When I first learned of El Encanto and looked through a number of pictures, I never would have guessed that it was located in southern California. The Spanish architectural style is very different from what I am used to seeing in the United States, and it is extremely beautiful. It’s one of those places that I would expect to see on a brochure and have to get my passport ready in order to go visit. After having presented on Urban Gardening, I have a special appreciation for this place. There is so much greenery in and around this resort that one can’t help but feel connected to nature. There are a number of gazebos, many of which are also covered in greenery, and an infinity pool that leads to magnificent view. Additionally, there are a few rather large terraces that line the exterior of the building itself, which are saturated with seating and tables. Everything about El Encanto encourages the guests to explore, and works from the center (the lodging) outward in all directions.

Jonathan Ruiz

I find this hotel quite beautiful. The exterior is made up of white and brown walls, with portions of those walls being comprised of tall and wide panes of glass. I can’t help but dwell on how aesthetically pleasing to the eye it is. Moving to the inside, the natural color tones are continued and the use of brick, stone, and wood all compliment one another. It feels very homey and welcoming, which is ideal for a hotel. Throughout the hotel are various pieces of artwork, which also have a natural aesthetic appeal. There are quite a few art pieces throughout, but the space is so wide open, they fit in and blend together effortlessly. The space also utilizes several areas with chairs and couches facing each other to promote a sense of community. Outside of the physical structure itself, I have learned that community and acceptance is absolutely a part of The Alexander’s ideology, and this can be seen in the other social events it takes part in or hosts. From weddings, to concerts, to marathons, and art shows, The Alexander is seeking to make an impact on the surrounding area.

Jonathan Ruiz

In line with modern Chinese architecture, this lounge is very futuristic in both look and feel. The long lines of white lights, the ball chairs, the sleek walls and glass all contribute to this look.
Everything is smooth and shiny, and so well kept. Additionally, the technology in the form of TVs, touchscreens, and iMacs all make it feel like a step has been taken into the future. I also like how overall the structure is black and white with the exception of thin purple or navy blue, backlit panels in the wall. I find it gives the structure some added character. The structure is longer than it is wide, and combined with the black and white, there is a definite sense of openness; or rather, of air.  

Jonathan Ruiz

COEX is quite a large and intricate structure, although you may not be able to see it from the outside. That is because, similarly to an iceberg, the majority of the structure is underground. It is the largest subterranean shopping mall in Asia, has the latest and greatest in fashion trends, excellent food, and is a top tourist attraction. The goal of the design was to make an urban river, so to speak. This is accomplished very well as the underground portion spreads out and has pockets where the roof is removed, allowing in the natural daylight. When looking down into these pockets from above ground, the movement of the people resembles that of flowing water.

Additionally, there are small to moderately large sized aquariums throughout the structure.

This imagery leads me to suspect that the main (above ground) portion would be the mouth of the “river.” This is of course is where people enter, but like a river to the ocean, it is where people ultimately leave and go out into the world.

Jonathan Ruiz

I try to make it out to Denver at least once a year, and most of the time I end up driving there. I enjoy the driving itself, as well as seeing sights along the way. I also rarely make the trip alone, so the bonding time with friends is always a plus. But on those few occasions where I haven’t been able to make the drive, the obvious next choice to get there is by air. Colorado is a beautiful state in and of itself, and Westin Denver International Airport reflects that beauty well. It’s stunning design is brilliantly molded after a bird in flight.This choice simply makes sense being that it is an airport. But more than that, to me this design is a representation of the culture of both the city and state in which it resides, in that, they both have this air of free-spiritedness. What has more freedom and spirit than a bird in flight?

This airport also doubles a hotel, and its rooms have massive windows that pull in the surrounding view. I have come to learn that they have been designed such that no noise should come through, making a guest’s stay both beautiful and peaceful.

Jonathan Ruiz

Shanghai Tower is likely one of the most impressive buildings I have ever seen, as it stands at 2,073 feet, making it the second tallest tower in the world. In a previous blog post, I discussed several aspects that impressed me of one of my favorite buildings, Williams (Transco) Tower, one of which being how the top is often engulfed in clouds. That notion almost seems silly when compared to the Shanghai Tower. The height of Transco Tower could be increased by 132% and still be just shy of topping this building. I find it difficult to fathom just how tall it is. On top of that, it’s a structure that would have to be so tough and strong in order to achieve that height, yet I feel it appears to be smooth and pliable. It’s almost as if some great hand reached down from the sky and pulled it up from the ground, but was turning as it made its ascent. Truly a remarkable structure.

