Cross-Cultural Blog

What an incredibly beautiful building this is! I love all its textures!

While reading this post I couldn't help but yearn to visit the campus! The simple yet extraordinary idea of smoothly intertwining buildings with the surrounding environment is endlessly intriguing. I was drawn by the last line that states the campus is, "modern but could almost be an outgrowth of nature." This statement relates to some of our conversations in class pertaining to, "What is natural?" As humans we emotionally separate things we make (man-made) from nature. But if we are natural, why aren't the things we make natural? It sounds like this campus may break the stereotype of man made buildings being unnatural and hopefully lead to a new trend in construction!

PS - Stanford's campus is beautiful but the American University in Cairo's campus makes me jealous!

The first thing I would like to say is the campus is absolutely amazing from the picture you have shown. The topic you chose to write about is very interesting as well. Most of us at Stanford chose to write about a problem the natural world faces and how we are to address it. This blog however really captures the essence of how architecture and art in general provides the same if not more impact towards our respect for the world we live in. I am amazed at the I idea of blending in a building with its surroundings, both in practical and aesthetic means. Something that works well for both its human inhabitants and the environment surrounding it, like that of the University campus, was an awesome selection to blog about, and something that has been long awaited in human development.

Dear Amr,

I have always wanted to visit Eqypt, and I believe I want to visit even more. In fact, I wish to spend a quarter of my year as a study abroad program in Egypt, God willing. I believe the architect team made the right decision in planning the campus to be as you so eloquently described as, "an outgrowth of nature." So many times we have seen new buildings built to inspire awe in people in their high-tech and "modern" looks. Unlike the AUC, these new buildings stand out almost like thorns and splinters from the natural landscape. As a believer in God (i'm Muslim), I believe God has blessed us with power unlike any other natural creature, and yet it is given as a trial to test our observance of respect and sustainability of all his other creation. We are caretakers who must wish the best for all our natural neighbors. With great power, comes great responsibility. Finally, last point I want to mention is that although campuses might architecturally look "natural," we must be aware and vigilant of the physical reality of the buildings' green statistics and whether or not they really do operate responsibly, not just look pretty. Thank you so much for sharing with us!

Peace,
Galym

Wow, your campus building in the picture looks really beautiful. Also the statement "modern but could almost be an outgrowth of nature." caught me. In class we were discussing whether mad-made things like buildings and architecture, can be considered natural. The picture has convinced me that it can definitely be. The shape is really interesting. Very diverse geometrical shapes..

I really like the architecture in the photo you posted. It seems to combine old Islamic architecture with more modern architecture, and I think that only the best architectural designs "could almost be an outgrowth of nature." I do wish you had included more pictures though, especially of the dormitories and the recreational areas you mentioned; I'd like to see them. Its also really cool that the American University in Cairo tries to create more "green" buildings, and I'm glad that Stanford is also moving in the same direction. The future is green!

Eco-architecture and green architecture are quite intriguing; I am curious as to the motives behind the kind of architecture at your beautiful new campus. Do we invest in this kind of building because it gives us a greater sense of harmony with nature or ourselves? When they are done well, as at your campus, this kind of structure seems effortless, blending in with nature in a beautiful way. This architectural style is becoming more and more popular in the U.S., and I think it would be very interesting to look into the reasons why this boom is happening now as well as how prevalent eco-architecture is around the world. In the U.S., having a naturalistic home can be a symbol of affluence because the construction of such a home is more expensive than traditional methods. In my opinion, though, it is worth the extra money, especially if the builders also spend time incorporating environmentally friendly design elements. Keep us posted on the reactions to your new school!