Architects

So in order to research 10 designers I chose to focus on architects as that is the field that chiefly interests me.

The first architect I'd like to discuss is my personal favorite Tadao Ando

I think what Tadao Ando does with Concrete and Glass is simply amazing in fact it seems to be his trademark. He is a multi prize winning architect most recently a gold medal from the American Institute of Architects. the reason I love this designer so much is because of a peice of work he did known as the Church of Light in Osaka Japan. I just love the way the light comes in via the cross shaped window and creates an awe inspiring effect.


I suppose since I'm discussing architects it would be an architectural sin to not mention Frank Lloyd Wright, the man who many consider to be the be all and end all of architects, which I just do not agree with. Wright was good, but he wasn't that good, people always point to falling water a building that while beautiful and interesting is currently falling into its site. Now that does not mean that Wright did not fall into the great architect catagory, in fact he is quite well known for many of his buildings including the Guggenheim museum.


Lord Foster, an english born architect and one of the men responsible for the design of the famous London building, 30 St. Mary Axe or the Gherkin due to its pickle like shape. Foster born in england has been designing unique buildings all of which differ greatly from each other. His work has caught attention out side England, especially in Germany where his design was selected for the renovation on the German Parliament Building the Reichstag.


le Corbusier a man so popular he had to add a "the" to his name is another famous architect. Born in France Le Corbusier was at one point considered one of the greatest architectural mind. His ideas which at the time were considered revolutionary. In fact he may have been one of the first who thought of the green roof, though not for the reasons we believe they should be for today. His ideas are still thought of today where ever possible such as the idea of maximum illumination through windows.

Michael Graves a man who was a part of the "New York Five". I have chosen to include him also because due to an unknown situation he became paralyzed from the waist down. Even still he practices architecture, and is involved in many projects. Many of his designs are contemporary despite being quite aged. Currently he is working on a project in Singapore

Charles Eames is a famous american architect and designer who created a number of iconic ideas of the 20th century. Charles Eames may be considered a perfectionist as some of his designs took years of trial and error before being complete. But his legacy more than speaks for it self that despite his long time span for a designs completion many current projects still draw inspiration from his work.

I. M. Pei another well known architect, with many projects under his belt. I M Pei has always seemed to approach architecture with a passion. I M Pei is most famous for the Louvre Museum's Glass pyramid. Most recently Pei is working on the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte NC a feat considering he is currently at the age of 90.

Kevin Roche is an architect from Dublin who has been involved in a great many things including the United Nations. Known most however for the Ford Foundation which represented a new idea in modern design. Roche generally loved having large glass spaces. Roche is only recently becoming a popular architect despite many great jobs in the architecture field, but may one day be as famous as Frank Lloyd Wright or I M Pei.

Alvar Aalto is an architect who lived during the days of Modernism. But rather than embracing the cultural trend of the time this architect instead chose to focus on the psychological needs of people when designing a structure. An idea that is just now seeming to regain popularity today Aalto was already considering. He often had works that resembled machines although towards the end of his career his work took on a more personal role and romantic approach.

Fumihiko Maki a japanesse post war architect is most known for his work in the Metabolist movement. A japanese movement that focused on organic and humanist qualities in buildings. Maki made a great many strides to this area of design. Maki is most famous for a number of athletic spaces he designed including the Fujisawa Municipal Gymnasium and the Makuhari Convention Center. He continues his practice of architecture to this day.