One of my favorite visits on day two of the trip was to be able to visit the Tate Modern museum. While at the museum I was able to go to the third floor to see some of the galleries and also go down to the first floor to see some of the swings and the pendulum. I definitely plan to go back to the museum (currently planning on Friday) to see some more of the artwork and also more of the building. One thing that I hope to analyze when I return to the site is the use of materials, especially with the influence of the fact that the building is a brownfield site. When traveling before, I was told to pay close attention to the use of handrails in buildings, and in fact this also is important in Tate. Many do not use the stairs but instead use the escalator. However, the stairwell had stairs that there is light near the handrail to emphasize to visitors where to grab. The contrast of black and gray colors make it looks as if there is a different use of materials and as if the black part is metal, however it is all wood. I like how this color contrast fools the visitors at first glance. I hope to sketch or take a picture of these handrails once I return on Friday.
Christiana, this is great attention to detail. The architects, Herzeg and de Meuron, are perhaps best known for their consideration of material and phenomenology in their work, initially making very simple buildings in terms of their shape yet enriching them with material treatment. The handrails are an excellent detail, as they illuminate for visual interest but also serve the user ergonomically and traditionally. The wood is familiar in feel and a comfortable profile is hidden behind the clean exterior. The use of wood makes me think of the writings of an architect named Peter Zumthor, and the light reminds me of several designs by OMA. Herzog and de Meuron also have additional buildings with great handrails, one being the Laban dance school which happens to be very near to Greenwich. The rails in this project wiggle and dance across the wall, jumping over columns.