RedFlagMagazine

4 BUILDINGS by Nathaniel Sandler - We typically take for granted the buildings that line the streets of each city. Some buildings we sleep in, some we work in, some we worship in, and others are houses for the world’s greatest art. These are obviously not all the uses buildings hold, however, as a cross section, Red Flag has chosen four buildings in order to break down the magnitude of materials that go within each structure. While we sometimes take for granted walking or driving by a building, we certainly do no consider the actual physical brick and mortar consistency. Sometimes these materials can display the message of their builder in fascinating and innovative ways.

Burj Al Arab (Dubai, United Arab Emirates) - The Burj Al Arab Hotel is the crown jewel of Dubai and almost a lightning rod beckoning point for foreign tourists from across the globe. The image of the hotel is ubiquitous on the TV screens of travelers watching CNN or BBC International as they wind down from their day of both business and pleasure. In a way, the Burj Al Arab has become a contrasting image to the warfare that many silently understand is strewn about the Middle East. The Burj Al Arab, which when opened in 1999 stands as the tallest building used exclusively as a hotel in the world is a beacon of prosperity and forward thinking. The hotel contains within an astonishing 8,000 square meters of 22-carat gold leaf and 24,000 square meters of 30 different types of marble and it features the tallest atrium lobby in the world, at 180 meters (590 feet). The building contains over 70,000 cubic meters of concrete and 9,000 tons of steel. The sheer magnitude of these materials is somewhat overwhelming when listed, but becomes fascinating when the image of the structure is considered. The architects, W.S. Atkins and Partners manipulated the design to look like the sail of a ship, catching the desert breeze coming from thousands of miles, as if Dubai itself is captaining modern architecture in the region.

Empire State Building (New York, USA) - Built in the 1931, the Empire State Building is one of the most iconic American structures in the nation, and since the destruction of the World Trade Center once again stands as the tallest building in New York City and a pinnacle achievement of skyscraper art deco. The building is now both a functional workplace and museum like relic of fascination; around 21,000 people still work in the building every day, while around 10,000-20,000 people visit the structure daily as well. The visitors and office workers alike ensconce themselves in the noir of motifs of mid-century modern America. The Empire State Building is composed of 60,000 tons of steel, 200,000 cubic feet of Indiana limestone and granite, 10 million bricks, and 730 tons of aluminum and stainless steel. These sturdy and grounding materials— not symbols of opulence—represent permanence and immovability. The Empire State Building was actually erected during the height of The Great Depression, and went sparsely occupied for quite some time, but stood as the tallest building in the world at the time and a symbol of potential for the faltering capitalists of America.

Sydney Opera House (Sydney, Australia) - The Sydney Opera house, completed in 1973, is starkly beautiful structure, which puts Sydney on the map in only the way that a truly original and iconic piece of architecture can. The building is a testament to the beauty of the content within. The Sydney Opera House programming includes some of the most high-end classical musical and operatic acts in the world. It is a cathedral to the arts, and much like the medieval churches calling to the Catholic God uses glass heavily to reflect light for the viewer in homage to the beauty of the place. The windows of the Sydney Opera house are in topaz green French glass and cover 6223 sq m (67,000 sq ft) of the surface of the building. The roof is covered with more than 1 million tiles, imported from Sweden. In all, the place is basically one huge refractive masterpiece. Both from places inside and all over outside light bathes the viewer. The touch of the sun allows the splendor the art within to take form in a fascinating and overpowering way.

Saint Peter’s Basilica (Vatican City) - The great Michelangelo designed the dome of arguably the most famous cathedral in the world which is housed within Vatican City. The Papal Basilica of Saint Peter is one of the most astonishing offerings to any God mankind has ever produced. The devout Michelangelo actually refused his payment for the countless years of work he spent on the structure. The building itself is made entirely of heavy masonry, which is indicative of the most expensive and high-end building materials of the era. While one could see the heavy stone and mortar as a reflection of permanence, it is also a show of the power of the Catholic Church at the time. The dome was the largest ever conceived, and was meant as an overpowering foil to the Pantheon of the ancient Romans which down the street. So not only is there a symbolic offering to the Catholic God, but there is also a very distinct display of power from the Catholic Church.