See the Best Architecture in Seattle, Washington

See the Best Architecture in Seattle, Washington The architecture in Seattle, Washington tells a story not only of itself but of a nation. Exploration of the lands west of the Mississippi River increased in the 1800s when the city was first settled by Easterners of European descent. The California and Klondike gold rushes had a home base in the community named for Chief Seattle, leader of the local inhabitants. After the Great Fire of 1889 destroyed much of the original 1852 settlement, Seattle bounced back, eventually throwing itself into the modernity of the 20th century. Visiting the Pacific northwest city is like taking a crash course in architecture. Although well-known for the nearby snow-capped mountains and the beauty of the Pacific Ocean, the City of Seattle should be especially admired for its approach to design and urban planning. When tragedy strikes or when opportunity knocks, this American city has taken action. Seattle, Washington is a very smart city, and heres why. Seattle Takeaways: 10 Sites to See Smith TowerThe Arctic Club BuildingPioneer Square and Underground ToursVolunteer ParkPike Place Market Historical DistrictSeattle Public LibraryMoPOPHammering Man and Other ArtFloating Houses on Lake UnionThe Space Needle Get High in Seattle The 1914 Smith Tower is not the tallest skyscraper anymore, but it gives a great introduction to historic Pioneer Square and downtown Seattle. The pyramid roof used to contain a huge water tank to supply the building with indoor plumbing. Todays visitors can take an Otis elevator to the 35th floor observation deck to get a first glimpse of the city. The Seattle skyline is recognized by its iconic observation tower, the Space Needle. Completed in 1961, it was originally built for the Century 21 Exposition, also known as the 1962 Seattle Worlds Fair. At over 600 feet tall, the observation tower allows a 360 degree view of the region at 520 feet, from the distant Mount Rainier to the swervy metal Frank Gehry-designed museum nearby. This observation tower has become a symbol of Seattle and an icon of the Pacific Northwest. Higher still is the 902 foot observation deck at Columbia Center,  originally the Bank of America Tower built in 1985. As one of the top ten tallest buildings in Seattle and one of the the tallest buildings west of the Mississippi River, the Columbia Center offers the Sky View Observatory on the 73rd floor for sweeping views of the Seattle area. Like other great tourist destinations around the world, Seattle now has a huge ferris wheel located by the waters edge. Since 2012, the Great Wheel has been getting tourists high in enclosed gondolas that travel over land and water. Seattle Space Needle and Frank Gehrys Music Experience Project. George Rose/Getty Images Stay Low in Seattle Most of the original 1852 settlement - wooden structures that had been built on the low, marshy ground - was destroyed by the Great Fire of June 6, 1889. After the tragedy, the area was filled, raising the street level about eight feet. The Yukon Gold Rush of the 1890s brought business to the town, but the rebuilt storefronts eventually had to be built up to reach the street level, creating what is now known as Seattles underground. This entire area known as Pioneer Square was saved and preserved by local citizens such as Bill Speidel, who started giving tours in 1965. The underground tours begin at the historic Pioneer Square, near Doc Maynards public house. Who was Doc Maynard? Born in Vermont, Dr. David Swinson Maynard (1808-1873) befriended Chief Seattle and became one of the founding fathers of Seattle in 1852. Closer to ground level is the 1912 Volunteer Park, landscaped by a man who became known as the Father of Landscape Architecture. For over three decades, the Massachusetts landscape architecture business founded by Frederick Law Olmsted had a presence in Seattle. The city first bought this park land in 1876, and the Olmsted firm was on board early on. Volunteer Park, one of many parks in Seattle, now includes a famous water tower, conservatory, and an Asian Art Museum - all great Things to do in Capitol Hill. Pioneer Square Where Seattles Underground Tour Starts. Joel W. Rogers/Corbis via Getty Images (cropped) The Pioneer Square Historical District is at the heart of Seattle. After the Great Fire of 1889, Seattle laws mandated rebuilding with fire-resistant masonry. The Pioneer Building (1892) is a fine example of the kind of Richardsonian Romanesque style used to rebuild Seattle. The Cadillac Hotel (1889) is also one of the first masonry structures built in post-fire Pioneer Square. The three-story Victorian Italiante structure was built to house local laborers: longshoremen, loggers, fishermen, rail yard workers, and prospectors preparing to search for gold in Canada. Nearly destroyed by arson and the 2001 earthquake, the structure is now outfitted with solar panels and considered a textbook example of adaptive reuse. Although the building is said to be haunted, the Klondike National Historic Park is located here. Another popular destination in Seattle is the Pike Place Market Historical District. A farmers market since 1907, Pike Place now hosts hundreds of independent artisans in what is said to be the oldest continuously operating and most historically authentic public market in the country. Farmers Market Since 1907. Carol M. Highsmith Buyenlarge/Getty Images (cropped) Modern Designs by Famous Architects The 1991 Seattle