Unfortunately, I couldn’t be in class for the midterm, but I have viewed my colleagues projects that are posted on open-lab. Along with my research, I’ve been exposed with some deep insights about Metrotech, from its architecture and zoning to rezoning. The information provided from my colleagues became a great tool for my team and I to push forward with our final presentation.
Author: Jason A. Ansah
During this trip, we compared two maps, both, old and new that covered the premises of MetroTech and its surroundings. We were able to analyze some Signiant changes within the map and the physical tour of Metro-Tech from 1924 till today. Based on the map we were able to conclude that the redevelopment of the area has impacted some Signiant streets like Tillary Street, Flatbush Ave, and Myrtle St. Tillary St., which runs both east to west has expanded into a two-way traffic road. As we proceeded our scavenger hunt towards the south eastern side of Tillary St. and then south, through the back of the City Tech’s new building, we discovered that the street adjacent to polytechnic high school, was shorten by Metro Tech’s loading dock. Flatbush appeared to have impact on modified surroundings areas that runs parallel to it. Some properties no longer exist because of the expansion of the street We also took noticed of the public seating incorporated into a busy Flatbush Ave, not being utilized by the public because of the noise and exposure to pollution. We observed new buildings under construction towards Willoughby street, add to a more post-modern look of architecture around the area. As we made our way into Myrtle Square inside MetroTech, we analyzed that the old map shows Myrtle street running freely, east to west, whiles the new map and physical visual experience shows Myrtle street ending at Myrtle square.
This was our second Scavenger hunt to the down-town Brooklyn area, and like the first one, history was a topic, but architecture was more of the focus this time around. We analyzed that some historical buildings are sometimes preserved but has changes with its use and purpose. These buildings are typically modified slightly. One example was the Offerman building on Duffield St., a structure that mimics the Roman style of architecture that consist of the following characteristics; double hung windows on both ground and upper floors, arches, vaults, concrete and, Corinthian columns. The building has been converted to both commercial (retail), and residential use. The ground level is used as the commercial space whiles the top has been converted to luxurious apartment complex. As we proceeded to MetroTech, our attention was drawn to this massive building that turned out to be the JP Morgan building. This building appeared to have some art deco characteristics, like its vertical emphasis and its use of masonry. The building is strictly office spaces with one exceptional small business on the ground level that interestingly turns out to be a barbershop. We also analyzed more historical buildings that were neighbored with new buildings influenced by post modern architecture.
This trip was not much different from other trips, again we analyzed more of the neighborhood’s architecture and they’ve evolved . we observed historic structure, which in my opinion is safe to deem magnificent architecture. These architectures were of course revival, which means the mimic of visual styles that echoes the previous styles of architecture. We observed both Romanesque and Roman style architecture while touring the neighborhood. The Roman style of architecture consist of the following characteristics, arches, vaults, dome, concrete and mostly circular columns. Romanesque has similar Characteristics, but an additive of Byzantine and other local traditions that consists of massive quality, thick walls, round arches, sturdy pillars, barrel vaults, large towers and decorative arcade. Gothic revival was another style we were privileged to witness. The Characteristics are as follows, pointed arches used for windows, doors, and decorative elements like porches, dormers, or roof gables. These detailed and artistic historic architectures require physical and time-consuming labor.
We also acknowledged the new era of construction also known as, “postmodern architecture.” Which are typically vertical extruded geometry, mostly rectangular, with glass facades, called curtain wall. We established these types of architecture requires less labor work. These projects are mostly office buildings and some luxuries apartments. The demographics appears to have shifted dramatically as these new forms of architecture are made affordable to affluent individuals.
When I was advised to pick an elective class, I was a excited to come a across one of my most admired professors. A professor that has a perfect reputation for his eloquent way of teaching and providing unlimited access to information needed to help achieve the terms desired grade and goal. I was convinced that the class was strictly architecturally related, and I thought that my skills to provide a descent assignment that is architecturally related were honed during this last period of my education. My perception about the class changed after learning the nature of the course the very first week. I learned that the class will consist of another professor with a different background and the focus was much broader then the technicality of architecture. Well Professor Philips was her named, and she turned out to be not too different from professor Montgomery. Both professors were again very committed to the course and 100 percent opened to again, provide unlimited information to what appeared to be a challenging class. The class were provided with different tools and strategic ways to tackle ‘Research’ that was originally broad and then eventually narrowed down to a much specific focus. The class became especially interesting when we were enlightened about the ‘redevelopment of societies,’ a field that I am very passionate about. We were giving the opportunities to not just view redevelopment from a our perspective, but from those that are really affected by it the most, the “local residents and business owners.” My approach to design and development is more empathetic now, as the class has opened my conscious senses. When redeveloping a neighborhood, the local residents, business owners and history must be protected.
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