Category Archives: Engineering

Articulation in architecture

Articulation, in art and architecture, is a method of styling the joints in the formal elements of architectural design. Through degrees of articulation, each part is united with the whole work by means of a joint in such a way that the joined parts are put together in styles ranging from exceptionally distinct jointing to the opposite of high articulation—fluidity and continuity of joining. In highly articulated works, each part is defined precisely and stands out clearly. The articulation of a building reveals how the parts fit into the whole by emphasizing each part separately. Continuity and fusion The opposite of distinct articulation is continuity and fusion which reduces the separateness of the parts. Distinct articulation emphasizes the “strategic break” while the articulation of continuity concentrates on smooth transitions. Continuity (or fusion) reduces the independence of the elements and focuses on the largest element of the whole, while reducing focus…

Afrofuturism

Afrofuturism is a cultural aesthetic, philosophy of science, and philosophy of history that explores the developing intersection of African/African-American culture with technology. It combines elements of science fiction, historical fiction, fantasy, Afrocentrism and magic realism with non-Western cosmologies in order to critique the present-day dilemmas of black people and to interrogate and re-examine historical events. It was explored in the late 1990s through conversations led by Alondra Nelson. Afrofuturism addresses themes and concerns of the African diaspora through a technoculture and science fiction lens, encompassing a range of media and artists with a shared interest in envisioning black futures that stem from Afrodiasporic experiences. Seminal Afrofuturistic works include the novels of Samuel R. Delany and Octavia Butler; the canvases of Jean-Michel Basquiat and Angelbert Metoyer, and the photography of Renée Cox; the explicitly extraterrestrial mythoi of Parliament-Funkadelic, the Jonzun Crew, Warp 9, Deltron 3030, and Sun Ra; and the Marvel…

Steampunk

Steampunk is a subgenre of science fiction or science fantasy that incorporates technology and aesthetic designs inspired by 19th-century industrial steam-powered machinery. Although its literary origins are sometimes associated with the cyberpunk genre, steampunk works are often set in an alternative history of the 19th century’s British Victorian era or American “Wild West”, in a future during which steam power has maintained mainstream usage, or in a fantasy world that similarly employs steam power. However, steampunk and neo-Victorian are different in that the neo-Victorian movement does not extrapolate on technology while technology is a key aspect of steampunk. Steampunk most recognizably features anachronistic technologies or retrofuturistic inventions as people in the 19th century might have envisioned them, and is likewise rooted in the era’s perspective on fashion, culture, architectural style, and art. Such technologies may include fictional machines like those found in the works of H. G. Wells and Jules…

Precisionism

Precisionism was the first indigenous modern art movement in the United States and an early American contribution to the rise of Modernism. The Precisionist style, which first emerged after World War I and was at the height of its popularity during the 1920s and early 1930s, celebrated the new American landscape of skyscrapers, bridges, and factories in a form that has also been called “Cubist-Realism.” The term “Precisionism” was first coined in the mid-1920s, possibly by Museum of Modern Art director Alfred H. Barr. Painters working in this style were also known as the “Immaculates,” which was the more commonly used term at the time. The stiffness of both art-historical labels suggests the difficulties contemporary critics had in attempting to characterize these artists. Essentially it is a kind of combination of cubism and realism; it is also known as Cubist realism. The term was coined at the beginning of the…

Kinetic art

Kinetic art is art from any medium that contains movement perceivable by the viewer or depends on motion for its effect. Canvas paintings that extend the viewer’s perspective of the artwork and incorporate multidimensional movement are the earliest examples of kinetic art. More pertinently speaking, kinetic art is a term that today most often refers to three-dimensional sculptures and figures such as mobiles that move naturally or are machine operated. The moving parts are generally powered by wind, a motor or the observer. Kinetic art encompasses a wide variety of overlapping techniques and styles. Kinetic art is an art movement that proposes works containing moving parts. The movement can be produced by the wind, the sun, a motor or the viewer. Kinetic art encompasses a wide variety of overlapping techniques and styles. There is also a portion of kinetic art that includes virtual movement, or rather movement perceived from only…

Gesamtkunstwerk

Synthesis of arts (German: Gesamtkunstwerk) is a work of art that makes use of all or many art forms or strives to do so. A Gesamtkunstwerk is a work that combines various arts such as music, poetry, dance / pantomime, architecture and painting. The compilation is not arbitrary and illustrative: the components complement each other necessarily. Gesamtkunstwerk, which also means “total work of art”, “ideal work of art”, “universal artwork”, “synthesis of the arts”, “comprehensive artwork”, “all-embracing art form” or “total artwork”, refer to a type of autonomous artwork that integrates simultaneously and related to different media or artistic disciplines, the Gesamtkunstwerk has a “tendency to eradicate the boundary between aesthetic structure and reality” (Odo Marquard). It is not a reference to the divine creation, as was customary in art between Gothic and Baroque, but it claims its own validity. The term was first used by the German writer and…