Art Museum known as SAM was designed by the architecture team of Venturi, Scott Brown and Associates. Although the architecture is world class, the downtown campus may be better known for the 48-foot outdoor sculpture of Hammering Man by Jonathan Borofsky and the totally free Olympic Sculpture Park nearby. The Museum of Pop culture (MoPOP) used to be called the Experience Music Project (EMP) when it opened in 2000. This high-tech, interactive museum explores creativity and innovation in music, science fiction, and popular culture. It is the brain-child of Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen but the architecture is pure Frank Gehry. Take a quick look by riding the Seattle Center Monorail that goes right through the building. The Seattle Public Library built in 2004 is another deconstructivist design by the Dutch modernist architect Rem Koolhaas and American-born Joshua Prince-Ramus. Open to the public, the library represents the art and architecture that Seattles citizens have come to expect. Seattle Public Library. Ramin Talaie/Corbis via Getty Images Floating in Seattle Washington State has been called the floating bridge capitol of the world. Pontoon bridges that carry Interstate-90 traffic over Lake Washington are the 1940 Lacey V. Murrow Memorial Bridge and the 1989 Homer M. Hadley Bridge. How are they engineered? Large, water-tight concrete pontoons are prefabricated on dry land then towed onto the water. The heavy, air-filled containers are placed end-to-end, and connected by steel cables, which are anchored to the riverbed or lakebed. The road is built on top of these pontoons. Despite their heavy concrete composition, claims the Washington State Department of Transportation, the weight of the water displaced by the pontoons is equal to the weight of the structure (including all traffic), which allows the bridge to float. Lacey V. Murrow Memorial Bridge in Seattle. Atomic Taco via flickr.com, Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0) Staying in Seattle The Arctic Club built in 1916 played host to lucky prospectors returning to Seattle with Klondike gold. Known for its sculptured walrus heads and Beaux-Arts opulence, the Arctic Building is now a DoubleTree by Hilton. The first skyscraper built in Seattle still stands. The 14-story, L-shaped Alaska Building, built in 1904 was the first steel-framed skyscraper in Seattle. Now a Courtyard by Marriott, the Alaska is more Chicago School style than the Beaux-Arts Hoge Building, Seattles second skyscraper built in 1911. Both buildings were surpassed in height when L.C. Smith built his own skyscraper with the pyramid roof. Where do people live in Seattle? If youre lucky, youll own a perfect little house by Brachvogel and Carosso, a local architectural firm that continues to build functional, historically modern houses for the Seattle area. Modernist style in the Pacific northwest flourished in the mid-twentieth century. Enthusiasts of northwest modernism have documented the lives and works of over 100 architects and designers who are associated with Washington State. Likewise, the independent documentary film Coast Modern includes Seattle in their examination of West Coast Modernism. Seattle is part of the Coast Modern story say the filmmakers in their blog. Most unique to the housing in and around Seattle, however, is the number of houseboats being designed for residents and vacationers, especially in the Lake Union area. Called floating homes, these residences embrace Seattles natural environment and northwestern lifestyle of mixing work with pleasure. Houseboats on Lake Union. George Rose/Getty Images (cropped) The City of Seattle claims the International District to be the only area in the continental United States where Chinese, Japanese, Filipinos, African Americans and Vietnamese settled together and built one neighborhood. Living together has never been an easy path, however. In 2001 the William Kenzo Nakamura U.S. Courthouse was renamed for a Japanese-American war hero whose family was ordered to internment camps during World War II. The 1940 courthouse is an interesting building architecturally, being described as Classically modern, Federal Art Deco, and PWA Moderne by the General Services Administration (GSA). The PWA or Public Works Administration was part of the New Deal of the 1930s. When the federal government renovated the building in the 1980s, the GSAs Art in Architecture project commissioned Caleb Ives Bach to paint The Effects of Good and Bad Government, an American version of the 14th century Lorenzetti fresco. Another U.S. Courthouse in Seattle is well-known for large murals in the lobby painted by artist Michael Fajans. Seattle is not only an interesting mix of art and architecture, but also a fascinating brew of people and history. Sources City of Seattle. Historic Districts. seattle.gov/neighborhoods/programs-and-services/historic-preservation/historic-districtsGeneral Services Administration. William Kenzo Nakamura U.S. Courthouse, Seattle, WA. https://www.gsa.gov/historic-buildings/william-kenzo-nakamura-us-courthouse-seattle-waHistoric Seattle. History of the Cadillac Hotel. https://historicseattle.org/documents/cadillac_exhibit.PDFNational Park Service. A Short History of Seattle. https://www.nps.gov/klse/learn/historyculture/index.htmWashington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). Floating bridge facts.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/SR520Bridge/About/BridgeFacts.htm#floating

