Tag Archives: architecture

The new view from within the old city

Where a grand structure is newly built, opportunity is exponetially grown from its foundation. There leads new stories waiting to be told, starting with every new corner turned and higher places to ponder the next journey. Best be there to gaze out the new windows, see fresh perspectives of old roads and people walking about. Nothing is truly boring of a new structure, unless you are a very boring person.

That said, I love the new Seattle Convention Center Summit building, replacing an public transit station. The new modern, seemingly cublic structure rose from construction during the recent global pandemic, just another sign of the constantly growing metropolis. Behold, this 573,770 square foot, 14-hour structure of glass and steel. Within, many new rooms and a large outdoor garden terrace, I spent much time with a few visits, having the most fun exploring at the recent Emerald City Comic Con. Over the Pine Street side, I awed though the wonderous way to the top over a series of escalators. Looking back down truly glorious.

Being there different days, the skies vary as Seattle weather is often never consitant. Yet gazing out through the inside, is an experience to be cherished each time.

Then, for those fortunate inside to enjoy this fresh structure after sunset, may gaze out at the citylife active through the light of the street and surrounding buildings of old and new. Mix the cozy lit atmosphere of the inside, shares a different social experience. the top floor wide walkways are perfect for parties (I was at one!). Notice the side window reflections, adding new layers of inside life. Yet, you may still admire the outside citylife, depending on the angle of you.

I have more pictures to share of different views of this new convention center, for a different day. And I will probably have more as I look forward to coming back here, for any reason I will happily take.

– Orion T

Snowcapped in Seattle…

Meanwhile, there is some snow here in the Emerald City, for about three days now.

But, feeling it depends on the area. In the eastern regions of Bellevue to and through the mountains, there is a white winter wonderland now. The northern areas have heavy patches as well. Closer to downtown, not so much, as I notice remains on the rooftops, cars, some around trees. I am not impressed so far…

But, I do appreciate the what the snowfall leaves to the cityscapes. They bring peaceful chill and serenity throughout. I walk and let it sink in, wishing for a little more.

– Orion T

The above pic is taken at the Cultural Landscape Foundation in Freeway Park. This is a place that is wonderful, every day of the year. But the snow changes, makes this view a different special.

The new city perspective, from higher Seattle…

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The above shot is from the Madison and 4th Building in downtown Seattle, where I currently work these days. It’s from yesterday, being the last sunny day of summer, but with wind and cold outside ushering in the new Fall Season.

In the distance are two of Seattle’s tallest buildings. To the right, being the 76-floor Columbia Tower, a familiar tower to those who lived here over the last few decades. On the left to the middle is the more recent 44-floor F5 Tower, completed in 2017. Some cool facts: its glass walls are designed to handle temperature and energy use by letting in some sun rays and reflecting others. It uses the same glass as the One World Trade Center in New York City. It also holds rainwater for reuse, has a 35-foot-tall”living wall” where plants grow and have solar energy equipment upon its roof.

On the ground, the F5 is a visually puzzling, odd building among the other skyscrapers. Not exactly straight, and appearing too modern I think. From the ground, its pattern feels a bit off…

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But rising up high in another building and seeing a different angle of the F5, there is a barely seen symmetry to it, that is brilliant and awesome (see top picture).

Maybe someday, I will go inside and see more for myself. Hopefully, up high and getting the chance to look around, and gain new perspectives.

– Orion T

 

 

Outside the Amazon Spheres

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Live in Seattle, and you will eventually notice the overwhelming presence of Amazon. I mean this, because of the influence the mega-dominating capitalist empire carries, with its growing tech culture and innovation, here at a high price for the locals here.

Now stands the Amazon Spheres, an enclosed botanical paradise for some of its highest privileged employees. A forest world of its own, with a large variety of plants, waterfalls, and trees; all contained within an architectural wonder of curved glass and complicated steelwork.

This bonkers modern construction is the newest developed centerpiece for the many surrounding Amazon buildings towering over the city (and much blocking the view of the Space Needle for us regular folk). Its light after sunset illuminates Amazon’s current prosperity to its many local highly paid tech-workers, as they gather their food at the nearby Amazon Go shop, or the Whole Foods Market a few blocks away (now owned by Amazon).

The building is cool to look at, but I think would be more impressive if it stood for more than its company name. I have more to say on this, especially after visiting the inside of one of those spheres.

More on that, soon.

– Orion T

 

Picture of Today 7/4/2017, A Quiet Independence

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Today is the 241st annual day in the United States since the final draft of the Declaration of Independence document was approved and put forth. The actual agreement by the Continental Congress to separate from the British, was actually on July 2nd.

I had my day off from work, celebrated my independence by staying home for much of it, tending to chores and projects. I did take a short walk outside, to enjoy the nice summer weather; a warm push of mid 70’s Fahrenheit with a gentle breeze throughout.

No fireworks for me today. I am safe inside, with my windows shut and my headphones on. I hope for the many patriots out there, to stay safe and enjoy what the day gives you.

– Orion T

Today’s picture is the great Space Needle of Seattle, about two hours before sunset. A flag stands above it, to celebrate the 4th of July.

Picture of Today 7/27/16, The Over Light 

Just one light fixture among many at the beautiful, historic Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles. One could look around and see the well-preserved arches, talk windows, shined floorways, wooden surfaces within the grand halls. Passing through such a picture, can feel blessed for that feeling of time.