Artificial sky

The artificial sky is a daylight simulation device that replicates the light coming from the sky dome. An architectural scale model or 1:1 full-scaled aircraft is placed under an artificial sky to predict daylight penetration within buildings or aircraft that subjects to different situations, complex geometries, or heavily obstructed windows. The concept of the artificial sky was derived due to heliodon’s limitation in providing a stable lighting environment for evaluating the diffuse skylight component. Description An artificial sky is primarily utilized in the field of architecture to analyze daylight in buildings and spaces. Architectural students, architects, researchers, lighting designers, lighting engineers, automotive and aerospace engineering use the simulation device for various purposes. Several versions of the instrument are used in laboratories of architectural schools and practice for daylighting studies and research. Lighting engineers and designers use the artificial sky to measure illumination levels. The instrument is utilized to examine the…

Offshore Engineering in Denmark, examples of island construction solutions against urban sprawl, climate change, harsh environments or energy crises

Denmark is a North Sea country with a long coastline and more than 400 beautiful islands. Although the country with the highest happiness index is not facing an imminent crisis, Denmark is already planning for the future. In the face of many environmental and social problems, such as climate change, sea level rise, and energy crisis, Denmark will inevitably link the solution with the rational use of marine resources. Denmark was a society based on agriculture and fishing, and Danes still feel closely tied to the land and the water around them. This respect for nature is why Denmark is a pioneer in promoting sustainability. With the looming threat of climate change, Denmark are turning to more environmentally-friendly urban planning solutions. Copenhagen is a global leader against the climate change, and the city has developed and implemented highly effective sustainable development strategies. In addition to the most well-known complete carbon…

Guide Tour of Art Gallery and Museum in Switzerland

The Swiss have always maintained and nurtured their own local customs, visiting museums in Switzerland, discover enormous wealth of Swiss cultural activity and living tradition. Despite its small size, Switzerland is home to many interesting and engaging museums, from exhibits describing Swiss history to galleries showcasing some of the best artists in the world. Switzerland offers chocolate factories, show dairies, medieval fortresses and castles, interactive sports exhibitions and natural spectacles. Switzerland is one of the most developed countries in the world, with a rich cultural heritage, with many world-class museums. As a country where diverse traditions and cultures meet and interact, Switzerland has been a melting-pot in the heart of Europe since time immemorial. This is why cultural life in cosmopolitan Switzerland displays such enormous variety. A visit to one of the Museums of Switzerland pledges a unique experience be amazed at the rich and well-preserved collection of art, history,…

Guide of Swiss Railway Tourism

Travelling around Switzerland by train is a great option, the way of travelling that is as exciting as it is relaxing. Switzerland is the country in Europe where rail travel is the busiest, the whole of contury is covered by a frequent, punctual and efficient integrated train network that’s really easy to use. Swiss public transport carries travellers away to the most fascinating panoramic routes, the most beautiful mountain summits and the most romantic boat tours. Switzerland has a fantastic transport system, swift and disturbingly punctual trains, clean buses, and half a dozen different kinds of mountain transport systems, all integrated into a coherent system. Bus and trains in Switzerland are complementary to each other. That way, almost all inhabited villages and towns in Switzerland can be reached by public transport. Even if there is no train or city transit available, the comprehensive PostBus Switzerland network gets you there. Switzerland…

Look back of Genoa International Boat Show 2021, Waterfront Marina, Genova, Italy

Salone Nautico Internazionale di Genova 2021, last from September 16 to 21, brings together visitors and exhibitors for an exciting 6-day programme, following the necessary health and safety regulations. The 61st edition of Genoa Boat Show is the first trade show of the industry in Europe, since the 2020 Epidemic Safety Policy. The Boat Show is the indispensable point of reference and the priority strategic tool for the entire nautical sector to be pleasure craft that guarantees the qualified presence of exhibitors and international professionals with a specialized, competent and business-oriented public. The Genoa International Boat Show is one of the world’s premier boat shows, held annually in Genoa. The Genoa International Boat Show is the consolidated reference point for the excellence of the Made in Italy sector, which focuses on the quality and know-how of a flagship sector of the country. The Boat Show is a unique event for…

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence, Italy

Duomo di Firenze, formally the Metropolitan Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, is the main Florentine church, symbol of the city and one of the most famous in Italy. The cathedral complex, in Piazza del Duomo, includes the Baptistery and Giotto’s Campanile. These three buildings are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site covering the historic centre of Florence and are a major tourist attraction of Tuscany. Florence’s cathedral stands tall over the city with its magnificent Renaissance dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, with the baptistery right across. The cathedral named in honor of Santa Maria del Fiore is a vast Gothic structure built on the site of the 7th century church of Santa Reparata, the remains of which can be seen in the crypt. Florence Cathedral was begun in 1296 in the Gothic style to a design of Arnolfo di Cambio and was structurally completed by 1436, with the…

