Design and architecture with a hint of lime*

Hmmmm, I’ve been pondering this one for a bit. Looking for that gem of a starting post that would rocket me to some celebrity status!! Then I thought about it more….and some more….then realised I would probably not be rocketing anywhere anytime soon….that will take more time I think!  So here goes, I’m just going to introduce myself to you all…..and let my thoughts and images start speaking for themselves. You are all welcome to join in and add, I look forward to contributions of all kinds.

Ok, so here goes! I’ve been involved in architecture and engineering for quite a while, in one guise or another. I studied Civil Engineering in college, coming away with appropriate qualifications, while always having a dual interest in Architecture and Structural Engineering. And so, I found a position at an architectural company working alongside various types of architects, technologists and other consultants within the firm.

New Directions and a Change of Pace

Having worked quite successfully in that company for years I then decided to travel to Vancouver, Canada for a year, experiencing ‘Life’ there in all its forms which I enjoyed immensely, needless to say. The beautiful scenery helped of course!

This is where I really got into photography (I now bring a camera with me wherever possible, such is the effect of this experience). A particular love of mine is to snap seemingly ordinary things that may result in extra-ordinary outcomes.

Sights like the corner of a building or a run down street against a backdrop, the sort of stuff many people can’t see, and ask why the hell I’m shooting grass along a beach dune? The things I know will actually make great shots if I capture it right!

I’ve displayed a few photos in this post, illustrating some of the random and interesting things encountered.

Construction Industry Enters Global Recession

Since coming back from Vancouver, I have seen a recession hit our industry badly. Many of my former colleagues have languished in limbo, with some lucky enough to diversify their skills in employment or education, but most struggling to make ends meet or to find an outlet for their creativity in a lacklustre environment. Even finding a reference can be a tough ask right now, given that many former employers have shut up shop – lock, stock and barrel!

In my own case I have had to seek out freelance work, luckily securing a local project via a close friend. This recent work consisted of consulting privately in an architectural capacity, whereby I drew on my (I would like to think anyway!) keen eye for detail and structural engineering knowledge.

My Style

I don’t think I can narrow it down to just one, I know I will always enjoy looking at contemporary lines done well, while also being a fan of the occassional art deco piece, or unorthodox creations borne out of Gaudi, Gehry and other visionary designers.

Undoubtedly partial to fancy geometrical forms and textures or clever ways of working a structural design into a concept, I also love nothing more than seeing how sunlight can play a part in everything around us.

Shown on the left are examples of how I’ve seen sunlight interact with urban objects to create entirely new and fascinating pictures. From the wobbly shaking of a facade in a river or stream, to the flow of light along a corridor, or to the multitude of rays along a kitchen wall, as the evening sun beams through a venetian blind breaking the room into a jigsaw puzzle of light and dark bands, I believe an appreciation for how light can influence a shape or mood is integral to good design.

My love of photography has more recently played an important hand in shaping my passion for design. An appreciation for beauty, light and shade, including our interactions with nature, can only bring about greater awareness of the details that constitute a well designed structure. Honestly, I look to incorporate many forms and concepts as long as they work toward the project goals. It is with these fundamental architectural and engineering concepts that I look to pursue and improve upon in my personal and professional life.

This blog, I hope, will funnel my passion for architecture into something even more rewarding. To learn and to spread some joy in the process is my intention, through the pictures and words on this site. I trust it will be an intriguing and interesting read, and I look forward to any feedback and suggestions.

Below is a further sample of some interesting pictures to give a sense of the variety of visuals that intrigue me. I will be sure to upload the gazillion or so of other interesting finds that I have snapped on walkabout. I’ve got plenty from around Ireland, Vancouver and Barcelona and will weave them in to a post or two! Feel free to comment and join in on all discussions.