Landscape:Outside Visit, Visionary Metropolis: Tony Garnier's Une Cité Industrielle &The Discipline of Nature: Architect Alfred Browning Parker in Florida

I had visited the visionary metropolis a while ago while it was at the Wolfsonian and at the time I didn't understand what I was looking at. Of course I knew they were buildings and parks but I didnt understand the significance. Now that we are diving more into this subject I can see how much care and time it took to create these spaces. Im sure like a larger ratio of the class I enjoyed the garden like scenes over the architecture, or maybe its just me. I had written before in a previous blog that the Visionary metropolis felt like exploring Epcot because it was just full of pictures and plans for what they wanted to do for this city. I do have to admit however that I didnt really like that visit. It was extremely small and didnt catch my attention enough. I was jealous at the way Tony could draw. It just made me think that I should be practicing more.

On the other hand I really enjoyed Alfred's work. Seeing artists that worked in florida or are from florida is inspiring! His small models were built well, as expected from someone who sculpted, and his pictures were beautifully done but my favorite part were the "Parker Diaries". This man is gone no but his thoughts are there for the world to see. One of the descriptions said that he wrote poetry in them as well as: study sketches, geological studies,and even notes for lectures. It said in the gallery that he was a teacher but it didnt specify so I looked it up. Martha Kohen (who was UF's architect department director) said " Parker taught a "3-in-1'' graduate seminar "for architects as designer, owner and builder."

He really loved Miami, he even said: "Miami has been my base, the one city … that has meant the most to me in my work as an architect. It's been a marvelous trip and the trip isn't over yet … I will try not just to bask in the glory but I will try to do more things to justify what you have given to me.'' I started to look up other photos to get a better idea of what he made since some people called it "Tropical Modernism". I would have to agree!  If someone doesnt want this to be their home then they are lying. Alfred really paid attention to the entire house that he designed, never just paying attention to one room. I think thats what made him so successful at what he did.  I would love to go see al the houses he designed in person so that I can just sit there and take it in, how lucky would I be if I got to do that for the garden assignment.