Alternative to Brainstorming

The NGT is a technique that was developed by Delbecq and VandeVen. It is used for group brainstorming with the intent to get everyone involved by contributing their feedback. It is structured to help gain different viewpoints from several people for a particular topic or issue. The NGT was designed with the purpose of causing all members of the group to be involved in the discussion with one person having single dominance. It allows those individuals who are perhaps more soft spoken an opportunity to have a vocal voice in the discussion. It is also helpful to use when there are new team members who perhaps have yet gained the comfortability for sharing within the group. The NGT should help to keep the discussion flow balanced for all the topics or ideas. It should also help guide the discussion in such a way that limits the possibility of argumentive outbreaks. The NGT should produce a good mixture of quality ideas and help everyone to feel the involvement of working together as a group. The article, Nominal Group Technique: An Alternative to Brainstorming, lists some basic steps to follow when using this technique. The steps are (1) Individuals should be groups by five or six people.

Generational differences Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Generational differences - Essay Example There needs to be respect, acceptance and harmony among the different generations in order for smooth progress to occur. Various characteristics of my generation have enabled me to develop into the kind of individual that I am. Technological advancements have made things much easier such as travelling and getting information. I therefore believe that I am more knowledgeable on a variety of things based on the ease of access of information through the internet. The social life of Generation Y has also expanded through social networks and it is easier to have international friends. This means that communication is fast and effective through text messages emails and social networks and has aided in international marketing through these venues. The generation Y prefers management that caring rather than competent which is another unique factor. Unfortunately, the other generations may view the ease with which my generation does things in a negative way. They feel that we are after instant gratification and do not care about work yet have high expectations in life. According to them, our generation uses cryptic messages and move from one job to another and therefore when assigned to a multi-generational work group the cooperation may not be well enhanced. However, I disagree with this view and believe that they have misunderstood the Y generation. This is because we not only focus on having work, but also working in a comfortable environment that respects and appreciates our opinions. The messages we send are simply short forms to save on time. They mistake our focus to get things done fast and effectively for instant gratifications. The differences in opinions and judging on different generations, this may lead t conflict at work. The older generation may undermine the opinions of the generation Y because they believe that we are after instant gratification and are not focusing on maintaining one

