What I read
We have just read and checked our understanding of "The Metropol Parasol."
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Our response
Having now read the text a couple of times, Bixby and Scanlon now invite us to respond to those idea in a critical thinking exercise.
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Bixby and Scanlon's questions
Comment on the following questions, which are the critical thinking questions on page 19 (Bixby & Scanlon, 2013), and then reply to at least two of your classmates' comments.
- Consider the different opinions about the Metropol Parasol. What do you think? What are the advantages and disadvantages of its design?
- Think about a public space in your city or town. Which aspects of its design do you like? What would you change about it in order to improve it?
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Reference
- Bixby, J. & Scanlon, J. (2013). Skillful Reading & Writing, Student's Book 3. Oxford: Macmillan Education
I think the opponents' criticizing is just a feeling and has no tangible reason apart from the look of it. On the other, some other people who look from ecological viewpoint has a good point that the city authority should listen to.
ReplyDeleteI've never been to Seville, so I can't say how well the Metropol Parasol fits in withe city's traditional architecture, but I like its appearance in the photo. It seems light, airy and not overwhelming, so my guess is that it doesn't clash too much with the old buildings from mediaeval times such as cathedrals and palaces. But even if it did clash, I think the benefits of making the city's historical treasures from the ancient Roman time readily available in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere would far outweigh any disadvantages. That it happens to be made of a lot of wood does not seem a problem to me, provided that the trees used were renewable. Wood looks natural and beautiful, so contributes to the appearance of the Metropol Parasol. Hopefully I will oneday be able to visit to check it out.
ReplyDeleteI've already talked about Mahanakorn Tower, but a very different sort of public space that I like in Bangkok is Lumpini Park. I like it because it is a rare bit of large greenness open to the public in central Bangkok, and it's well-designed for its purpose. There is a good range of activities that can be done, from singing Chinese opera early in the morning, to working out, jogging, or just sitting on the lawns enjoying the trees, and the occasional large lizard. I even like the lizards, although the very large ones might look a bit threatening. Actually, I'm not sure whether they are still there eating the turtles or not. I guess coming across a large lizard tearing at an innocent turtle might cause some distress.
The advantage of the Metropol Parasol is that it has many facilities in one place make it attract many people with different purposes. The disadvantage is it costed a lot of resources to build such as woods.
ReplyDeleteThe park in my city has many trees and it feels refreshing every time I go and it has an open space for doing many activities such as exercise. I would add some tables for people can enjoy eating together with friends.
I think the design is great because the structure they built on the Roman ruins was only touched the ground six places which shows amazing construction and design skill of architect and engineer. I think the main advantage of this building is that the city can gain more income from more visitors that wanted to see the museum and also the locals can enjoy their time in public space. I don't know the con of the design because I haven't been there, So I can't really tell.
ReplyDeleteI think in Thailand there are little public spaces to go. Instead,we have more shopping malls than parks which is so ashamed that we don't get much community area and green environment.I like Bangkok to have more parks and public area that have inviting atmosphere and not too hot so that every people will enjoy living outside and spend more time with outdoor activity like picnic, jogging, riding and reading book in the park and so on.
I think Metropol Parasol advantages are being three styles in one place and floating design which both attract tourists. But disadvantage is when it is raining , people cannot travel in the open zone.
ReplyDeleteI like Central World because I like the design inside which separates the mall in many parts and many names,but these make me feel like walking in a maze and get lost.
It semms to me that the positive side of the Metropol Parasol is attracting a ton of visitor all around the word. It will develop local economy around Seville, Spain and crete a great image of the city. On the oter hand, the negative side of the Metropol Parasol is about uncormfortable design. The design shold respect the hostorical place and fit local people lives.
ReplyDeleteI think there are many ways to improve public space in Bangkok. Nowadays, countless neglected space around Bangkok such as historical building and community market which is become less and less. It can improve by build new fuction in that neglected space for community to spend their free time. One example I love is the Jam factory at Klong San area. The architect design new functions in the old electical factory such as architect office, bookstore, design shop and coffee shop. The name, the Jamfactory does not match their fuctions, but It is a lovely name.
I have never been there before but from I read they just wanted to make it to become the iconic landmark which is the shopping center etc. However, I do like their idea that have to avoid disturbing the Roman ruins which is their priority protection
ReplyDelete