Review of Venice Boat Show 2022, Italy

The Venice International Boat Show 2022, last from May 28 to June 5, in the spectacular structures of the city’s Arsenal, symbol of the power and military power of the Serenissima Republic and the heart of its naval industry which has allowed it to be one of the greatest maritime powers for centuries. Visitors was be able to admire more than 240 boats, and also participate in numerous events and conferences with themes relating to boating, the environment, sustainability and more. The Venice International Boat Show, also known as the Festival of the Sea, is an annual exhibition of pleasure boating held in Venice in June at the Venice Arsenal. It was held for the first time in 2002 and, starting from a local market dimension, in a few editions it has reached a national and international rank, constantly expanding. The Venice Boat Show is promoted by the Municipality of…

Guide of Paris Metro system, France

The Paris Metro system is the best way to get around Paris, with 16 metro lines and more than 300 metro stops that can take you anywhere in Paris in the most convenient way. Having become one of the symbols of Paris, it is characterized by the density of its network in the heart of the city and by its homogeneous architectural style influenced by Art Nouveau. The subway system directly connects train stations and airports, allowing travelers to arrive any corner in Paris without transfer to other traffic systems. The Paris Metro is one of the public transport systems serving the city of Paris and its metropolitan area, offers a wealth of great choices for getting around the city. Paris Metro has sixteen mainly underground lines, totaling 226.9 kilometers and 308 stations, a extensive systems so that from almost anywhere in Paris it’s only a short walk to the…

Guide Tour of Musée des Arts et Métiers, Paris, France

Museum of Arts and Crafts is an industrial design museum in Paris that houses the collection of the Conservatoire national des arts et métiers, which was founded in 1794 as a repository for the preservation of scientific instruments and inventions. Considered one of the oldest technical and industrial museums in the world, the history of the Museum of Arts and Crafts is thus intimately linked to that of the Cnam, of which it has been an inseparable component since its creation more than 200 years ago. The Musée des Arts et Métiers is a science and technology museum, part of the National Conservatory of Arts and Crafts. Founded in 1794, the Conservatory of Arts and Crafts was originally an establishment intended to train technicians and engineers using demonstrations based on scientific and technical objects. Its museum promote the spirit of creation, contribute to the dissemination of technological innovation and scientific…

Christmas window displays of Printemps Haussmann 2020-2021, Paris, France

During Christmas, the City of Light adorning itself with its finest sparkling finery. As part of the Christmas decorations, at the end of each year, for six weeks, Printemps Haussmann’s “animated Christmas window displays” attract crowds from Paris, the provinces and abroad who come to watch a surprising show around a theme that changes over the years. Each year, more than ten million people come to attend this event. Every year, the decorations of the Christmas windows of department stores are veritable inventive and surprising works of art. On the occasion of the Christmas holidays, Printemps Haussmann are transformed into a fantastic dreamland. The visual arts, fashion, design and even music are exhibited during events. When the Christmas party arrives, the storefronts of the Parisian department store become an attraction in their own right. During Christmas, Printemps Haussmann invites artists and designers to take over its spaces, which amaze visitors…

Train Stations in Paris, France

France has one of the most developed railway systems in the world. The railway system is convenient, safe and economical. Paris has a significant number of railway stations, stemming both from the history of the development of French railways and from the needs to serve the city finely. These large-scale and beautifully designed large buildings once became the trend of that era. The history of French railways begins at the beginning of the 19th century. At its peak before the First World War, the French rail network thus had nearly 70,000 kilometers of national or local lines. From the 1830s and then within the framework of the law relating to the establishment of main railway lines in France of 1842, the State granted large companies coherent sets of railway lines, thus forming a “cobweb” network whose center is Paris. As the center of the French railway network, Paris has always…

Guide Tour of Paris Mint, France

The Monnaie de Paris (Paris Mint) is a government-owned institution responsible for producing France’s coins. Founded in AD 864 with the Edict of Pistres, Monnaie de Paris is France’s longest standing institution and the oldest enterprise in the world. It fulfils the public service mission of striking the euro coins in circulation for France, as well as coins for other foreign currencies. Monnaie de Paris has a triple mission: sovereign, commercial and cultural. On behalf of the State, the Monnaie de Paris strikes current currency, that is to say the national euro coins in circulation. On the strength of this historical expertise, Monnaie de Paris produces and markets foreign current coins, collector coins, works of art, medals and decorations for foreign countries, companies or institutions. The first factory established in Paris, it is now the last in operation. For twelve centuries, it has cultivated a venerable tradition of metalworking arts…

