "My Architect" on DVD, highly recommended. The Bangaladesh building is brillant.

I've never had the desire to visit Banglad. but,
after seeing the movie...I would go there just to see this structure.

Whatever he chooses, I hope he doesn't choose anything from (the World, Palm Jumeirah etc..)Dubai. Its all hype and publicity and none of the buildings there really have any artistic and architecture depth beyond lots of sparkles and constructing them in record time (using underpaid mistreated workers from the Indian subcontinent). I am sure he is able to see through their desire to be the biggest, the largest, the fastest .... etc... (yawn! Been there done that).

Although given that he is interested in intersection with light, Dubai might be a great candidate since it is a desert and is sunshine 24/7/365.

He should check out the Jewish Museum by Leibeskind (did I butcher his name?) in Berlin. My husband went there and thought it was amazing.

hi
the new de young museum in san francisco is stunning. the use of metal, stone, eucalyptus wood is gorgeous... and the natural light is just beautiful. and thinking of museums... the Moma in NYC is a favorite too.

i was also going to say the de young museum in golden gate park in san francisco. it is an amazing building.

Include some shots of velvety rusted Corten steel. Absolutely amazing in bright sunlight, when you can see the natural variations in the material, and contrasted against a brilliant blue sky.

Marc should definetly check out Thom Mayne's CalTransbuilding in Los Angeles (see http://www.publicartinla.com/CivicCenter/caltrans.html) and the L'Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris by Jean Nouvel (see http://www.greatbuildings.com/buildings/L_Institut_du_Monde_Arabe.html).

Both buildings utilize unique approaches to controlling the access of light let into the buildings' interiors. The Caltrans building has panels which open and close based on the sun's location; the Arab Institute has metal diaphrams which also are activated via the sun's light.

Peter Zumthor's baths in Vals, Switzerland... if he can get permission. The interaction of the architecture and the Alps from the outdoor pool is amazing; the texture of the stone walls with the water lines and rust and calcification is gorgeous.