Jonathan Ruiz

Probably not what most people would say when they see this building, but when I look at Devon Energy Center it makes me think of home. Not because of any history I have with it specifically, but rather, because it reminds me of the history I have with another tower (see my previous post here). This tower is very physically appealing, and stands out as a centerpiece of Oklahoma City. Like another favorite building of mine, the reflective exterior can make it appear translucent at times. Unlike that building, Devon Energy Center has a much simpler exterior design. I think that was a crucial element that contributed to the excellence of this building. Since all of the buildings that surround this tower are smaller, Devon can say more with less. Its presence alone stands out and calls attention to itself, and any more intricacies in the exterior design would have distracted from that.

When walking into the tower, the feeling of grandeur is unmistakable. The spacious and tall lobby has a number of beautiful elements designed into it, including a stunning water fountain that looks like it’s partially made of glass instead. Moving past that and going up to the 49^th floor, only to enter Vast could make someone feel like royalty. This bar and restaurant has an overall relaxed mood, and fantastic view. The food isn’t too bad either.

Jonathan Ruiz

A beautifully designed tower in Houston’s Uptown District, the Transco Tower feels as warm to me as the home I grew up in. Physically, the reflective panels that make up the exterior can sometimes give the tower a translucent effect that is only broken up by the intricacies of its long, vertical, inward projections. On stormy days, the clouds above elegantly crown the top of this building, giving it a sense of magnificence. Additionally, this building is attached to The Galleria, one of the largest malls in the United States. Due to the nature of its location and purpose, it is of huge cultural significance, and is often one of the first places foreign tourists will go to see.

Personally, I grew up seeing and interacting with this tower. From enjoying its courtyard, to ice skating in The Galleria, to passing it every day on my commute to work, this building encompasses all the memories and experiences I have of growing up; from childhood into adulthood.

From the exterior, this residential hall has a simple beauty and elegance. The four separated towers give it a unique look when compared to the surrounding towers, and contribute to the building’s positive aspects. I also appreciated the pseudo-balconies and the character they add.

On the other hand, once you walk through the doors, the building seems to have a reverse TARDIS effect: smaller on the inside. The narrow, circular lobby isn’t so bad; but not having a common center in order to get to and from a desired tower is somewhat of a nuisance. Additionally, the rooms are tiny (both in width and in height) and the walls are paper-thin. I had a private room and still felt the effects of the limited space. I really would only ever go there to sleep and shower.

I will say, despite all that, on the 12^th floor I did have a pretty great view.

Jonathan Ruiz

For the 3^rd and final part of my “going on a journey” theme (read the first post here, and the second here), I have dedicated the following to OU’s Oklahoma Memorial Union. To briefly summarize, in 2009 I started my college career at OBU, but for various reasons in 2011 I left “for a semester.” I wound up working at a rather large technology company and starting a new journey for a few years, but during that time I had lost sight of my goal of getting my degree. Fast forward now to 2014: I was on OU’s campus for the second time in my life and was sporting an OU shirt, despite having been an avid OSU fan for several years. Hate me all you want, I was only doing it for my sister. Despite her obvious Sooner flaw, I wanted to support her during her college graduation. It was honestly bittersweet for me though. While I was obviously ecstatic for my sister, the whole ordeal also served as a reminder to me that I had not achieved something that I wanted. I had watched my peers graduate from OBU, followed by those a year under me, followed by those a year under them (who were also my freshman Residents when I was a Resident Advisor at OBU), but there I was years later: empty handed. My family knew that I was experiencing this, despite my trying to downplay it.

So, prior to my sister’s graduation ceremony, she was showing around campus and giving us an idea what her life at OU had been like. Eventually, we had been at the Spoon Holder for a short time when my mom needed to use a restroom, so my sister walked her into the Oklahoma Memorial Union. Upon their return, my mom (who was containing some moderate excitement) exclaimed, “Jon! There’s [a rather large technology company] in there!” Not exactly sure how to respond, I just said, “there can’t be.” She assured me that there was and she wanted to show me. As we arrived at the IT Store, she humbly lead with, “what if you transferred here? What if this is how you can finish what you started?”

Of course the IT Store is not [a rather large technology company], and I could not transfer to it. However, what this did for me was open a door. It gave me a reason to ask, “What if?” And eventually “what if” turned into what is.

To me, the Oklahoma Memorial Union is a symbol of hope. Its beautiful brick structure now serves as a reminder to me of the building blocks of my life that have led me to where I am. Just as the structures of this building all point up in one direction, it gives me a feeling that I am also moving that same way.

Jonathan Ruiz