Author: heiselt.7

Post 6! – Emoree leaves London :( – reflection

I can’t believe I’m sitting on the bus about to leave for home. It’s such a bummer. Last night I contemplated everything we had done and wow we saw a lot! It was shocking to go back through my thousands of photos to see they were all from here. London itself is a conglomeration of hundreds of styles of buildings, and the diversity of cultures matches just as well. Most of all, besides the architecture, I loved seeing people interact with one another. There is such an amazing dynamic. But on the other hand, there are things I will be happy to see when we get back: public trash cans, water fountains, and my friends. It’s very interesting that London didn’t have any of those. Nevertheless the city was amazing and I don’t want to go Home.

Post 5! – Emoree

No one can beat the beauty that is Oxford! With its centuries old colleges and adorable streets, there is no wonder that Cambridge is jealous. I arrived in Oxford around 11am and took a tour of the alleys before heading into the Bodleian Library. The building itself was as grand as could be. It was no question of why it took 12 years to create. My favorite part about it was the Duke Humphries library. I couldn’t take any pictures because like John Soane there are specific rules, but the divinity school before it was a prime example of old school sponsoring. The ceiling was covered in insignias from people who donated money to finishing it. I loved seeing it. And I loved seeing the other colleges as well! 

Post 4! – Emoree

London is really the most opportunist place. I will never forget Wednesday night: From the London Eye I began wandering down Southbank and came across the OXO building where people were bustling so, like a crazy person, I followed them and landed myself in a gallery opening for the Seven Oaks art school. Then after I had been through every room I walked with another group of strangers to another art show in an abandoned warehouse-type place. I was given a glass of orange something and thirty minutes later ended up running into a hotel lobby and up to a ballroom where a gala was being held as a fundraiser for people with Alzheimer’s. Of course, I didn’t match the cocktail dresses and tuxedos but I managed to grab a snack and run out and up to the roof for a live music show! Finally after the first set I ran to Tate Modern, across Millennium Bridge, to St. Paul’s right into a group of people headed to Pizza Express. There, I met a girl named Emma who let me join in and they even paid for my meal! All in all, it was a night to remember. Columbus, Ohio isn’t remotely close to being as amazing as London, but I truly hope this is the first of many advantageous adventures to come. For right now, I’ll enjoy the wine glass souvenir I accidentally took. 

 

Post 3! – Emoree

Okay. So I think I get it, but I still don’t like it. Zaha fans look away.

The skate, tongue, manta ray, whatever you prefer to call the Olympic Aquatic Center, is lost potential. Don’t get me wrong, Zaha Hadid is the queen of busting architectural boundaries, but she also loses a lot of points with her materiality choices (i.e.using granite with curves).

With this center, the interior is thought provoking in good and bad ways. First, to have the big ceiling be swooping as she does really is amazing. It feels like we’re in a giant whale. But what doesn’t work for me is the kiddie pool side with a giant cement ceiling with droplet cutouts. The two styles mix in a really weird way.

The exterior, however, is another story. Yes, the project is beautiful from the Event Entrance side. The tiled curves give a lot of room for volume. The green patch on the back though…

It was a horrifying scene of dead plants and a literal patch of turf grass. May it have looked better in the beginning? Possibly. Does it look good now? No. Going along with the whale idea, it looks like the leftover brine from the whale’s teeth fronds. It feels as if Zaha thought, “How can I make this LEED certified? Oh yeah, let’s slap on some grass right here.” 

All I’m saying is that the upkeep could have been better, and the design could have been more cohesive between areas.

Post 2! – Emoree

Today was the day to see how far we stretch across London in one day. It may have felt like the Oregon trail, but it was probably an inch in the grand scheme of things. Isn’t it fascinating all the things you can see and do in such a short period of time? I think I underestimated London. This place is huge. Today alone was exhausting, but I’m glad we had the chance to see what we saw. We went through squares and circles, coasts and crowds, and ate like it was the last meal! I also made a new friend, Carmen! She’s been traveling around with us since yesterday and loves the city too!!! Continue reading Post 2! – Emoree →

Post 1! – Emoree

Less than three days in London and I am still excited! We have seen so much in such a short amount of time and still have much more to go. Something that I noticed, and really enjoyed, was the 50/50 mix of modern and historical architecture. I’m not one to mix and match so distinctly, but the way this city has managed to accomplish this balance is beyond compare. For instance, with the church we visited today, we saw a Starbucks attached right under it. It’s amazing how well spun business was with religion, and how extremely ironic. On that same note; Saint Paul’s is another version of this mix. The fact that the crypt was now used as a store and cafe was frustratingly hilarious. Who knew what was to come of this spectacular place of worship back in its early stages of building?

Let’s GO! – Pre-departure Post – Emoree

Weeks and months of preparation have lead up to this! In a few short days my classmates and I will be flying to London, England. The packing list has been made, my free day is planned, and the phone company has been called. I am looking forward to so much.

Because London is a culmination of both new and old, the dichotomy will be a thought provoking factor of the trip. For example, I am excited to see places like King’s Cross station with it’s ancient appeal mixed with the contemporary sun shading. The 50/50 effects will be something I look forward to diagramming.

That being said, on a more personal note, I really love movies so I am pumped to go to filming locations from several movies including Harry Potter, Paddington, Notting Hill, etc. It’s quite inspiring as someone who hopes to work in the film industry and exhibit design to see these places.

Adrenaline is pumping, I’m ready to go yesterday. I have hopes that our flight will be smooth, customs will be easy, and that everyone will make it on time. This is something I’ve wanted to do since I was in kindergarten and thanks to the OSU STEP program I will be able to.  Let’s GO!!!

 

Emoree Heiselt Bio

I like to say I am from everywhere. Born in California, moving to Salt Lake City, Utah when I was two, then on to Starkville, Mississippi at age 10, and finally living in Reno, Nevada for the past three years, I have lived a diverse life of regional experiences. Columbus, Ohio is also a place I like to consider Home as I have attended Ohio State University (OSU) majoring in Architecture for three years as well.

Based on the above it is easy to see that traveling is a big part of my life. I enjoy discovering new places and meeting new people. If there is an opportunity to go somewhere I plan on taking it. Thus, after receiving the STEP program grant, I have the chance to go to London in the spring! I am elated to visit all the places I’ve read about in books or have viewed in media. I am most excited to visit the more historical architecture in the city and have the opportunity to stand  where historical figures have stood.

I am passionate about history as well as architecture, and I enjoy art, fashion, and being a Resident Advisor for my 35 residents. This semester will be awesome!