Wang Shu attended the China Academy or Art, pictured below. While attending the academy he did not only study traditional Chinese architecture but also traditional Indian and African architecture as well.
This photo of the China Academy of Art taken by his wife Lu Wenyu, is where Wang Shu began the development of his architectural philosophy.
This photo, taken by Lu Wenyu, is of her husband’s design at the Shanghai Expo in 2010
The structure was a product of the duo’s teamwork sourcing the design from their mutually owned firm the Amateur Architecture Studio in China.
Lu Wenyu and Wang Shu are credited on their efforts to truly research and understand their structure’s ecosystem before they begin building.
Wang Shu, shown above, has described his wife’s efforts to reduce environmental impact and provide long-term sustainability to all of the Amateur Architecture Studio firm’s designs. She studies the ecosystem of the building before introducing the structure into it. In order to do this, she considers the variable conditions that will surround a structure, such as a highway or neighboring businesses.
This structure, designed by the Amateur Architecture Studio, won the duo Wang Shu and Lu Wenyu the title of Honorary Fellows of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)
This award, given to them in February of 2015, gave much of the credit to Lu Wenyu’s husband rather than herself. Wang Shu has been quoted giving credit to Lu Wenyu stating that her insight and design helps to allow the structure to thrive in it’s intended urban environment.
The design for the building shown here: the Ceramic House, won the architect duo Lu Wenyu and Wang Shu the Pritzker Prize in 2012.
Their firm is credited with using salvaged materials and locally sourced, recycled tiles in an effort to reduce the environmental impact their structure has on the local environment and economy. This structure, designed by The Amateur Architecture Studio, won them the Pritzker Prize in 2012.
Lu Wenyu & Wang Shu
Lu Wenyu and her husband Wang Shu founded their architecture firm in 1998 in China. Their firm is called the Amateur Architecture Studio and their designs have awarded them the Pritzker Prize in 2012 and were announced honorary fellows of the Royal Institute of British Architects in February of 2015.
Also in New York, I want to write about a building that hasn’t been seen properly by anyone for decades but lies in one of the most visited places in the world. Two Times Square (or the Ramada Renaissance Times Square) is almost completely covered in video screens that display some of the most expensive advertisements in the world. I think that it says a lot about the role of architecture in business. For centuries, architecture served as an important marketing tool. The grandeur of New York’s early skyscrapers made it the place to do business in style. At a certain point, however, the exterior of a building becomes worth so much money that aesthetics don’t matter. This struck me negatively when I visited times square – there is certainly a metaphor to be made about commerce killing art. But the commerce in Times Square certainly can be seen as art, and thus the video screens as renovations rather than just cover-ups. They say that New York never sleeps, and my visit to times square certainly gave me that feeling as night turned into day under the light of the advertisements. Two Times Square was designed (originally) by Costas Kondylis & Partners LLP Architects & Mayers & Schiff Associates PC. Picture Source
I visited a friend in New York City during Freshman year, and what impressed me the most was how small the island of Manhattan really is. Theatres are right next to apartments, and often apartments are literally right on top of restaurants. Just a few blocks away from the neon glow of Times Square is St. Patrick’s, New York’s most impressive church and by far the most impressive that I’ve ever seen. It struck me as strange and out-of-place when I first saw it, but after seeing the detail of the architecture inside and understanding the patchwork of history that is Manhattan, I think that older buildings that survive the New York race to modernity are the most interesting of all. I certainly felt small inside of the cathedral, and I think that the designers probably designed it that way, to show what they considered to be the awesome scale and power of what God could do. St. Patrick’s Cathedral was designed by James Renwick, Jr. in 1879. Picture Source
The Lighthouse at Lake Hefner certainly isn’t the largest lighthouse that I’ve seen, but it is well-known in the metro area and plays a role in my childhood. When I was younger, I raced sailboats with my family on the lake and along with the dam, the lighthouse serves as an important point of reference. I think that because of this, I probably think of the lighthouse as more significant than most people – it served its purpose as an aid to navigation before it was a decorative structure. As I’ve grown older and stuck more to solid ground, I have come to see the lighthouse more as a backdrop for photos of proposals, weddings, or 4th of July fireworks. My experience with the Hefner Lighthouse has evolved somewhat. I still view it in a positive light, but I no longer see it as an essential part of the lake, but as one of many picturesque spots around it. The lighthouse was designed by Michael Mahaffey & Associates. Picture Source
Much like the Cheaspeake Energy Arena, the University of Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium is impressive because of its size. But the stadium is afforded greater architectural interest because it is single-use – the arena must serve many purposes. The goal with this structure is clear – it dominates its neighborhood and its façade brings to mind decades past, when teams played without HD cameras and national syndication. When I enter this building, I know before I pass though the doors whether it is occupied or not. Its open-air nature means that energy spills out of its top and the sky reminds both players and fans that while this is a time for socializing, there is also a sport being played. My experiences with this building have been mixed as our team wins or loses. The stadium’s renovations were performed by Layton & Hicks HOK Sport / 360 Architecture. Picture Source
