I learned some insightful things in my Contemporary European Cities class today…
We discussed other cities for the first time in class; previously we were discussing Barcelona’s development as a city and its urban transitions. We discussed the urban plan extensions of Paris, Vienna, and Berlin; while covering the history of these cities and their urban expansion I found two things very appealing:
First the word boulevard comes from the Dutch word “bulwark”, after that it was modified in France into “boloard”. The Dutch word meant a bastion or form of guarded wall/gate; the term boulevard was used for the streets that were placed where the old walls of a city once stood. They would form a new “wall” around the city and the term avenue was designated for all roads that came off of the boulevards and into the heart of the city. It gives a new perspective to all of the streets that are "incorrectly" named boulevard back home haha…
Second we learned a new and very difficult German word today…"Reichsparteitagsgelände". It essentially means “Reich Party Congress Grounds”, this was the sight of the enormous Nazi rallies during the second world war. Despite the negative connotations that these grounds have, they are bearers of some magnificent architecture. Kathrin, our professor, could say this word without even concentrating; me on the other hand…well you try to say it!!!
Our materials class was moved to today instead of tomorrow because Ivan, our professor, would be out of town tomorrow. We visited a series of public spaces/parks today all concentrated in the newer part of the city; the area was “re-created” for the 1992 Olympics so there were many old sports facilities and exposition sights. My two favorite places that we visited today were the tennis courts/archery fields (for obvious reasons right...it is the first tennis court I have seen since I have been over here!) and a medieval estate that was renovated into a large garden (it held Romantic Gardens, water gardens, annnnnnnnd a LABYRINTH!!!!) We spent the majority of our time at the gardens…they were stunning and the labyrinth was a “disorienting, chaotic, fun, mess”. I have never been in labyrinth before, I have only seen them in movies (i.e. “Pan’s Labyrinth” ) but in person they really are difficult to navigate! We got turned around a few times, but we made it out “safely” haha.
The second half of midterm reviews are tomorrow in studio…luckily Mallory and I went on Monday, thanks to Jordi's savvy advice, so I can relax and watch everyone else get into the “hot seat”.
Una mas día hasta Madrid, estoy muy emocionado para el viaje! (One more day until Madrid, I am so excited for this trip!)
Luego!
TENNIS!!!!!!!
Are you sure thats the main estate entrance or the Hotel California and the picture of Pan's Labrinyth
ReplyDeleteI promise it's not Hotel California, haha
DeleteI saw Pan's Labrynth movie. Not much on the storyline but I was completely sold on the cinematography/special effects. If only it were really like that when you were there......
ReplyDelete