Background Information

Welcome to my blog, the place where I will discuss my deep interest and love for design. Ever since I was a little girl, sitting in my kitchen doing crafts with my mom, I have enjoyed using my imagination to create things the way I envision them. My desire to use this foundation developed after having the privilege to visit some of the most awe-inspiring places throughout the United States, Italy, England, and France. I've walked miles and miles, soaking up culture, landscape, architecture, and museums. Among other things, these travels have instilled in me the desire to pursue architecture and design, an interest that begins with my appreciation for the magnificent landmarks of my hometown, Chicago. It bothers me that in this country, so much of our history is being torn down, replaced my incongruent styles of architecture that mar the scene. While I embrace the new vision, I never want to lose sight of the classical purity of the past, and i would incorporate this perspective in my work.

While my personal preference for design lies in the classical ideals developed during the Renaissance, a modern leader whom I respect for breathtaking architecture and design is Frank Gehry. Gehry designed the nationally renowned Pritzker Pavilion, located at Millennium Park in Chicago. The outdoor concert setting is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, the most important duality for a respected architectural work. Motivating Gehry's revolutionary design was the rewarding desire to envision something, execute it, and then watch others enjoy his work. He wanted to make a place where every visitor felt as though he was the only one that mattered. Gehry said, "How do you make everyone - not just the people in the seats, but the people sitting 400 feet away on the lawn - feel good about coming to this place to listen to music? And the answer is, you bring them into it. You make the proscenium larger; you build a trellis with a distributed sound system. You make people feel part of the experience" (www.millenniumpark.org, 1/22/07). This statement confirms that Gehry is in the economic archetype, including the foundation leading to that authority. Using the power of land, Frank Gehry created a monument that can be seen from miles away; the Pritzker Pavilion is located in the heart of Chicago, and is the most suggested place to see upon visiting the city. The political archetype is fulfilled by Gehry's intention of creating a place where people could go together to relax and enjoy one another's company. In addition to his benefactors forming relationships as a result of his work, Gehry has established himself as a prominent leader in architecture and has made the necessary associations and gained the respect of others in his field. While others may not immediately notice the powerful significance behind the sweeping curves and overwhelming size of the pavilion, one must recognize that any designer uses personal meaning to develop a specific vision. One must accept that the artist is not just putting lines together to form a sketch, but is employing his ideals of beauty and purpose. Finally, Gehry illustrates the economic archetype with the power of knowledge. He has dedicated his life to the education of design and understands what constitutes marvelous architecture. Frank Gehry stands out as a principal, displaying the principles behind revolutionary work and design.