As I walked through the Forbidden City in the heart of Beijing a tree covered hill stood in front of me, on top two colourful Pagondas. This seemed like a great place to view the surrounding area and after taking a look at my city map it would be possible to visit. The area wasContinue reading “The Singers of Jingshan Park”
Tag Archives: Photography
Rajamäki and the Molotov Cocktail
During World War II Finland was fighting Russia all down its Eastern border and protecting its country from invasion. The Finns were hopelessly outnumbered and the Russians were a superior force. This period would later be known as The Winter War. Under the leadership of General Mannerheim the Finns had to resort to clever tacticsContinue reading “Rajamäki and the Molotov Cocktail”
The Tricorn
The Tricorn was a car park situated in the city of Portsmouth. Designed in the early 1960s by Owen Luder and Rodney Gordon, the concrete structure was envisioned as a blank canvas where shop fronts and market stalls would bring colour and life to the building. Originally the building was going to be called ‘Casbah’Continue reading “The Tricorn”
It’s too Late to Save Welbeck Street Car Park
Welbeck Street Car Park is a short walk from Oxford Street in London. It was designed and built in the Brutalist style in the 1970s as parking for the nearby Debenhams. Its facade made from prefabricated concrete polygons has become very recognisable. In 2017 a petition was started in order to put pressure on HistoricContinue reading “It’s too Late to Save Welbeck Street Car Park”
Fair Welbeck Street
FAIR WELBECK STREET, in all your brutalist majesty, Balanced & bold against the massive London sky, Teetering house of cards, it would be such a travesty To bring the barrier down, and say goodbye. In your storey-stacked style, you seem to call To days when we were young, shook hands, dreamed dreams Of progress, motion,Continue reading “Fair Welbeck Street”
A Day in the New Forest
The New Forest is an area in Southern England, widely known for its nature and wildlife. The Forest was first proclaimed a royal forest by William the Conquerer in the 11th century, and today a large proportion is still owed by the crown. Since 2005 the New Forest has been a national park. Wildlife OneContinue reading “A Day in the New Forest”
Oodi – Helsinki’s Central Library
Helsinki Central Library Oodi Oodi is a recently opened library in Helsinki’s centre. It was designed by ALA Architects and commissioned in connection with Finlands centenary of independence in 2017. The huge wooden structure dominates the area in which it is located. Oodi is an excellent example of modern architecture, filled with workspaces, books andContinue reading “Oodi – Helsinki’s Central Library”
Tell Me All Your Secrets – Hotel Viru
The building now known as Original Sokos Hotel Viru first opened in 1972, after construction delays and a fire in one of the upper floors. Apart from being a hotel the building and its secret history plays an interesting part in the history of the city. The hotel is known for once hosting the KGB. Though,Continue reading “Tell Me All Your Secrets – Hotel Viru”
A winter’s Day in Tallinn’s Old Town
Over the years I have visited Tallinn many times thanks to it being only a short ferry ride from Helsinki. Each time visiting new places and getting to know the city that little bit more. Whatever my plans they always include a trip to its Old Town. Tallinn’s Old Town refers to its medieval regionContinue reading “A winter’s Day in Tallinn’s Old Town”
The National Library of Finland
I recently wrote about Helsinki and put my case forward for it being the city with the best looking libraries, though I am completely bias as I have only seen a handful of libraries outside of Helsinki, I stand by this. There were two libraries missing from that list though mentioned. The first was Oodi,Continue reading “The National Library of Finland”
Our Shadows Will Remain 