Final+Project

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** I ntroduction **
Hi, I’m Andrea Perozo. In this project I want to show why Venezuela is unique from an architectural perspective, analyzing the following seven points: Color, Light, Texture, Acoustics, Circulation, Rhythm and Scale. Venezuela is a tropical country that has some defined characteristics that help to define how the practice of architecture is. Now, we’re going to see, with existing examples, how all those seven points can determine the Venezuelan architecture.

Church Santa Bárbara. Maracaibo, Venezuela This church is a clear example of the use of brilliant color in venezuelan architecture as an strategy to reflect sun light and refresh the inside. In this case the blue color of the walls is also related to the Virgin María, because this is the color that represents her.
 * Color **

Club Táchira. Caracas, Venezuela - Fruto Vivas The use of colors in this building, shows in a very good way the venezuelan statement of being in the tropic. By the use of brick masonry and wood in contrast to the green roof that resemble nature colors.

Aula Magna, Central University of Venezuela. Caracas, Venezuela - Carlos Raúl Villanueva The interior of the Aula Magna is a very impressive example of the effect that colors could have in people and it is also a good example of the union of art, architecture and enginnering. This is because of the use of the biomorphiques forms hanging in the roof as an acoustic sistem. Those forms are in different warm colors that resemble a sunrise and create a magnificent and peaceful atmosphere.

 An example of the good use of light in Venezuelan architecture is the “Plaza cubierta”, located in the UCV, Caracas and designed by the architect Carlos Raúl Villanueva. In this under cover space Villanueva lets filtrates sun light in different ways, creating sensations as the cave effect seen in this picture.
 * Light_architecture **

 In this pictures we can see how Villanueva designed spaces in which the general light filtrates through beautiful lattice works creating a game of light that generates calm and warm sensations that invites people to stay there.

 Villanueva use the roof as an architectural element which shape is according to the needs, that is why in specific areas the roof let pass the sun light as an accent light that emphasize the position of some piece of art, as we can see in the picture.

The Teresa Carreño Theater is one of the most important cultural complexes of Latin America. It is located in the center of Caracas, Venezuela. And as we can appreciate this theater reflects the good use of texture in architecture.
 * Texture **

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;"> As we can see in the photo, the Teresa Carreño Theater is almost in total made with concrete, but we can also see some textures made with the same material. These textures are clearly used to differentiate the diverse volumes according to its functions. This is the case of the stairs surrounded with the black glass given it a glassy texture, or even the big volume with the rough texture in the façade that gives it the sensation of importance, because of its size and change of texture.

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">In this picture, took from the garden of the theater, is interesting to see the texture made in the floor, with concrete figures, to mark a way. It is also amazing the contrast between the smooth grass texture and the rough texture of the concrete figures that create a cozy and beautiful space that makes you want to stay there.

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">Villanueva designed the Aula Magna of the UCV as a meeting place for artists and intellectuals most important of the world. For this reason, he ensured that its design could provide a suitable atmosphere for musicians to show their art and the present, an experience that many have defined as almost religious.
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">Acoustics **

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">Alexander Calder, always assisted by acoustic engineers was in charge of putting art technical Villanueva desires. Calder put floating clouds that gave the space a perfect sound for placing on the stage the best chamber orchestra and choral voices more delicate.

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">In the Central University of Venezuela, designed by the famous architect Carlos Raúl Villanueva, we can notice that there is a rhythm in buildings that combine modern architecture with art. A clear example of this is the building of the Faculty of Engineering, seen in the picture, which has a rhythm of lines on the front wall that could be said is inspired by the style of Piet Mondrian, in which there is a marked rhythmical character based on repetitions of wall plans and windows and on alternations of closed and open views. In the other hand, open rhythm of length lines is softened by the contrast created between the lines and the rhythm of curves on the roof.
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">Rhythm **

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">Millenium Mall, located in Caracas, Venezuela and opened in December 2008, is nowadays one of the most emblematic malls because of its modern design and contribution to the community that surrounds it. Since its internal spaces were turned into the street and its occupants, creating a covered plaza facing the avenue Romulo Gallegos. It also integrates the Plaza Miranda, from an urban redesign. As well it has close connections to the metro station.
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">Circulation **

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">From the point of view of the vertical and horizontal movement, we can say that the mall presents a perfect balance between both. We can notice that there is the presence of vertical circulation systems, as escalators and elevators, strategically located in the center that allow more direct connection between each floor.

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">Similarly, there are ramps systems that also allow a vertical connection and offer a horizontal path through space. Finally inasmuch of horizontal circulation, there are the presence of bridges connecting each floor horizontally through the large empty core.

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">In conclusion, the mall has a very fluid system of circulation that offers different options depending on the activity you want to achieve in the mall and offers a direct connection with the environment.

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">An example of the good use of human scale in Venezuelan architecture is the Covered Plaza which has roof with heights adequate to human’s proportions and the use of light is also right with the human scale sensory. Creating a cozy and comfortable space.
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">Space and scale **

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">Because of its warmth, its climate, and its people, I can say that Venezuela is unique in any sense even in architecture. From the study of each of the 7 concepts, color, lights, texture, acoustics, rhythm, vertical & horizontal circulation, and space & scale; we can notice that the buildings emphasize that tropical joy and feeling of the country. Also, we can see how those concepts evolved with the society and marked the moment when the Venezuelan cities started to modernize.
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">Conclusion **

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">I also think that this project has been very helpful to better understand these concepts which are the essence of architecture. It is also interesting to observe these concepts and exemplify from existing works in our country.