Netflix provides a vast variety of shows and documentaries for different tastes and preferences. I am especially fond of show called “The World’s Most Extraordinary Houses”. This show has two hosts – a world famous architect, Piers Taylor, and an older lady, Caroline Quentin, – who travel the world in the search of the most amazing residential structures.
Besides the beautiful architecture, this show provides a unique and interesting way of explanations and observations of the visited houses by the means of the show hosts. The architect mainly goes through the technical descriptions of the structures. At first glance it may seem boring and dry, but he uses simple language and vivid examples of simple sections to explain the concept and arrangement of the structure. His explanations are so clear and obvious, that even a person who has never hammered a nail in his life, would be enlightened and intrigued by his stories. The way he talks to the audience, make it clear how passionate and evolved this person is about his job. On the other hand, a lady host, with rich and artistic background, makes vivid and life remarks about visited buildings. Her reviews could be composed in a book, such a bright and lively language she uses. What I also like about her observations, that she always makes it personal, explaining her emotions and feelings, while experiencing the unknown houses.
What really excites me about the show is hosts’ individual approaches. It may seem, that two people with different backgrounds talking about architecture, have nothing in common. But on the contrary, they complement each other, making the entire process of house review enjoyable and fascinating thing to watch.
This show taught me, as a future architect, to think about the audience, when preparing my presentation. It also taught me not only to use simply understandable genre in my presentations, but also to use personal experience and emotions in descriptions.
Amy Tan in her article “Mother’s Tongue” explores the narrative essay genre. As she talks about her experience as a immigrant’s child and superstitions and prototypes the society gave her because of it.