Advanced manufacturing techniques and the advent of nanotechnology Assignment

Advanced manufacturing techniques and the advent of nanotechnology - Assignment Example Nanostructural elements are explained, with possible applications not only in the production process of physical goods, but at other phases of manufacturing, including assistance with environmental requirements due to efficiency. Nanotech has the potential for faster, cleaner industry with more effective options for waste removal and prevention of toxic emissions. Three tasks are discussed, with implications of nanostructures as they benefit circuit manufacture, factory waste-emissions, and miniaturization for ionic conductance components. The benefits as well as disadvantages are explained, with recommendations for further implementation and research. INTRODUCTION The principles of advanced manufacturing, as it pertains to manufacturing flexibility are widely recognized as critical. Retaining and maintaining flexibility in manufacturing and operational procedures boosts the organization's capability to respond effectively to ongoing customer issues and requirements, the goal being t o respond without the sacrifice of excessive time and money. A comprehension of the interaction between advanced manufacturing technology and flexibility in the manufacturing process are vital areas of investigation for any productive operation. Advanced manufacturing technology, hereafter referred to as AMT, is essential not simply in the production of more advanced consumer goods, but a more refined technical capability can also permit organizational agility, flexibility during functional operations. Modern research has produced statistical results that indicate a correlation between an organization's sourcing practices and manufacturing flexibility, essential for adaptation to both a changing marketplace, and shifting product demand at any given time. (Oberoi, et al. 2008) AMT allows control over sourcing practices. This methodology permits the achievement of desirable benchmarks in manufacturing flexibility, towards the objective of high agility organizational competitiveness. A n excellent modern example would be the growing prevalence of Nanomanufacturing. Nanotechnology and the manufacturing it entails constitute a series of chemical and mechanical techniques that allow the assembly of particles far smaller than any which could be assembled by purely hand-based tools. This paper will demonstrate a wide range of advantages afforded with nanotech and nanoscale manufacturing technology, and how this pertains to the goal of advanced manufacturing technology. Nanotechnology has the potential to act as a new methodology for reducing the energy costs and waste-production of manufacturing processes to benefit a variety of production interests. Potential uses include chemical, refining, automotive, and other heavy industries. There are projections which indicate nanotechnology yields the potential to save up to 1.1 quadrillion British thermal units (Btu) and prevent over 60 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year. (U.S. Department

Princess Diana :: Informative

Princess. What does the term really mean? Most people associate it with a fairy-tale life. You have everything you want right at your finger-tips. You are perfectly happy and nothing can go wrong. In reality though, is this true? Lady Diana Spencer was seen as a perfect, flawless princess. But who really was she? What did the title â€Å"Princess† mean to her? Diana secretly struggled with insecurity her entire life, but her determination and compassion shaped the way the world thought of her. Throughout her life Diana displayed a very insecure nature. Psychologists think this was rooted in her childhood (Smith). When she was six, her mom left her family (Smith). After her parent’s high-profile divorce was finalized, she remembered her father’s distant, lonely silences, and her mother’s constant crying (Morton 35). Diana described this as a â€Å"wish-washy and painful experience† (33). Due to these circumstances she felt detached and different from others at a very young age (34). For Diana’s engagement party to the Prince of Wales, she wore a black dress that she thought was â€Å"pretty and smart† (51-52). When Prince Charles saw her, he said with disgust, â€Å"only people in mourning wear black† (170-171). She was destroyed by this comment. She needed people’s constant support and compliments (170). Later in her marriage, her husband’s lack of attention led her to suffer from bulimia and to make several su icide attempts (85-86). Once, when she was attempting to gain Prince Charles’ attention, she took a penknife and cut her chest and thighs (77). Seeing the bloody sight he said, â€Å"You are crying wolf.† This comment added to her negative self-esteem (188). The constant press coverage put her under lots of pressure. â€Å"It warped her sense of who she was through its unrealistic expectations, distortions, exaggerations and outright inventions† (Smith). It made her believe she had to live up to the impossible expectations that were being forced on her (Smith). Diana was easily influenced and very sensitive. She let other people’s views of her and life’s uncontrollable circumstances affect her self-image. Diana showed great determination by following what she believed in. She had a passion for ballet throughout her entire life. When she was at boarding school, she would sneak down to an empty corridor at night and practice for hours on end. Even though she grew too tall to accomplish her dreams of becoming a professional ballerina, she kept dancing throughout her adult years (Morton 125).

