Just a short little post today. A have a banging headache and need to rest. I will leave you with this - a gorgeous room, teamed up with some absolutely divine fashion. See you tomorrow. Kellie xx
Minggu, 31 Januari 2010
And with these flowers and tea...
Have a glamourous, stylish week! Thank you to all my lovely readers who come back time and time again! And to my new ones, thank you very much for stopping by! Kellie xx
Sabtu, 30 Januari 2010
Sunday Sequin Sparkle
Just a bit of the fabulous Rachael Gilbert to give your Sunday some sparkle! How can you not love something that shines, sparkles or glistens? And of course is full of glamour!? Kellie xx
From here. x
AYUTTHAYA, THE GHOST CAPITAL OF THAILAND
VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL
Ayutthaya (full name Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, "impenetrable city” พระนครศรีอยุธยา) was the capital of the kingdom of Siam, the name under which Thailand was known in ancient times.
Location of Ayutthaya in Thailand.It was a splendid city, founded in 1350 by King U-Thong, who arrived to this place trying to escape the pest epidemic in China. Erected in the conjunction of three rivers, Ayutthaya soon became one of the major cities in Asia, with its magnificent Buddhist temples and gorgeous palaces .
After 400 years of glory Ayutthaya was invaded by armies from Burma (now also known as Mynamar) in 1767, who burned, looted and devastated the city, leaving it in ruins and destroyed many of its literary and artistic jewels. The capital of Siam was in the following moved to Bangkok, and a lot of the remains of the old city to museums.
Ayutthaya Reconstructions of Ayutthaya
3D images courtesy of Osmosis and the University of Melbourne, Australia
THE CITY OF WATER.
The layout and location of Ayutthaya were closely linked to water. It was built in an island, in the delta of three rivers. Additionally, canals were built to facilitate communication within the city.
Engraving of Ayutthaya in 1683 by an Italian traveler.
MONUMENTS IN AYUTTHAYA
The ancient Siamese capital contains many remains of monuments that evoke its previous greatness, some of them will be discussed in this blog.
The term Wat used in Cambodia, Laos and Thailand refers to a temple. While the word wat literally means school, it actually refers to a Buddhist temple housing a school for monks. In everyday language it refers to any temple except for mosques.
Within the wats, we can distinguish a few types:
- Chedi, a bell-shaped structure, also called stupa where the relics of Buddha are kept.
Chedi at Wat Yai Chaimonkol
Photo C. Zeballos
- Prang, is a tower that usually culminates in a point and is richly adorned, characteristic for major temples
Buddhist cosmology considers Mount Meru, where the relics of Buddha are preserved, as the center of the universe. It is believed that buildings like Prangs or Chedis are attempts to replicate Mount Meru. Buddha's relics are preserved in these structures in order to prove that Buddha is the most important being in the universe, that he obtained enlightenment and showed others the path to it and therefore deserves to reside in the center of universe (Press here to see basic concepts of Buddhism)
WAT MAHATHAT
Mahathat is the most important temple among the hundreds in Ayutthaya, and considered the center of the universe. As the center of faith it is located in the city center. Besides that it houses the relics of Buddha, Wat Mahathat was also the place where he resided as the Supreme Patriarch and the leader of the Buddhist monks.
This temple, built in 1374, originally used laterite, but was later restored with bricks.
The complex consists of over 200 Chedis, amongst which a large Prang was prominent. It collapsed 25 May 1904.
Old photo of Wat Mahathat before the main Prang collapsed.
It is believed that the temples were distributed so that the main building was located in the center and the Hall of ordinations and Viharn or Vihara (monastery) were symmetrically in front and behind the main building.
Reconstruction of Wat Mahathat.
Image courtesy of Anuwat Toenjohem
Current status of Wat Mahathat
One interesting detail of the Wat is a Buddha head, which is embraced by a tree, as if Nature would envelope him and claim him for itself. This head is currently the subject of much veneration.
THE ROYAL PALACE
It was the administrative center of the city and consisted of a set of buildings and gardens.
Each area was divided by fortifications.
Distribution of the ruins of the Royal Palace
Image Google Earth
In the center, several throne halls were located, as the monarch resided in the innermost area. In the outer part, the offices of the government could be found.
These halls, in specific, the San Petch Prasat Hall, shows a Thai like style, ie. sloping ceilings and profuse decoration. It was used for reception of foreign dignitaries and acts of coronation.
Reconstruction of San Petch Prasat Hall
The royal temple was located in the outermost part.
