Thursday September 6, 2007

Architectural Wonders

PHOTOS BY NASA MARIA ENTABAN AND WONG BEN SON

FOR most of the 35 Malaysian architecture students, the city of Beijing, China, sounded like a distant land that none of them would ever set foot in, until the chance presented itself during the Taylor’s University College School of Architecture activity week. Every year, three overseas trips are planned, and students can opt to go to any one of the three countries to photograph and document their observations of the architecture there. 

The reason why these students chose Beijing was unanimous – the ancient architecture is incomparable by most standards. 

In an eye-opening study tour, 35 architecture students from Taylor’s University College journeyed to Beijing to make observations about the ancient and modern architecture.

While Beijing is most famous for its ancient awe-inspiring architecture, the world is seeing the uprising of a very modern and futuristic city in time for the Olympics next year. Throughout the hectic seven-day tour, led by a professional guide, the students observed varying aspects of the architecture, comparing ancient elements and the more modern buildings in the city centre.  

Some even compared the buildings to those in Malaysia, claiming they could see where we got some of our ideas. “You can see the similarities between some of our architecture and the ancient buildings here,” commented second-year student Carey Ng, 19. 

For Carey, the trip with certainly eye-open ing as was for many others in the group including Frederick Choang, also a second year student. “All of the sites are pretty amazing. And even though it’s not the kind of trip where you sit down and sketch on the spot, we all have our cameras to document our observations,” he said. 

True enough, the weather was scorching and the troupe hardly stayed in one spot long enough to take out their sketchbooks – most sketching was done later on when there was time to relax. What these students bring back from this trip will be compiled into a photographic essay and displayed in an exhibition at the university college later this year. The buildings are historical relics – the Chinese culture is so pronounced in all the architecture, it’s just really impressive,” expressed Ahmed Arizz Azhar, 18, a second semester student. 

‘The Place’, a modern shopping area in Beijing.

Jonathan Lim Yoong Zhen was fascinated with the Forbidden City, and how beautifica tion was so much a part of ancient Chinese architecture. “I don’t know if I would model my buildings in the future after them, however, because modern buildings pay more attention to func tion as opposed to form (meaning buildings don’t have to be pretty, they just need to serve their purpose),” he opined. 

The trip didn’t just take the students to the ancient wonders – brief shopping trips and bus rides around Beijing city proved to be a whole new experience on its own. Modern architectural marvels like the Beijing National Stadium, the ongoing construction of the China Central Television headquarters (CCTV) building and shopping areas like The Place proved that while retaining it’s ancient appeal, the city is all prepared to take on the world. 

History lessons were aplenty during the tour, as the experienced tour guide explained each site’s history in detail, in both English and Mandarin. Perhaps the feel of the trip was best summed up by first year student Yoon Chi Ming, who couldn’t seem to get enough pictures of each site. “Fulfilling. There is so much to see in each place, sometimes it feels a bit overwhelming. It really makes you want to appreciate these ancient places more,” said Chi Ming. 

well that was from The Star Online. *clicketyclick* to link you to there. note: the following pictures are courtesy of Clement. *clicketyclick* to link you to his blog.

he takes good pictures, and his level of observation is wayyyy better than mine. Probably because all that i really thought about in Beijing was shopping!  these shots are hard to come by. before i proceed on, let me just briefly express how i feel and what i’ve gained from this trip.

I remembered the time when we went on the airplane,leaving KLIA. it was just myself, Katrina and Arizz. We knew absolutely no one else that came along for this trip,PLUS they’re all seniors and we’re like the babies.  However,things obviously gotten so much better,and people grew fond of each other. And the whole process of getting to know each other in another country from home, is simply indescribeable. At least i have learned from this marvellous experience that friends and companions do matter, and i made lots of new friends. Friends that i hang out with a lot now.  

The beauty in all of this, is about how the bond grew because us architecture students all share the same passion, workload, lecturers perhaps?, interests and trust me our level or curiousity is pretty darn high.  Let me just wrap it up:

i loved the trip, the people in it, the food perhaps not all of it, the horrible haunted hotels which caused us sleepless nights, the effin’ hot weather that will kill your skin, the Beijing language/ascent which is still stuck with me, the freaking cheap stuffs, the places we conquered i would say. I conquered Beijing! (the shopping centres)

this dog looks a little like Brownie eh?  its all whiteeeee

lydia and shien chii, Chi Ming the one featured in the Star article above and Ben!

so sweeeeeeet ! ♥

believe it or not, the drivers in Beijing. ZOMG, Malaysian drivers/passengers will not survive on the road.  the drivers drive as though they’re late for their FIRST BABY delivery in the hospital.  i nearly kena bang by the cars like a gazillion times. and another thing, if you do cross the road the car won’t stop and let you go. They’ll move their car forward bit by bit,charging forward like a bull.  HOW CANNNNN?!

Beijing Olympic Stadium 2008.

Beijing’s National Aquatic Stadium.

i love this shot!

i told you the weather was unbearable right?

anyways, i am lack of sleep. having a horrible migraine now,only managed to catch two hours of sleep and class was ay 8am in the morning.  So,i gotta catch a good rest,and thank you for all the feedbacks. will try to update later!

toodles ♥

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