Modern Architecture needs light to really bring it to life. That may seem a statement of the obvious – everything we photograph depends on light. But what is special about Modern Architecture is that the materials used are especially responsive to light. Glass is the obvious example, but paneling, strong visual lines, and the employment of slatting to the ‘ceilings’ of porticos are others.
This image is the product of the interaction of all those materials and crucially Light.
This was taken at a small shopping mall on the southern edge of Milton Keynes close to Stadium MK, and known as MK1 Shopping Park. It comprises a clutch of Fashion shops and a branch of Marks and Spencer. I’ve visited it a few times since it opened at the beginning of this year (if my memory is correct). The critical feature of this development is a long and high slatted portico along the entire frontage. Sunlight streams through the slats, hits the walls, bounces off the glass and creates shadow patterns on the walls and flooring. And there’s a wealth of other semi-abstract images available to those who can See them.
More images will follow next week. Stay tuned.
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A lot of people won’t even notice how much thought there has been put into designing a building , let alone see the beauty in modern architecture.Me aswell was one of those sceptics who has made the comment ,did they reeally have to put this down there?!! – until you take a closer look and see how buildings, nature and humans interact brilliantly together- Great capture
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Thanks for that great comment. The sad part I suspect is that the architects went to a lot of trouble, I imagine, to work out how best the light would ‘play’ with this building, and most of the people I visit this Mall will never raise their eyes above eye-level. They will miss so much.
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I love the shot Andy. Black-and-white is perfect and the shadows are just awesome.
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Thanks Edith. Black and White just seemed to simplify it to the crucial elements.
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It’s not accidental that the cast shadows look as nice as they do. Today, architects study the light and shadows when designing buildings. This is exceptionally well done, and it makes for a great photo.
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Thanks. I find this an exceptionally attractive photographic venue. More from this Mall next week. The Architect should be very pleased with the results
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Well seen and well captured. The light, the people, the empty space all came together here. I really like how the branches of the birch are the same angle as the shadows too. Very nice work!
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Thanks Frank. You’ve hit on something. Strange how the shadows seem to enclose, but don’t encroach on, the tree. And yes, there is an echo of the line and angle.
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I just love the play of light and shadows in this image Andy. They create such wonderful lines. The B&W choice makes them jump off the screen.
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Thanks Len. This really was a stand-out image.
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Wonderful graphic image, Andy, perfectly suited to the monochrome treatment.
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Many thanks Mark. This venue really inspired me – more to come from here next week
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Great work! Love the lighting!
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Thanks very much for your comment. The light was perfect
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It REALLY was!
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Wow Andy. Way to use your eyes. I’m not sure that I would have even noticed the opportunity. Thanks for opening my eyes.
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Thanks Phillip. I think you would have seen this if you had walked down the mall and seen this in front of you. The light really ‘lit-up’ the wall.
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Super photograph Andy. Love it.
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Many thanks Adrian. I’ve been to this Mall four times now and finally hit the right weather. Also the shadows cast from the Portico’s slats benefited from the lower position of the sun in the sky. More from this venue coming up next week
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Wonderful light and shapes
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Thanks Helen. This was such a mix of lines and shapes – natural and man-made
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