Wat Phra Sri Sanpeth was originally constructed in 1448 as a private chapel for the king, but was renovated in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.
It was a temple located in the administrative center of the Palais Royal. No monks resided in this temple. It solely housed a Buddha image covered in gold.
When the Burmese invaded the town, they tried to melt the gold, but ended up burning both the statue and the temple. Today a replica of the statue can be seen.
The three Chedis that compose this temple are believed to house the ashes of three important kings, likewise the relics of Buddha. The small buildings facing the Chedis served as location for small ceremonies.
Reconstruction of Wat Phra Sri Sanpeth
3D Image courtesy of Osmosis and the University of Melbourne, Australia
WAT CHAIWATTHANARAM
The Chaiwatthanaram Wat temple is the one that impressed me the most in Ayutthaya.
Wat Chaiwatthanaram
It was built in 1630 and is believed to have been constructed by King Prasatthong to commemorate the victory over its neighbor Cambodia. Interestingly, its architecture is similar to that of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. The distribution of the buildings was carefully planned, according to Buddhist cosmology.
Reconstruction of Wat Chaiwatthanaram.
Image courtesy Virayit Letsutvichai
Its main prang is of monumental scale. It is a structure that reaches a height of 35 m and is believed to symbolize Mount Meru. It is surrounded by minor Prangs and galleries, symbolizing cosmic mountains and oceans. More than 100 statues of Buddha, most of them beheaded, are kept in the main Prang.
Wat Chaiwatthanaram. Detail of Main Prang.
Photo C. Zeballos
The ruins of the ancient capital today build the Historical Park of Ayutthaya, which was recognized as World Heritage by the UNESCO in 1991.
Press here to see 360 degree views of Ayutthaya
SEE ALSO
- BUDDHIST ARCHITECTURE
After 400 years of glory Ayutthaya was invaded by armies from Burma (now also known as Mynamar) in 1767, who burned, looted and devastated the city, leaving it in ruins and destroyed many of its literary and artistic jewels. The capital of Siam was in the following moved to Bangkok, and a lot of the remains of the old city to museums.
Ayutthaya Reconstructions of Ayutthaya3D images courtesy of Osmosis and the University of Melbourne, Australia
THE CITY OF WATER.
The layout and location of Ayutthaya were closely linked to water. It was built in an island, in the delta of three rivers. Additionally, canals were built to facilitate communication within the city.
Engraving of Ayutthaya in 1683 by an Italian traveler.MONUMENTS IN AYUTTHAYA
The ancient Siamese capital contains many remains of monuments that evoke its previous greatness, some of them will be discussed in this blog.
The term Wat used in Cambodia, Laos and Thailand refers to a temple. While the word wat literally means school, it actually refers to a Buddhist temple housing a school for monks. In everyday language it refers to any temple except for mosques.
Within the wats, we can distinguish a few types:
- Chedi, a bell-shaped structure, also called stupa where the relics of Buddha are kept.
Chedi at Wat Yai Chaimonkol Photo C. Zeballos
- Prang, is a tower that usually culminates in a point and is richly adorned, characteristic for major temples
Buddhist cosmology considers Mount Meru, where the relics of Buddha are preserved, as the center of the universe. It is believed that buildings like Prangs or Chedis are attempts to replicate Mount Meru. Buddha's relics are preserved in these structures in order to prove that Buddha is the most important being in the universe, that he obtained enlightenment and showed others the path to it and therefore deserves to reside in the center of universe (Press here to see basic concepts of Buddhism)
WAT MAHATHAT
Mahathat is the most important temple among the hundreds in Ayutthaya, and considered the center of the universe. As the center of faith it is located in the city center. Besides that it houses the relics of Buddha, Wat Mahathat was also the place where he resided as the Supreme Patriarch and the leader of the Buddhist monks.
This temple, built in 1374, originally used laterite, but was later restored with bricks.
The complex consists of over 200 Chedis, amongst which a large Prang was prominent. It collapsed 25 May 1904.
Old photo of Wat Mahathat before the main Prang collapsed.It is believed that the temples were distributed so that the main building was located in the center and the Hall of ordinations and Viharn or Vihara (monastery) were symmetrically in front and behind the main building.
Reconstruction of Wat Mahathat.Image courtesy of Anuwat Toenjohem
Current status of Wat MahathatOne interesting detail of the Wat is a Buddha head, which is embraced by a tree, as if Nature would envelope him and claim him for itself. This head is currently the subject of much veneration.
THE ROYAL PALACE
It was the administrative center of the city and consisted of a set of buildings and gardens.
Each area was divided by fortifications.
