Hello. I’m Narumi Tsunashima.
I chose this building.
The name of the building is Nationale-Nederlanden building.
However many people call this building as the Dancing House.
As you can see, this building is formed like it is dancing.
That is the reason why I chose this structure.
I have never seen such unique building and I love this interesting design.
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| The night shot |
This is built in 1996 in downtown Prague, Czech Republic at Rasinovo nabrezi 80, 120 00 Praha 2.
It was designed by two architects, Croatian-Czech architect Vlado Milnic and Canadian architect Frank Gehry. They started to design this building in 1992. Four years later, the Dancing House was completed.
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| Frank Gehry |
At that time, the Dancing House was controversial, because this it was difficult to evaluate the very non-traditional design in Prague that has a lot of traditional and historical structures.
But now, the building is received by many local citizen and visitors.
This building has another nickname, that is Fred and Ginger.
This nickname comes from a pair of dancers, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.
They are one of the famous dancers who played in musical film in 1930s.
Someone also call this building as “Drunk House”. That is funny.
To show the nickname, this building makes the visitors impress to the structure is as if the couple is dancing.
After the cold war, Czech became republic. This building was completed at the time of Czech president Vaclav Havel.
Once, he lived next to this building. Vlado Milnic lodged Havel’s house.
That is why the Dance House was designed by Vlado Milnic.
Havel had supported it.
My opinion
To see and research the history of Dance House, I got the impression that two architects had bravery. Because when they design this unique building, the traditional design structure had strong power in Prague. However they expressed their idea to the Dance House. To follow the two great architects, I try to challenge something seems to be difficult in my life.
After reading your blog, I also feel their brave and it inspired me to try difficulty. They lived in more difficult period than the period we are living. I think we also try something.
ReplyDeleteBy the way when all of the building become the dancing house, I think I must get drunk by the shape of building. So it seems that the name of "drunk of house" means kind of criticism against self-centered building.
Motoki
The name is Dancing House because of the shape. I understood the name right now. Those two people tried difficulty. Probably citizens must have been against them. But they never gave up. I’m also inspired. However in order to try to do some difficult things, we need to acquire skills and ability. So I have to study before try something.
ReplyDeleteYuna
I love this Dancing House too. It's very interesting. I have never seen such bendings building. Surely, his works are sometimes controversial, but I think that his works very beautiful and make us happy.
ReplyDeleteKako Furukawa
This building is really unique shape. And I love the name, Dancing House. I love dance and actually I dance tap most so Fred Astaire is one of the best dancer I respect. I did not expect I saw his name in your write. You made me want to visit this building. So that I can see him in this building.
ReplyDeleteLily
I was astonished to hear the fact that when they designed this building, the traditional design structure had strong influence in Prague.
ReplyDeleteTwo of them must have had big pressures.
Anyway, it is located at the intersection so there is a possibility that an accident happens. I mean everyone would be fascinated by the architecture and neglect driving.
Shun
I agree with your opinion.Conventional style is very natural for general people
ReplyDeleteand a lot of people are likely to oppose,so it is very difficult to change the style.
However,to express the thing which you think good without changing your idea
need courage and great.In addition to Gehry's courage, the difference between
day and night appearance of the building is great,I think.This building looks very
romantic and beautiful at night.
Takuya
Umm, you wrote, "That is why the Dance House was designed by Vlado Milnic" but in fact, it was designed by Frank Gehry. A little confusing for me. I cannot see how it is the image of dancing - for me it looks unstable, like it is going to fall over! Therefore, I see it as comical, not graceful. So I am sorry to see that Fred and Ginger are associated in name with this building because they are the most graceful of dancers. Please watch them dance and you will see what I mean.
ReplyDeleteMs. MacGregor