The buildings in the newer area of Barcelona have a very different vibe about them then both the gothic quarter and the eixample.  The idea of a completely transparent skin is not something that has been utilized in cities until recently.  Certainly the first two buildings that we visited by the beach are perfect examples of reasons for having a translucent skin: the views have to be spectacular. Therefore, a translucent skin is preferred.  Unfortunately the building does not seem to blend or related very well with its surroundings.  In an urban condition, I believe both buildings to be unsuccessful.

Another example of a new building with a transparent skin is the Torre Telefonica at 00 diagonal. In this case, however, the building is more about being a sculpture then using the transparency to show the outside from the inside of the building.  Again, this building has failed.  Though the building is cool, stylish, etc.; it doesn’t seem to fit in.

Somehow, however, i fear that this new style of architecture seen in this part of the city is forced, and even unwelcome. In both the eixample and the gothic quarter people are constantly out and about.  Every single tiny green space is filled with people socializing, playing soccer, and just relaxing.  Every street has hundreds of people walking or simply strolling. In this new part of the city, the Architecture is undoubtedly advanced and interesting, but it has no soul, it has no heart, it has no Passion.

~Anthony A

San Antoni Library Analysis

There a few problems with my perspective that I did at the San Antoni Library. In order to get a feel of the importance of the interior courtyard, a perspective showing the entrance sequence from the entrance of the library on the street, through the tunnel, and into the open courtyard was required. This was impossible due to the less then favorable weather conditions.  I coped, however, by doing a perspective showing the circulation sequence out of the space.  The vanishing point of the one-point perspective is placed at the eye level of a person standing on the sidewalk, outside of the library’s campus.  The drawing clearly shows the entrance tunnel with both of its catwalks that act as work space and circulation within the Library.  It also shows the low key entrance to the library.  The perspective ends at the beginning of the larger courtyard, while still showing the back part of the library as well as the entrance to the community center that is located within the courtyard. By only showing the first meter or so of the larger, inner courtyard, the drawing focuses on the entrance sequence, rather than the open space itself.  By doing so, the importance of the drawing is pinned on circulation, which, in my opinion is the most important part of this building.  If I had the opportunity to do the drawing again, I think a small perspective simply showing procession into the space from the street paired with a larger section perspective of the courtyard itself would have been more informational.

Anthony A