Coop Himmelb(l)au

Okay before I write more about these architectural things let me tell you my hope for NOTHING.

Since I’ve already own my everydays' life blog, I really hope that this NOTHING can be my information blog which means I’ll put lots of info rather than blogging about myself. Ok, maybe there’ll be one or two stories about me in future but I’ll try as much as I could to make this blog very informative so that it will benefit others.

And since I’m studying architecture and my fond of design is started to grow, I think I’ll brag more on architecture thingy. After all, no one ever knows what will turn-out next!

Ok, let’s start.

Coop Himmelblau is founded by Wolf Prix and Helmut Swiczinsky in Vienna, Austria. The reason why I like their design is mainly because the way they translate the word aesthetic. From most of their completed projects, the designs are very aggressive and raw. It is very dynamic in their own way and I really like the idea that the asymmetrical always been their feature.

Let’s take one example; UFA Cinema Centre in Dresden, Germany.



The building looks outstanding with the sharp edges panels rotating freely acting as the façade. It doesn’t look so massive because there are voids between the panels exposing the structure, which make it looks lighter than a bulky box. This is just startling! Even people who do not have an interest in architecture will attract to this building. Just imagine; u walks down the street and suddenly sees this ‘weird’ building. You must be stunned don’t you? Even if you don’t like it at the second place, but that’s enough for me (if I’m the architect). The intention to make the building bold has been achieved. It is quite hard to make people notice of what’s around them (if you concern).

In my early years of studying architecture, I couldn’t understand why the Rooftop Remodeling in Vienna is called as masterpiece. Where’s the justice? They call it masterpiece?? Is there any aesthetic value at the design? Oh come on... Me myself at that time was still influenced by a sleek line and cubic forms were the amazing building.

Rooftop Remodeling by Coop Himmelblau

But now after years of learning and reading and practicing err… doing studio projects I mean, I started to understand the beauty of sculpturalistic form. The beauty of chaotic form. Did I use a correct word? Chaotic FORM? Never mind. I do think that this kind of design (like Coop Himmelblau’s) gives the best raw initial ideas to develop very well during the stage of designing. For a student like me, doing that kind of design is easier because I don’t have to follow grid lines while my ideas bursting out from my head. . It’s easier to locate any space to anywhere since there’s no perfect symmetrical shape in the design. Because, when designing, your ideas will pop out and quickly disappeared if you don’t grab it and associate it into your sketches or drawing or what so ever 3D modeling software you are using.

In a nutshell, I love asymmetrical and dynamic and organic design. If it isn’t sharp edges, I like it to be soft rounded edges; just like what Asymptote did.

Penang Global City Centre, Malaysia.
photo courtesy of Asymptote Architecture

a hope for NOTHING

My English is getting worst ever since I left matriculation. I am no longer using proper English- even for my presentation (that’s pathetic for an undergrad!) and my English is just like a kindergarten kid. See?!

During my first year in campus, I attended a Public Speaking class (which was if I’m not mistaken; was the last time I used my English!); a compulsory subject for students with Band 4 and above in their MUET. It was quite a terrible class. I still remember how the three of us sneak-out from Kenegaraan class just to make sure that we were on time for the Public Speaking class. Late attendance means absent. The schedule was cruel. We had Design Studio subject from 8 to 5pm, proceed with Kenegaraan at 5 to 7pm and Public Speaking by 6 to 9pm. Like it or not, we had to sacrifice our ‘golden hour’ in Kenegaraan; we did it especially for you, my dear English!

By slip-out from Kenegaraan after one hour of lecture and waiting for the bus for about 15 minutes max, we finally managed ourselves to attend the class on time. If only the lecturer knew how hectic our journey was...

Oh, it wasn’t ended like that. The next thing to be resolved was how can we perform solat Asar before the Maghrib started? Nehh… we got to sneak out? Again??! Yea,yea.. Then we started to ask permission to the restroom, one by one. So, that was the last time I practiced my English. It was 3 years back and you can imagine how rusty it is by now.
*teacher, may I go out?*

Another attempt to improvise my English was by writing an English-medium diary. But hey, it wasn’t a great alternative! Diary did cost you some money. I only bought a little one since it is affordable to me and you know what a small diary can do – only few words in point form can be written. To write in log book? No thanks. I don’t have enough space to bring it here and there.

After so many attempts, and so many self-motivated ideas, I found another brilliant alternative. Yes, a blog! It’s free, people! I mean, err...yes. It is free as long as I’m a student of this generous faculty and I am my parents’ daughter.

I’ve decided to spent time to write something, anything for this NOTHING. I’ll try to use all those new vocabulary and jargon. I really want to impress myself with my English. I hope to see that one day as I glancing through my entries, I will notice how better my English to be compared from the past. And I really hope that if there any chances somebody passing by this blog, I would like to see a comment on my grammar error and so on. I need you to be my teacher, but please don’t ask for the fee….