Guide Tour of Louis Vuitton Foundation, Paris, France

The Louis-Vuitton Corporate Foundation, is a new space that opens up dialogue with a wide audience and offers artists and intellectuals a platform for debate and reflection.. The building object of the foundation is a museum, designed by the American architect Frank Gehry, located in the Jardin d’acclimatation, in the Bois de Boulogne in Paris. It is particularly devoted to modern art and contemporary art. Driven by a mission of general interest, the Foundation is committed to making art and culture accessible to all. In order to promote artistic creation on a national and international level, it relies on temporary exhibitions of modern and contemporary art, presentations of works from its collection, commissions from artists, as well as multidisciplinary events (concerts, performances, conferences, screenings, dance, etc.). The Foundation anchors its commitment to current creation in a historical perspective. In 2001, Bernard Arnault entrusted Frank Gehry with the project of designing…

Guide Tour of USS Midway Museum, San Diego, California, United States

The USS Midway Museum is a historical naval aircraft carrier museum located in downtown San Diego, California at Navy Pier. The museum consists of the aircraft carrier Midway, which was America’s longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century. The interactive museum is an unforgettable adventure, visitors explore a floating city at sea, the amazing flight deck and its 29 restored aircraft, flight simulators, and are inspired in the Battle of Midway Theater. USS Midway (CVB/CVA/CV-41) is an aircraft carrier, formerly of the United States Navy, the lead ship of her class. The USS Midway was the longest-serving aircraft carrier in the 20th century. Named after the climactic Battle of Midway of June 1942, Midway was built in only 17 months, but missed World War II by one week when commissioned on September 10, 1945. Midway was the first in a three-ship class of its kind large carriers that featured an…

Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles, California, United States

Griffith Observatory is a facility in Los Angeles, California, situated on the south-facing slope of Mount Hollywood in Los Angeles’ Griffith Park. Griffith Observatory is an icon of Los Angeles, a national leader in public astronomy, a beloved civic gathering place, and one of southern California’s most popular attractions. Griffith Observatory inspires everyone to observe, ponder, and understand the sky. The Observatory is located on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park, just above the Los Feliz neighborhood. It commands a view of the Los Angeles Basin, including Downtown Los Angeles to the southeast, Hollywood to the south, and the Pacific Ocean to the southwest. It is 1,134 feet above sea level and is visible from many parts of the Los Angeles basin. The Observatory is the best vantage point for observing the world-famous Hollywood Sign. The observatory is a popular tourist attraction with a close view of…

Smart City of Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm has been named the smartest city in the world, thanks to its innovative solutions on the environment, digitalisation and social sustainability. Another factor was the city’s leadership in the GrowSmarter European project, according to the jury. The city wants to become climate positive by 2040, which would make Stockholm the first in the world. Sweden aims to become carbon neutral by 2045. A smart city is a technologically modern urban area that uses different types of electronic methods, voice activation methods and sensors to collect specific data. Information gained from that data are used to manage assets, resources and services efficiently; in return, that data is used to improve the operations across the city. This includes data collected from citizens, devices, buildings and assets that is then processed and analyzed to monitor and manage traffic and transportation systems, power plants, utilities, water supply networks, waste, crime detection, information systems,…

Venice’s hydrological environment crisis and sustainable development solutions

For a long time, Venice has been threatened and destroyed by sea tides and floods. Water has always been a concern by the Venetian. It requires care, substantial investments to avoid swamping as much as flooding. At the same time, however, water attracts and fascinates and, without it, Venice would lose its meaning. A 2014 research conducted in collaboration with UNESCO in Venice identified the main wear and tear phenomena that compromise the stability of the system equilibrium and the survival of the urban fabric: the problem of high water, the wave motion from the wind and water traffic, pollution, deterioration of the building heritage and flooring, changes in intended use due to the progressive loss of resident population, changes in the structure of local trade, in addition to the growing anthropogenic pressure caused by tourist flows. The conformation and the terrain on which Venice stands required the solution to…

Review of Venice Boat Show 2021, Italy

The Venice International Boat Show 2021, last from May 29 to June 6, in the spectacular structures of the city’s Arsenal, symbol of the power and military power of the Serenissima Republic and the heart of its naval industry which has allowed it to be one of the greatest maritime powers for centuries. Visitors was be able to admire more than 220 boats from over 160 exhibitors, and also participate in numerous events and conferences with themes relating to boating, the environment, sustainability and more. In this exceptional exhibit, where the best of national and international naval production can be admired, visitors also immerse themselves in the glorious history of Venice and understand how Venice was one of the greatest maritime powers thanks to its flourishing naval industry. The boat fair also host many events including shows, guided tours to the most representative places in Venice’s naval history, presentations, talks…