Sunday, May 19, 2024

Egyptian goose goslings

Egyptian goose goslings, Round Pond, Kensington Garden, London

Egyptian goose goslings
Round Pond, Kensington Garden
London, May 2023

“The British populations of the Egptian goose date back to the 17th century when it was introduced to estates and parks, though the species was only formally added to the British bird list in 1971. The British introductions were the first outside its native range; however, these did not spread widely and are not known to have expanded into other countries. In Great Britain, it is found mainly in East Anglia, and in various locations along the River Thames, where it breeds at sites with open water, short grass and suitable nesting locations (either islands, holes in old trees or amongst epicormic shoots on old trees). During the winter, they are widely dispersed within river valleys, where they feed on short grass and cereals. In the United Kingdom in 2009, it was officially declared a non-native species. Accordingly, Egyptian geese in Great Britain may be shot without special permission if they cause problems.” (Egyptian goose, Wikipedia)

Saturday, May 18, 2024

Be true be wild

Be true be wild, Ponte di Varlungo (Varlungo bridge), Florence

“Be true be wild”
Ponte di Varlungo (Varlungo bridge)
Florence, January 2023

Friday, May 17, 2024

Metropol Parasol

Setas de Sevilla (Mushrooms of Seville) or Metropol Parasol by Jürgen Mayer, Plaza de la Encarnación, Seville

Setas de Sevilla (Mushrooms of Seville) or Metropol Parasol by Jürgen Mayer, 2011
Plaza de la Encarnación
Seville, September 2023

“Setas de Sevilla (Mushrooms of Seville) or Las Setas (The Mushrooms), initially titled Metropol Parasol, is a large, predominantly wood structure located at La Encarnación square in the old quarter of Seville, Spain. It accommodates a traditional market, restaurants, a performance square, archaeological museum — and 'rooftop' terrace with a panoramic view of Seville's old city. Selected from 65 submissions in a city-sponsored competition, the structure was designed by German architect Jürgen Mayer, was completed in April 2011, and is roughly 150 by 70 metres (490 by 230 ft) with an approximate height of 26 metres (85 ft). Initially beset with technical problems as well as budget and schedule overruns, the parasols are constructed of 3,500 cubic meters of micro-laminated Finnish pine and are marketed as the world's largest wood structure. Since their opening, the parasols have become Seville's third-most visited urban landmark.” (Metropol Parasol, Wikipedia)

Thursday, May 16, 2024

Adams Plaza Bridge

Makeover by Camille Walala, Adams Plaza Bridge (Crossrail Place footbridge), Canary Wharf, London

Makeover by Camille Walala, 2020
Adams Plaza Bridge (Crossrail Place footbridge)
Adams Plaza, Canary Wharf
London, May 2023

“The airport-style footbridge at Canary Wharf connecting to the future Elizabeth line station has been given a brightly coloured makeover. The makeover was carried out by the East London based French artist Camille Walala, and is intended to be a permanent display. The design sees the bridge wrapped in bold geometric shapes and colours, and the intention is that the display will change as daylight and darkness filters through to alter the visuals inside the structure. In addition to the daylight coming in from the sides, the sidebars have lights in them, and these are also now tinted colours along the footbridge. The long length of the bridge also changes hue as you walk along from blues graduating to brighter oranges. It’s going to be popping up on your instagram feed as the new hot selfie spot as soon as the lockdown ends. Do look for the artist’s name in the design as well – by the southern end of the tunnel.” (A multicoloured makeover for Crossrail Place footbridge, IanVisits)

Wednesday, May 15, 2024

All in

All in, Ponte di Varlungo (Varlungo bridge), Florence

“All in”
Ponte di Varlungo (Varlungo bridge)
Florence, January 2023

Tuesday, May 14, 2024

Bakkano

Bakkano Drinks and Food, Calle Casapalma, Málaga

Bakkano Drinks & Food
Calle Casapalma
Málaga, September 2023

Monday, May 13, 2024

Tube

Tube by Alexander Taylor, Crossrail Place Roof Garden, Crossrail Place, Canary Wharf, London

“Tube” by Alexander Taylor, 2012
Crossrail Place Roof Garden
Crossrail Place, Canary Wharf
London, May 2023

“Taylor’s Tube bench takes inspiration from the form of felled logs. He has used a mirror polishing technique to achieve the reflective surface and show off the full potential of his materials. The cross sections of the bench are punctuated with a striking red, lending it a modern and unique twist. Tube was purchased along with Pier, Pe de Porco, and Infinity Bench as a collection, and were originally designed for the 2012 London Design Festival.” (Art, Canary Wharf)