Sin pecado

Big news..
The design of the MAS is clear evidence of plagiarism. I saw the original work this weekend.
It really struck me, and I'm sure you'll be surprised by it too, the MAS-architects are not going to be happy with my discovery.

I took a picture to show you the similarities.

[CLICK]

Haha :D
More serious now, I see the museum from my desk. And I see it growing bigger and uglier every day. I'll soon show you new pictures.
Really, am I the only cityzen in Antwerp complaining about this?
Am I the only person who thinks this is an absolute monster?
Refined architecture? My **s!!

The north of Antwerp had some really nice prospects in becoming a beautiful neighbourhood to live in. Well, had…too late now!
First we have this monstrous museum and second we have "De lange wapper". (maybe more about this later)

J. (without inspiration)

Close to where I'm working at the moment (near the red district and the port of Antwerp), a gigantic building is being built.

It's the MAS - 'Museum aan de stroom' (roughly translated as 'Museum at the stream') and it replaces an ancient - not exceptional, but original -warehouse.

According to the architects, the mayor of Antwerp and probably some other panjandrums.. this building is going be the eye catcher of Antwerp, the missing link between the old and new Antwerp, the bridge between cultures, absolutely more than a museum and a unique meeting spot for all kind of people.
MAS will become a verb! A symbol for this city and the biggest attraction ever for tourists! It will give an extra meaning to our dull daily life as it is almost a House of God!

So, after reading all this (you know I have a tendency to exaggerate :D) you expect it to be tremendous, beautiful, breathtaking, nothing less than top of the bill!

Well, I'm afraid I'm going to spoil all your excitement, because this is what they are giving us..

AND Tadaaaaa (please click on the picture below to see the complete gallery) :

Monster a/d Stroom

Yes indeed, it's a monster!!!!
Even though 'mas' means 'more' in Spanish, they would have done perfectly well with 'menos'!

It should refer to the old industrial warehouses for which Antwerp was known.. And I love those buildings..maybe one of the most beautiful examples is the old Felix warehouse (see pictures below), which is located very near the monster.

Felix pakhuis

In my opinion the stately old buildings I mention here, have absolutely nothing to do with the design of this pile of bricks..(or it must simply be my lack of imagination).

And this piece (written in Dutch, describing a gigantic spiral staircase) makes me think of Guggenheim (or it must be my surplus of imagination :p)

Ok, I'll admit, I'm too critical, it's not even finished yet.. but if this ..euh... thing.. should reflect a proof of good taste, then I'm the Holy Virgin Saint Mary! :D

Aieaieaie,

J.

It looks like my "oooh I love this, and ooh I love that"-day...
but I finally found a little time today to post some snippets on the internet.

The picture above is one of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp.
A magnificent building, the house I always wanted to live in (although I will need one or more cleaners), but first of all.. my favorite view in Antwerp.. so I captured it quickly.. but I do need a tripod. :D

J.

(and in case you are reading this dear mom: e-happy birthday!)

What to do on a cloudy Wednesday?

Well, we thought it was a good idea to pay a visit to the FotoMuseum in Antwerp.
First a walk through historical stuff , afterwards famous photographers from the past century, then a collection of pictures from Patrick de Spiegelaere. And finally an interactive exhibition called "Face On" (watch out slow interface) ... 24 portrait pictures from famous photographers plus contributions from all kind of photographers via the internet..this means accessible for everyone!
Including me.... So I thought.. why not give try it a try.
And I uploaded this picture yesterday evening, which resulted in an e-mail in my inbox this afternoon. It said my picture was accepted for the online and offline exhibition!

I am an itsy bitsy proud.. even though the quality of the picture is not fabulous.. I just love it because he's G-licious.. ;)

Did you notice them?
Yes, probably not only in Antwerp .. A hype among the citizens, the trendy peeps (read 'copycats').

Yes, in Antwerp it is now very fashionable to drive a old, second-hand (?) big JEEP, preferably a Defender.. With mud included!!
Really, a Defender is not a luxury car, not even a beautifull car. I know, because I was so "lucky" to drive one during a team-event (jeeej) in the Belgian Ardennes..

Yes, it's a fantastic car, for it's use .... It's use, that is: climbing over mountains, driving through river beds and on slippery roads without a problem. I really got convinced about how exceptionally useful such a car can be …. on the country, in the desert or in the woods.. Or if you need to transport horses, or other big things..

Yes .... but HOW (?!?) can this car be useful in the center of Antwerp? To easily get in the parking lot of your local grocery shop? To transport your 10 children to school (because it's ohhhh soooo safe)? For any other ludicrous reason?
Really unbelievable... Am I missing something, or is it me?

Oh yeah and btw: for those people who think that a jeep is safer then a normal car, it's not ..
Oh yeah and btw2: thanks to the jeep-peeps: there's even less parking space available now.. GREAT! Thank you! Good job!
Oh yeah and btw3: I hope the next car-hype is not a Hummer!

Say 'NO' to jeeps! Think, don't just copy!

GRMBL
J.