26 June 2009
Acclaimed architects and design commentators reflect on the cities, eras, inventions and trends that have inspired them.
Architect Aaron B Schwarz FAIA has more than 30 years’ experience as a design leader for Perkins Eastman, a US architecture and design practice responsible for such notable projects as the TKTS Booth in New York.
Your favourite building…
The State Library in Berlin, designed by Hans Scharoun. I was blown away by its magnificent variation of spaces and details. If you agree, walk down the street to see the Philharmonie Concert Hall also designed by this great architect.
Most useful design trend of the past decade…
The current trend of thinking a lot harder and deeper about what we are doing to our environment.
Wish you’d designed…
The central bus terminal in New York and its network of pedestrian tunnels. Granted it’s complicated, so you can understand how it has grown into the rat maze that it is, but we should be celebrating mass transportation – this construct is a horror.
The period that most chimes with you…
The modern movement between WWI and WWII, which included the Bauhaus and the departure from conservative classicism. Every design discipline, fine arts and the performing arts reflected a disenchantment for the conservative establishment, while embracing technical advancements of the era.
Source: Qantas The Australian Way July 2009