Distribution of the ruins of the Royal PalaceImage Google Earth
In the center, several throne halls were located, as the monarch resided in the innermost area. In the outer part, the offices of the government could be found.
These halls, in specific, the San Petch Prasat Hall, shows a Thai like style, ie. sloping ceilings and profuse decoration. It was used for reception of foreign dignitaries and acts of coronation.
Reconstruction of San Petch Prasat HallImage courtesy of Anuwat Toenjohem
The royal temple was located in the outermost part.
Wat Phra Sri Sanpeth was originally constructed in 1448 as a private chapel for the king, but was renovated in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.
It was a temple located in the administrative center of the Palais Royal. No monks resided in this temple. It solely housed a Buddha image covered in gold.
When the Burmese invaded the town, they tried to melt the gold, but ended up burning both the statue and the temple. Today a replica of the statue can be seen.
The three Chedis that compose this temple are believed to house the ashes of three important kings, likewise the relics of Buddha. The small buildings facing the Chedis served as location for small ceremonies.
Reconstruction of Wat Phra Sri Sanpeth3D Image courtesy of Osmosis and the University of Melbourne, Australia
WAT CHAIWATTHANARAM
The Chaiwatthanaram Wat temple is the one that impressed me the most in Ayutthaya.
Wat ChaiwatthanaramIt was built in 1630 and is believed to have been constructed by King Prasatthong to commemorate the victory over its neighbor Cambodia. Interestingly, its architecture is similar to that of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. The distribution of the buildings was carefully planned, according to Buddhist cosmology.
Reconstruction of Wat Chaiwatthanaram.Image courtesy Virayit Letsutvichai
Its main prang is of monumental scale. It is a structure that reaches a height of 35 m and is believed to symbolize Mount Meru. It is surrounded by minor Prangs and galleries, symbolizing cosmic mountains and oceans. More than 100 statues of Buddha, most of them beheaded, are kept in the main Prang.
Wat Chaiwatthanaram. Detail of Main Prang.Photo C. Zeballos
The ruins of the ancient capital today build the Historical Park of Ayutthaya, which was recognized as World Heritage by the UNESCO in 1991.
Press here to see 360 degree views of Ayutthaya
SEE ALSO
- BUDDHIST ARCHITECTURE
Jumat, 29 Januari 2010
A day time flicker...
I do love on Saturdays to have my candles burning. The soft fragrance is a nice way to kick start the weekend. I actually prefer candles burning during the day rather than the night as for me, I find them so much more elegant that way. Kellie xx
Photos by Kellie Collis for Ada & Darcy
Kamis, 28 Januari 2010
Time to celebrate...
Thank goodness work is done for the week. It was very, very busy. Now me time, oh and Luke time, Lily time and Molly time. And that's so good. Kellie xx
From here. x
Back to the bedroom...
What about this lovely linen for our bedroom? I like, actually, I lurve! Particularly the pink and white bows on the alternative side. Luke, I think we have a winner!! Kellie xx
ARATA ISOZAKI: KYOTO CONCERT HALL
VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL The Kyoto Concert Hall is adjacent to the Tadao Ando's Garden of Fine Arts. The Kyoto Concert Hall is the work of another internationally renowned Japanese figure, Arata Isozaki.
The Kyoto Concert Hall is a sample of his professional quality. It's a 5-storey building, planned to commemorate the 1200 anniversary of the founding of Kyoto city, opened in 1995 and since then dedicated to the dissemination of classical music, either instumental or choral.
Photo courtesy of D'Arne & Ming
The building houses two concert halls. The Main Hall, has a capacity of 1833 seats and the small hexagonal ensemble -designed for small concerts- contains 500 seats. In addition, it contains offices and large and spacious waiting rooms.
The Kyoto Concert Hall is a sample of his professional quality. It's a 5-storey building, planned to commemorate the 1200 anniversary of the founding of Kyoto city, opened in 1995 and since then dedicated to the dissemination of classical music, either instumental or choral.
Photo courtesy of D'Arne & Ming 
Isozaki se plantea la difícil tarea de lograr una armónica fusión entre pasado y presente, en una ciudad de un patrimonio histórico tan rico como Kioto, ero lo hace sin adherirse a réplicas del pasado tradicional Japonés, ni mucho menos impostando una arquitectura occidental extraña. Isozaki faces the difficult task of achieving a harmonious fusion between past and present, in a city of rich historical heritage such as Kyoto. However, he does not literally copy traditional Japanese elements from the past, nor impose a strange Western architecture.
