Exploring Color and Architecture with John Pawson
John Pawson’s recent exploration delves into the intricate relationship between color and architecture, offering a fresh perspective on how these elements interact in various environments. His insightful observations are complemented by stunning visuals that highlight the significance of architectural details.
Observations on Everyday Architecture
In one observation, Pawson notes:
“The owners of this house that I walk past on my way to the tube haven’t got round to tiling their front steps and the raw concrete makes a graphic context for the pattern of shadow cast by the railings.”
Cultural Observations
Moreover, Pawson reflects on his experiences during travels. He states:
“I saw many statues of the Buddha when I was in Myanmar. What struck me about this one was not so much its massive scale, but the way it is located in contained space.”
Aerial Perspectives
Pawson shares his unique aerial perspective:
“I took this photograph from one of a small flotilla of hot air balloons flying over the temples at dawn. There was a bit of jockeying in the basket for best position: the sides for those interested in an unobstructed view and the center for those susceptible to vertigo.”
Architectural Highlights
He further emphasizes the elegance in urban architecture:
“This building faces the Edition Hotel we were involved with in Miami. Projecting balconies don’t count to planning, but can be rather elegant.”
Zen Garden Illumination
Additionally, Pawson mentions:
“It’s rare to see the tool that creates the raked patterns in a Kyoto temple, but this Zen garden is in Utah.”
Architectural Details in Historical Contexts
Finally, he captures remarkable moments inside historical spaces:
“While we were working on the details of a temporary installation, a shroud-like image appeared on the Dean’s Staircase inside one of the west towers of St. Paul’s Cathedral.”
Natural Scale
Pawson also comments on natural settings:
“Without the figures of the swimmers, it would be impossible to read the scale of this lagoon on the island of Miniloc, off the coast of Palawan.”
