Overside and Underside

The architecture of the main entertainment block in Park Tawe, Swansea, could not be said to be very inspiring. There is a covered walkway over to the centre of town which is purely functional in its design.

However, viewed from the right angles and in the right conditions, some great patterns can be seen. Even the peeling paint on the underside creates a kind of two tone map of some imaginary archipelago.

covered walkway

shadow pattern

walkway underside

Architecture and Trees – An Environmental Benefit

I reckon that trees around or near any building enhances our visual perception of the urban environment. More than this, they also provide an invaluable means of protecting us from some of the pollution we put into the air. Particulates get trapped by the leaves and are then washed off to ground level by rain. And, of course, they absorb carbon dioxide provide us with oxygen.

Trees on the street in front of your house can make a significant difference to the quality of air you breath inside your home.

The trees in the first photo will not make a significant difference to the air that the inhabitants of the new buildings near Park Tawe in Swansea because, as can be seen from the depth of field in the image, the trees are not all that close to the buildings. The trees around BT’s tower block will be more effective in that respect.

City planners and architects should to take all the benefits that trees can bring into consideration when designing any and all new urban developments.

Swansea architecture-1

Swansea architecture-2

Swansea architecture-3

Abstract Patterns and Waiting for Pizza

I like the patterns that can be seen in some of the architecture of Park Tawe in Swansea but the Deep Pan Pizza Company left these premises some time a go, and however visually interesting abandoned buildings can be,  it is always a bit sad to see the results of the unwanted.

We ate there only once and had to wait so long for our meal to arrive that it was unlikely that we would have returned. Was it the same for others?

abstract roof

abandoned building

broken sign