Plants of the Concert Hall
As Paul Goldberger,a critic from the New York Times, mentioned:
Plants of the Concert HallAs Paul Goldberger,a critic from the New York Times, mentioned:
"the real fusion is not between cultures but between eras, between the acceptance of forms transmitted to us and those to come."
Isozaki's scheme, courtesy arcspace.comLa original combinación de Isozaki en la que amalgama ambos estilos, le permite hacer uso de un juego de volúmenes que le da gracia y elegancia a la obra, en la que la masividad ortogonal de la sala de conciertos se ve tamizada por el juego lúdico de unas pantallas curvas de cristal, que coquetean serpenteantes dando lugar a la fachada principal del edificio, el cual tiene la deferencia de retirarse del lindero de la calle, generando un atrio que permite su mejor contemplación. The original combination of amalgam Isozaki in which both styles, allows you to use a series of volumes that gives grace and elegance to the work, in which the massive orthogonal concert hall is screened by the playful game a curved glass screen, that flirt winding resulting in the building's main facade, which has the courtesy to leave the edge of the street, creating an atrium that allows better contemplation.
Llama la atención que el ingreso al recinto no se da por la fachada principal, sino por la lateral. It is noteworthy that entrance to campus is not given by the main facade, but by the side. Como recuerda el propio Isozaki, "hice la aproximación al edificio espacialmente compleja y difícil de entender espacialmente... la forma en que el Salón se alarga, doblándose en varias formas y ascendiendo en espiral. La aproximación a un templo de Kioto nunca es directa. Se dobla y curva. Esa es la técnica que usé para hacer que un pequño espacio parezca más extenso. Usé una técnica tridimensional, no bidimensional." As Isozaki himself recalls, "I made the approach to building spatially complex and difficult to understand spatially ... the way the room is extended, bent into various shapes and spiral upwards. The approach to a temple in Kyoto is never directly . It bends and curls. This is the technique I used to make a space seem larger small tarball. I used a three-dimensional, not two-dimensional. "
At the corner, a stunning sheer volume of conical shape is placed surrounded by clear, calm water. In its first floor the cone houses a French food restaurant (I do not recommend the Japanese style crepes), which can be accessed by a bridge over the water, designed by Isozaki as a remembrance to Japan's tradition. A few blocks of natural stone limit the pool, whose rough surface contrasts with the fine finishing details of the structure.
But the main function of this great black drum is hosting the Ensemble and ramps that lead to higher areas.Frank L. Wright had a similar idea at the Guggenheim Museum in New York and Richard Meier did the same in his museum in Frankfurt: both developed their circulations as helical ramps that allow the access to the various levels. At its core, the helicoid houses a spectacular interior design.Its walls are not vertical, but tilted in the opposite direction to the generatrix of the cone, containing a series of twelve columns that evoke the Zodiac signs, symbols of ancient astrology.Its ceiling is a triangular net of cambered beams, while the design of the floor creates an optical illusion reminiscent of Escher's impossible perspectives.
There are large foyers, a prelude to the main hall and the Ensemble, ideal for post-concert gatherings.Here, Isozaki locates a series of suspended translucent glass partitions that protect the interior from the direct sunlight without interfering with its spectacular view of the nearby botanical garden and evoke the shoji or traditional Japanese screen made of paper and wood.
The main concert hall is a rectangular box, such as the one in the theaters in Boston or Vienna.
This space is the most exquisite one in the building, every detail in his wooden interior has been taken into account to provide comfort, lighting, acoustics during the performances.
It is sober, precise, and serene as a Japanese temple. The interior hosts an impressive organ of over 7000 tubes, which is the visual spot, perpendicular to the room's longitudinal axis.
The hexagonal Ensemble is designed for small concerts or chamber music and can accommodate 500 spectators.The entire lighting system is mounted on a triangular grid, arranged within an metallic ellipse, which Isozaki called a stellar constellation, and it appears to float as a spacecraft on top of the stage.
Here, in brief, polyphonic chorus will execute the soft notes of a traditional Japanese song. In time, the notes of aStrauss minuet coming from the flutes will float among the fine wooden lattice slats, which adorn the bottom of the space so delicately and graciously.
Click here to read the impressions on my visit to Kyoto Concert Hall
"I made the approach complex and difficult to understand spatially... the way the Hall is long, bending in various ways and then spiralling upwards. the approach to a temple in Kyoto is never straight. It bends and turns. That is the technique used to make a small place seem more extensive. I use that technique three-dimensionally, not two-dimensionally."
Arata Isozaki. From arcspace.com
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