NewYorker 2/7

Today's class was so usefull in terms of applying the vocabulary we learned in class to real architecture (not to mention local). At first, I didn't know what to make of the Bank of America Building. Overall, it had a nice visual appeal, but I couldn't think of any terms that described it. After listening to the class speak about it, I began to see what they would point out - the glass window panes, the brass in the center of the circle windows, the "Cingular Wireless ad with the four bars" etc. Even when someone pointed out how the building next to it mirrored that building, it was so cool to look at - it looked so morphed, as if it were melting. I think I liked the courthouse the most though. It was not a typical looking courthouse as one might expect. However, when we looked closely, some elements reflected the law/power - the crown, the metal, the steel jail cell looking doors, etc... I also liked the fact that it was new, clean, and just overall had visual appeal. And if you think about it, it's not just a place where criminals and low-lives go. Lawyers and Police officers have to go there everyday, ordinary people with parking tickets go there, couples getting divorces or adopting a baby go there - it is truly a public place, so why not make it look nice? Why not have a cafe on the outside where people can eat and mingle in the courtyard - I think that was a very good idea, and a place to make money and give someone a job (For the people who work in the cafe). Also, I think that it is great of the city of Orlando to try to update and give a "facelift" to downtown, and make it look nice.