Posts

Book Review: Anatomy of a Building

Image
 I recently read ‘Anatomy of a Building’ by Rowan Moore. The book is a textual and photographic essay on the Royal College of Physicians building in London, designed by the Architect Denys Lasdun. The book describes the practice of architecture. It draws a parallel between the human body and buildings. It then, in some ways ironically, uses this metaphor in describing the Royal College of Physicians building. Moore writes a history of Denys Lasdun, describing him in relation to ideas of modernism, classism and how his work relates to that of other architects such as Le Corbusier. He also mentions his ambivalent relationship with the architectural critic Nikolaus Pevsner. I was attracted to the descriptions of the spaces, materials and ideas the building uses. The descriptions in the book are supplemented by artful black and white photographs. Below is a drawing I did based on one of these photographs.
Post a Comment
Read more

Film Review: Tarrac

 Tarrac is an Irish Language film released in the UK in 2023 which was directed by Declan Recks. It follows Aoife, as she returns to County Kerry from Dublin to look after her dad following his heart attack. While back, she faces her old passion of rowing again, and decides to extend her stay as her father steadily recovers, in order to compete in a local rowing competition. The film gets into familiar and heartwarming territory as Aoife links up with three other female rowers in the area to establish a competitive team. There is a steady montage through the middle third of the film as the characters prepare, committing to the task of competing in an upcoming race. As a film, it presents a positive and three-dimensional view of women as well as the father-daughter relationship Aoife has with her dad. Highlights include the character of Noellie, a slightly odd cousin of one of the other rowers who quickly becomes an essential supporting member to the team. Tarrac also offers aud
Post a Comment
Read more