Here’s a a quick unedited pic of that noticeable setting below…

– Orion T

Picture of Today 3/30/16, The Reading Room at the Suzzallo Library

For a moment, one can imagine being late to the big Hogwarts graduation. Minus 10 points to Gryffendor!

Meanwhile, this is the wonderful Graduate Reading Room on the third floor of the Suzzallo Library at the University of Washington campus. The large room was a west addition completed in 1935, to the building whose initial ground floor was completed in 1926. The area is 250-feet (76 meters) long, 52-feet (16 meters) wide, 65-feet (20 meters). Henry Suzzallo, the university president previous to the time of its completion, believed that universities should be “cathedrals of learning.” With some fantastic gothic architecture styling, the Graduate Reading Room is a vision made true for the students at U-Dub. Also, a wonderful place for quiet study, thinking, and perhaps letting the mind wander.

-Orion T

Picture of Today 3/7/16, Looking Up

Looking up the tallest building in Seattle, the Columbia Tower.

However, this side is the shorter part of it (overall called the Columbia Center), not sharing the full 73 stories (943 ft.) of its full height. I do appreciate it’s unconventional curved shape of this particular view. It’s the simple perspective I especially enjoyed for a minute on this otherwise mundane Monday.

– Orion T

Picture of Today 12/30/15, Under a Magenta Needle…

  
Would you believe it was colder in Seattle this morning than than the North Pole?

Actually, the North Pole was much warmer because of some unusual storm (reached 32 degrees this morning, 2 more than what I woke up to). For the rest I cared little for the cold, tending to long work chores…sigh. But soon that will be all over for the year, as I looked up one last time at the Space Needle after work. It’s magenta lit for some reason. 

Cool.

Anyway, that’s the last I gaze upon at it for this year. Tomorrow after another round of work, I shall leave the Emerald City to another place far for some days to spend the final Eve of 2015. It’s a kind of a secret for now..

– Orion T

Pictures of Saturday 4/25/15, Seattle Center Daze..

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I did some local exploring around the Space Needle.That was my spontaneous little adventure in the later daylight end for yesterday. Here are some pics…

004 copyThe rooftop view, a nice day for fluffy clouds and a good walk..

018 copyThe monorail through the local Experience Music Project museum..

019Up and above..

017 copyA new playground here. The paint is fresh. The playground will be open to the public next month sometime…

007 copySame playground but from a different fence. I may have filtered it a bit too much in the Photoshop touch up edit, but I really liked the lines. I wanted to make sure you noticed..

013 copyThe same playground from another closed off entrance.. It’s a little crazy, and seems dangerous.

011A little more about that..

025 copyAnother look at the Space Needle, from a mid-Spring point of view…

024 copyA little birdie hopping around..

032 copyThe John T Williams Honor Pole, carved by his brother (Rick L. Williams) to honor John and his long family generations of carving. John T. Williams was the seventh generation Nitinaht carver of the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations. He died in 2010, from multiple gunshot wounds fired from a Seattle police officer. For more on that story, click here. Thanks to donations and public support, this totem pole remains close to the Space Needle, for all to appreciate.

051 copyThat is all for now. I depart the Seattle Center, and walk through the Bill and Melinda Gates Visitor Center. There is much else of visual interest around here. However, I will save that adventure for another day..

– Orion T

Picture of Today 1/23/15, Lady in Red

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Once can loose a sense of reality on the 4th floor of the Seattle Central Library in the Downtown area. Lots of red and curves here. It is best to enter this area from an upper floor via the elevator, for a trippy feel. The senses take some moments to adjust, and then let the surroundings sink in.

This pic was accidental, with the cam settings off and the mystery shadow lady suddenly appearing. I like this result.

Picture of Today 11/11/14

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The Pacific Science Center in Seattle shows off the USA colors for this Veterans Day. This day, many Americans take time out to the men and women who choose to serve in out armed forces. Such ways include volunteer or donate to help those vets in need, spending time to learn more about their past and present, promote their brave deeds on Facebook or whatever. Many put up a flag, like atop the Space Needle within walking distance to the left.

All good, and different ways to say thanks.

Picture of Today 7/12/14 – new lens!

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Space Needle again!

And, I bought a new lens for cheap (Canon EF 50mm f1.8 II). Here, I am just trying it out with distant scenery (about 15 min. walking distance away).

Very impressed with detail and clarity. This is no zoom, just a 1/3 crop of the pic taken from a rooftop. The bad part about the lens is in the up-close shots; amazing but very narrow and fixed (will have to get far back for a full body). But I find the challenge of working with that, very exciting. I will experiment further using this lens, with more pics soon..

Dancing in the Library

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The week ago, still echoes in my mind.

There was this dance within the downtown Central Seattle Library. All very unexpected, as I was there on other errands. Yet, I overheard some instrumental, relaxing musical tones in the distance. I realized something was amiss, and looked over the 5th floor overhang to the 3rd. My curiosity was rewarded..

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I went for a closer look..

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I missed most of the previous act. And, another one began..up to the 5th floor, where everyone would follow. The music continued but fading for the next act.

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Soon, an interesting woman would meet an interesting man (music becomes a bit more modern synth)..

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Together, they do as many interesting people often do…

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They danced..

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and danced..

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There was more dancing, of which I missed. Still, the caught moments were exciting, and worth the pause from my errands.

This performance act was part of the “Dancing About Architecture” series, presented by the Seattle Central Library featuring the Sapience Dance Collective. For more on the Sapience Dance Collective, click here. And, the Seattle Central Library is awesome and worthwhile for a visit., so click here for more on there.