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Guangzhou Opera House: Brava Zaha!
- Thread starter arkitect
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Impressive-looking architecture! Am a bit wary though. Alright, the photographer presumably was looking for the cleanest, most spectacular photos, but from them it looks like the functionality of the place is subordinated to the looks...
It looks like its idea of relating to context is allowing views of nearby tall buildings, instead of knitting into a functioning neighbourhood. The approaches look devoid of activity bar walking, and the unchanging view would make walking there feel further than it actually is, because the size of the opera house is the obvious reference point for progress, and it will 'get bigger' very slowly. There doesn't seem to be any activity en route to justify going there unless for a performance. I fear the space around it will be pretty dead.
I'm also a bit dubious about forcing pedestrians along a massive detour around the lake so they don't spoil the precious reflection. How big a problem it is depends upon how important the destinations that the path links are, the quality of alternate routes, and how prepared opera-goers are to take big detours for the sake of a fine reflection!
Ah well, this is only an opinion based on the linked photos, which were presumably taken by a photographer with a particular story he/she wants to tell. I hope my fears are baseless! It's certainly a spectacular building.
It looks like its idea of relating to context is allowing views of nearby tall buildings, instead of knitting into a functioning neighbourhood. The approaches look devoid of activity bar walking, and the unchanging view would make walking there feel further than it actually is, because the size of the opera house is the obvious reference point for progress, and it will 'get bigger' very slowly. There doesn't seem to be any activity en route to justify going there unless for a performance. I fear the space around it will be pretty dead.
I'm also a bit dubious about forcing pedestrians along a massive detour around the lake so they don't spoil the precious reflection. How big a problem it is depends upon how important the destinations that the path links are, the quality of alternate routes, and how prepared opera-goers are to take big detours for the sake of a fine reflection!
Ah well, this is only an opinion based on the linked photos, which were presumably taken by a photographer with a particular story he/she wants to tell. I hope my fears are baseless! It's certainly a spectacular building.
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I'm not a huge fan of her work, and I think she was way overrated when she first started getting built - but I have to admit she is picking up her game every year. This looks like a nice project.
Very impressive.. lovely design.
But being a Sydney sider.. Sydney Opera House will always be king.
But being a Sydney sider.. Sydney Opera House will always be king.
I think I'd get dizzy and fall over in a building like that, the lack of any straight walls would make me lose my visual bearings. 