Paul William Architect

Paul R William (1894 - 1980)

Visionary architects of the 20th century, I'm talking Frank Lloyd Wright, Kenzo Tange, le Corbusier, and Mies van der rohe are just a few of many other architects who are popularly known for their outstanding work.  However, upon my research, I was quite pleased to find out about a few African American architects of the same century who equally contributed to society and had significant work.  Other African American architects apart from Paul William who also built a successful career in this very challenging industry are  Robert Taylor, J Max Bond Jr, Robert Traynham Coles, Albert Cassel, etc, etc.

I would like to talk about Paul William, an African American architecture of the 20th century.
Born in 1894 and was an orphan at the age of 4.  He was then raised and educated in Los Angeles by a foster family.  It is recorded that he was the only African American from his early elementary class to his higher education.

read more.....http://www.paulrwilliamsproject.org/about/paul-revere-williams-architect/

William continued to pursue his education and also worked in several different architectural offices in Los Angeles in late 1910.  He was licensed as an architect by the state of California by 1921.  In 1923 he was the first African American to become a member of the American Institute of Architects.

During his thriving career, Paul Williams designed numerous private, public buildings and monuments.   From churches, schools, to offices.   My fascination with the building below is actually what ignited this research.  I wanted to know the architect behind this design.  I was delighted to know it was actually an African American architect who designed it.

"Arhitect Paul Williams in Front of His Famous Project, the Theme Building, Los Angeles Airpot"

http://www.paulrwilliamsproject.org/gallery/ambassador-hotel/

"The Ambassador Hotel, was owned by one family, the Shines, from its opening in 1921 until 1971.  The hotel closed in 1989 and was vacant until demolished in 2006.  During its long life, the hotel was the location of the famous Cocoanut Grove Nightclub, hosted the Academy Awards, and was the site of the assassination of Robert Kenedy.  Nixon wrote his "Checkers Speech" in 1952 while staying there.  Paul William's 1949 contributions to the Los Angeles icon were an extensive renovation to the interior as well as additional bungalows".

Other Source: 

http://www.paulrwilliamsproject.org/

http://www.blackpast.org/?q=aaw/williams-paul-r-1894-1980

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Institute_of_Architects

From Gaudi To Couture!

The Fusion: 
  Architecture, Design & Fashion 

Antonio Gaudi, a 20^th century Spanish architecture, the visionary, and,  also believed to be the last builder in stone.  Gaudi, a strong believer in God's existence and a devoted Roman Catholic, who most of his inspirations came from nature forms and also by isolating himself and had a huge interest in reading.  Looking at his work, you will see influences from some parts of the world, mainly the middleast.   Gaudi was open minded with material he used, and made sure that they corresponded with his vision, and he wanted his work (buildings) to tell a story, with much emphasis on decoration,  vibrant colours and a great attention to details. 

For me, each of his work is a masterpiece, 'a work of art', a joy to look at.  His techniques were never repetitive, even in the quality of materials that he used, (integration of materials) and that’s the way he intended it to be translated.   His work is just wonderful to look at, the swirls, curves, stained glass, ceramics, domes, grillwork, pillars, columns, stone arrangements and not forgetting the woodwork . His work is aesthetically pleasing to the eyes, the elements within the work are arranged in a balanced compositional way. 

Some described him as a true genius, but on the other hand some thought he was ridiculous.  Well, isn't that the case in point even today? It is all a matter of personal opinion.   The world would be a boring place if we all liked or disliked the same things.  Gaudi simply enjoyed what he did, regardless of the critics out there! That's something to be taken on board folks.

Enough said about Gaudi.  Here are some few images of Gaudi's work I played around with, to create some funky silhouettes.   

Stained glass & Mosaic 

http://www.gaudidesigner.com/uk/colonia-guell.html
http://connect.in.com/gaudi/photos-1-1-1-0c8dfc16cdbe4f914fe278649c08dff5.html