Weekly #769 - Modern Architectural Detail Competition

Sorry for the wait even though it was a bank holiday where I’m from.
Vic Cross :Corby Cube
It has lines, symmetry and pattern and fits the brief , but it seemsy that overcast conditions even though the sky is partly blue has made the appearance rather dull on the facade , mabye it was in shade. The composition is fine and probably deserves better light

Davidwozhere: Stairwell
I like this minimalist approach on the detail of something one would pass without a glance. It is so much the better when viewed large as the focus and light are spot on, reminding me of the film Tron or the Time tunnel experiences, as in you travel through to the infinite levels and on and on. Technically excellent very well thought out and executed.

Pipinmels: Inside BMW
Difficult indoor lighting conditions to overcome but you managed to capture the internal lines of the structure. I just feel it’s a tad underexposed and the foreground is to chopped as you were concentrating on the upper sections. It probably is a very difficult scene to photograph.

Perspicador: At Coventry Cathedral
Ecce Homo by Jacob Epstein. “Behold the man” ,Pilate’s words to the angry crowd before crucification
Christ before Pilate , synthesis of old and new forged in the spirit of Post War Optimism.
Not sure if it fits the brief but I had fun learning about the church buildings living side by side remains of the bombed medieval and Basil Spence 1962 modern replacement that caused a stir.
It was some twenty years later that Epstein’s sculpture of 1935 of Christ bound and crowned with thorns would be placed there

Davidtrout: Northumbria University
An interesting photo from inside the metal facade that serves many functions of support to the structure as a whole and also acts as a harsh light diffuser I would imagine.
Experience shines through with this composition, depth of field and balance .A tribute to the K5 in the hands of who know.

Mr Mellow: Waiting for the lift
I liked this from the moment I set eyes on it. Another design where the architect shows the structural supporting elements being part of the overall aesthetic.
The photograph is a beautifully handled exposure and the lines drawn are exquisite even too the lone figure adding scale for the viewer. Very nice indeed

Sureriley: Manchester
A Typical style of building from the 1970’s or so, one would look at in disdain but they have a habit of growing on you overtime. You have managed to capture the garish and make it belong as it belongs too the people who occupy and pass by it daily. Good composition in what seems like very dull conditions, showing all one needs to see and the people climbing the stairs creates as sense of scale to the overall image

RayW:Architecture in Valletta
I like this for it’s simplicity and yet it’s modulated complexity is revealed the one longer views. The recessed windows protected from glaring light, the repeating patterns interrupted in places and just enough negative space in frame to make everything work as a photograph. A cubism type facade in a modern era. Composed and symmetrically perfect in my humble opinion

Simonmac: Grand Central, Birmingham
I really like this, a liquid lavish experience of reflections encompassing the curvatures of the exterior detail. Composition excellent and the upper glass facade lending order to the flamboyance the architect envisioned. The exposure is a treat for the eyes and the lines you have chosen are superb. I love the contrast the lower section provides. Another tribute to the K5

Noelcmn: The New Hotel
A new kid on the block in the building world, it’s large recess and cantilever over head with two more overhead again on opposite sides , being it’s designs desirability. The reflection of the sky is clear and strong making the photo have presence and the colour is perfect.

Drofmit: Der Blockhaus
Very interesting the history you have provided regarding this building and not trying to be insensitive to the people of the region as I like it as I view it, I see Le Corbusier and Bauhaus architecture combined for the creation of this museum and maybe intentional by the design team. The photo is a strong contrast between old and new and yet the new feels from another time.

JohnRiley: The Orient
Yet another tribute to the K5 and what a feast for the eyes. A wonderful wide shot on a grand stage. The composition is faultless as is the encompassing ceiling that creates the illusion of grandeur. The lighting and colour are handled magnificently. What more needs to be said , I could look at it for hours so much fine detail .

Ok, I know my choice might be something that some might not agree but here goes

1’st Architecture in Valletta by RayW
2’nd Waiting for the lift by Mr Mellow
3’rd Grand Central, Birmingham by Simonmac
Thank you everyone for entering

Thanks for the competition Flan and the comments....
congratulations to Ray for that wonderfully graphic photo.... to me, there is something of a '90s pseudo pixelated picture.... I could live with this on a wall!
Congratulations also to the other two podia.
"as I like it as I view it, I see Le Corbusier and Bauhaus architecture"....
I fully agree with that... I think you would also enjoy the inside where the modern has had to be built onto the original building... the physical joining of the two structures is visible, as modern heritage renovation demands, but very nicely done... there is a harmony to the whole.

As an aside, and perhaps a follow on from what I wrote as the journalism part of my entry...
Raymonde, one of those two survivors of the massacre, actually liked the building....
but, possibly because of what had happened to her at 13, she valued and saw beauty in everything.
In her 80s, she was out with us all on nature walks.... and although she couldn't mix mortar anymore, she was still involved in the renovation of an old lavoir [wash-house] in a neighbouring village...
I feel privileged to have been able to learn from her.

Thank you Flan, superb analysis and critique of all the images. I did think mine would struggle against such a strong set of submissions for this competition. Knew I liked Stairwell but I couldn't pin down the reason, but you nailed it - Time Tunnel. I think I must have been watching Lost in Space instead,
It now falls to me to set you a topic for this week. Heading over to the other page now...
Ray

Congrats Ray, wonderful intriguing piece of architecture, quite agree with our judge on this one. And extended to Mr Mellow and Simonmac for their respective podia places. Thanks to Flan, for an interesting challenge, the C&C's, always appreciated!

Thank you Flan

Great competition and your comments are very poignant and wonderfully put. That takes time.

Happy with thirds amongst these great shots.

All the best

Thanks for the kind responses to my critique and i know if i had to do the same again tomorrow it would probably would end up with a different result as the entries were of a very high standard and i found it difficult to separate the placings ,also the photographs that should have had placings it was a privilege to judge

A special Thank you to your good self Drofmit, for an enlightening Wartime reality and the special lady that is close to your heart, you are indeed very lucky and privileged to have met someone who still managed to see the wonder and the good in life

That was a difficult judging - well done and thank you. And well done to the podiums - but I have to admit my own leaning towards Grand Central !!