SOM's Cathedral of Christ the Light

Cathedrals have forever represented some of humanity's most awe-inspiring architectural wonders. And Skidmore, Owings & Merrill's recently completed construction, the Cathedral of Christ the Light in Oakland, California, looks set to continue this trend. The structure makes beautiful use of glass, fly ash concrete, and wood, but I'm most impressed by its incredible use of natural light - which was in fact the main focus for the design: Craig W. Hartman, head architect, proposed that light would be the key 'to create a contemporary design that was still evocative of the Church’s two millennium-old traditions'. The structure, only recently completed after a 3 year build, replaces the Cathedral of Saint Francis de Sales, which was irreparably damaged in the Loma Prieta earthquake of 1989. SOM is well known for its work on many other large projects such as offices, airports, islands, museums, and skyscraper, and its website provides an interesting read.

The Rolling Bridge, London

Created by Thomas Heatherwick, The Rolling Bridge, located on the Paddington Basin in London, measures twelve metres long and opens every Friday at noon. At first sight it struck me as nothing more than a glorified drawbridge, probably more concerned with form than function. Thinking about it, though, it does carry out the obvious function of bridging one point to another whilst providing a method of allowing passing boats through the canal. And every time it opens and closes we are given a reconstructed definition of the function of a bridge - in real-time. Relating the structure to the natural world, it reminds me of the defensive motion of an isopod. I also find it amusing how, from what we can see in the video, someone (albeit a very slow moving someone) could potentially get trapped inside the bridge in its closed position. And the vision of someone launching themselves off the bridge in its half-deployed state also makes me smile.

Parque España Library, Colombia

Designed by Giancarlo Mazzanti, the Parque España library is located on the edge of a steep incline overlooking the city of Medellín. Inside the library is a computer room, a daycare center, an art gallery and an auditorium. I haven't had the pleasure of visiting but I'm sure you'll agree it looks to be a stunning building and location - even if the image below does suggests there to be somewhat of a lack of books...