How to Do Strategic Analysis of a Company Essay

This article is about how to do strategic analysis of a company. Students get several homework and assignments related to how to do strategic analysis. This would be a good reference for students with their assignment and homework regarding strategic management. Strategic analysis of a company starts with analysis internal and external environment factors having an impact on business. A strategic analysis is also effective to determine opportunities and threats for the business within the market and also their strengths and weaknesses. Company Analysis: The company analysis is the first step to start the strategic analysis. A company analysis contains information related to history, existing environment and present perspective of the company. This analysis explores profile, growth, profitability, and culture that a company has at present time. At the same time, it includes future objectives of a business that are decided in the mission, vision, goals and objectives of the company that a company wants to achieve for long-term growth and sustainability in the industry. This stage helps to determine the strategic perspective of the business and also the relevancy of current strategies. SWOT Analysis: A clear goal and objective inspires to get competitive advantages that a company could obtain by analyzing its internal and external environment. SWOT analysis is an important part of the strategic analysis that contains internal and external environment analysis of the company. Information for strengths and weaknesses of the company determines internal assessment and opportunities and threats external assessment. In this step, analysts should make a proper matrix for internal and external elements that helps to make effective strategic decisions. Industry Analysis: The next step for strategic analysis is to perform industry analysis to determine existing level of competition in the market. This analysis provides a clear description of the industry in which company is operating. Additionally, it also states trends and strategic opportunities for a company within the industry. In this analysis, a company can analyze bargaining power of suppliers and customers, threats from new entrants and substitute of the company and rivalry among the existing companies that helps to make better strategic decisions to achieve competitive advantage. BCG Matrix: BCG matrix is another important element of the strategic analysis that determines portfolio of a business unit. BCG matrix plays an important role to ensure long-term value creation through determining two dimensions namely market share and market growth of the company. BCG matrix helps to understand the strategic mistakes of company and in making strategic for their reduction. It helps to determine the strategic position of the business within the industry. PEST Analysis: PEST analysis is also a useful tool for strategic analysis that provides big picture to understand the external environment in which a company is functioning. It provides several factors that may affect the internal and external environment of the. It helps in determining the strategic factors that should be considered by a firm in its international business environment. Thus, through these tools an organization could do strategic analysis and may frame better strategies.

Adopting a Single Set of International Financial Accounting Standards Free Essay Example, 1750 words

Immense kinds of literature in support of a single set of IAS have termed comparability of information as the hallmark of the accounting models. Li (2010) noted that economic integration across nations had dramatically increased because of globalization thereby the need for an international-based accounting information system. Advocates of IAS argue that comparable information facilitates international transactions and hence lowering exchange costs. Li (2010) added that the adoption of IAS leads to a similarity of value relevance, the extent of earning management and conservatism. On the other hand, information comparability gains should be examined in terms of similarity facet and difference facet. Chua and Taylor (2008) stated that similarity facet of information comparability demonstrates whether organisations undertaking similar economic ventures announces similar results. On the contrary, difference facet shows whether companies undertaking varying economic activities post diss imilar financial figures. While there exist paucity of knowledge on whether IAS improves on both facets of the information comparability, studies by Kim et al. , (2007) showed that IFRS was more inclined towards the improvement of the similarity facet. In their studies, Barth et al. We will write a custom essay sample on Adopting a Single Set of International Financial Accounting Standards or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/pageorder now (2011) noted that IAS in non-American firm resulted in a more effective comparison of value relevance of earnings and equity book value than when they applied local standards of accounting. The existence of comparable accounting earnings from firms is subject to the nature of the accounting standard utilized by a given firm (Li, 2010). The prevalence of IFRS profoundly promotes comparable financial reporting that in turn lead to information transfer. Apparently, firms have been compelled to adopt IAS based on the knowledge that non-comparable information highly undermines the prediction of the value of other firms based on financial announcements. On the contrary, Jeanjean and Stolowy (2008) discredited comparability as one of the core drivers of IAS.