Christoph Kapellar

Christoph Kapellar's Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a beautiful example of New Age Architecture because it harps both on the past and the present. The original Library of Alexandria in the 3rd century BC held all information of the Western World a total of more than 700,000 books. Around 235,000 books were destroyed by Julius Caesar's men by setting the books on fire, and around 392 AD the Christians destroyed the rest of the books. The main purpose of the building is of course learning and communication.

The building's facade is made up of more than 75,000 square yards of stone. The carvings on the stone are different alphabetical symbols known throughout history. Just about every form of communication has been etched into the wall from mathematical symbols to braille and musical notes.

The giant sphere seen here is a planetarium with a diameter of almost 60 feet. The structure is supposed to symbolize the Earth seen from the Moon. In all Christoph Kapellar's Bibliotheca Alexandrina is an inspiring building that will provide a unique learning center for all of those who choose to visit.

Massimiliano Fuksas

The New Exhibition Center designed by Massimiliano Fuksas is one of Fuksas's greatest designs in my opinion. The building moves away from all conventional means of architecture especially in Italy, a place of classical architecture. It seems that Fuksas thought of classical architecture and its elements then turned them on their heads and built this building. I think it is extremely important for an architect of each age or generation to take what they have learned and experienced then create their own unique interpretation of architecture. Fuksas in no doubt accomplished his own interpretation of architecture that no other architect has before.

The building has fair pavilions, offices, reception areas, a congress center, a service center, and meeting rooms. The roofing seems to concentrate and move light all over the building. It looks like a giant grid was bent, punched, twisted, then pulled to create the pseudo landscape that hovers over your head. In all I think that Fuksas's design is completely innovative and a perfect example of New Age Architecture.

Renzo Piano

The Centre Culturel Tjibaou designed by Renzo Piano is a prime example of New Age Architecture due to the new age construction technologies mixed with the traditions of the Kanak, an indigenous tribe of Noumea of New Caledonia. The exhibits inside of the buildings are devoted to local art and traditions.

The Interior even seems to harp on the art that it holds. The walls are made of indigenous wood much like the huts that the indigenous people make to live in. Its good to see that all architects are not just making high rise buildings for multi-billion dollar companies. That they can create for people that actually need the buildings. That the buildings they create can reflect the style of the people who actually inhabit the spaces.

Tom Wills-Wright

The Burj Al-Arab designed by Tom Wills-Wright is a luxury hotel in Dubai that pioneers into the future of design. The building is 1053 feet tall and has a hotel, restaurant, conference rooms, and a fitness club. The building is an echo to a sail flapping in the Persian Gulf. The hotel has been awarded with seven stars the only hotel in the world to have received such a prestigious award. The building is off limits to visitors to ensure the privacy of the guests. Some guests even arrive by helicopter by landing on the 28th floor. In all the Burj Al-Arab is the crown jewel of the United Arab Emirates.

The Interior of the Burj Al-Arab sparred no expense. The giant columns are finished with 22 karat gold. The ceiling extends up to 600 feet tall where the guest suites are. Every 30 minutes a fountain launches water into the air. The Burj Al-Arab is almost like a little taste of Las Vegas minus the gambling, due the extravagant interiors matched with a new age sleek exterior.

Peter Eisenman

Peter Eisenman's Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe is another example of new age architecture that also harps on the past in a modern way. Eisenman utilizes cubism to achieve his memorial in way that no other architect has before. I consider his design as a metaphor to all the pain and suffering that the Jews suffered during WWII. I think he chose the metaphorical design rather than a literal design because no one could ever translate the horror that took place literally. Overall His design is brilliant piece of new age architecture.

Eisenman's House II is one of ten modern houses that he designed. This particular design is my favorite of the ten because of solid void space relationship. He also has windows that extend outwards into space to feel as though you are hovering above the ground. In all House II is a prime example of new age architecture because of the subtle playing with solid and void space.

Santiago Calatrava

Santiago Calatrava is another famous architect who pioneers the modern architecture field with his organic designs inspired by the human body. The City of the Arts and Sciences is a prime example of his ingenuity. The City of the Arts and Sciences is a large area composed of many buildings all designed by Santiago Calatrava. The Hemisferic is an Imax theatre and a planetarium that opens and closes depending on the time of day as seen here.

The Oceanografic is large aquarium that has over 45,000 animals, and is a beautiful form of architecture that seems to be a perfect home for thousands of animals. The large glass exterior both metaphorically and physically represents the glass like water that houses all the aquatic animals.

The Umbracle is a large walkway with indigenous plants of Valencia. It also encloses "The Walk of The Sculptures." In all I believe that Santiago Calatrava is an inspiring architect who tests the boundaries of new age architecture because of his new and imaginative designs that are inspired by the human body.

Frank Gehry

Some believe that Frank Gehry's buildings are just spasms of his imagination as he throws crumbled pieces of paper at the floor. I believe that Frank Gehry is one of the key players in new age architecture. His buildings push the limits of construction science and our imagination. One of my favorite buildings of his is the Guggenheim Museum seen here. The point of the sloping planes on the exterior of the building is to catch the light in an interesting manor to enhance the the atheistic value.

I think we all need to learn from Frank Gehry and to step outside of our comfort zones. Another building that pulls our attention is of course the Walt Disney Concert Hall seen here. His dramatic slopes of the exterior echo the drama that takes place inside.