Florida Polytechnic University - Another Santiago Calatrava iconic building
A captivating building; however, it would greatly benefit from improved accessibility for the public
I have a confession to make: this particular shot was incredibly easy to capture. The conditions were nearly perfect upon my arrival at the site, requiring very little post-processing on my part. The scene was already set for me; all I had to do was set up my tripod, point the camera in the right direction, and press the shutter.
However, let's rewind a bit and delve into how I ended up doing this photoshoot. Truth be told, I had not anticipated bringing my camera gear along during a family holiday to Orlando, Florida. The purpose of the trip was to relax and enjoy the theme parks, while also cherishing the hospitality of our American friends across the pond.
Several weeks prior to our departure, I found myself aimlessly browsing the internet, wondering if there were any examples of modernist architecture in close proximity to Orlando. To my astonishment, I discovered that the Lakeland area, just a short distance away, housed both the Florida Polytechnic University (FPU), designed by Santiago Calatrava, and the Florida Southern College by Frank Lloyd Wright.
Upon closer inspection of FPU, it became evident that no expense had been spared in its design. The Innovation, Science, and Technology building, with its iconic bone structure architecture, stood out as a testament to this fact. Intrigued, I conducted further research, realising that I couldn't pass up the opportunity to visit and photograph this remarkable building.
When it comes to my habits during location shoots, I prioritise thorough research, particularly when I am in a foreign country or visiting an unfamiliar place. My approach has always been to prepare as much as possible, covering aspects such as transportation, directions, weather conditions, sunrise and sunset times, access to the location, and parking arrangements if necessary. Additionally, I like to envision potential compositions in my mind, which I refer to as "banker shots." These shots serve as a psychological assurance that I have captured at least one good photo, allowing me to relax and fully immerse myself in the surroundings, seeking out new compositions.
I am aware that some fellow photographers adopt a more intuitive style, preferring to go with the flow and rely on their instincts. They often come up with compositions that differ greatly from mine. However, there is no right or wrong approach, as it largely depends on one's personality. Personally, I find planning to be immensely helpful, especially during sunrise or sunset shoots when time is limited. I prefer not to feel rushed or aimless, frantically searching for compositions as if I were a headless chicken.
Now, turning our attention to FPU, the campus is situated within a lake, with the Calatrava building serving as the centrepiece. In addition to enhancing the campus's overall aesthetic, the central lake also serves practical purposes. It acts as a stormwater retention system and functions as a storage vessel for site irrigation.
However, like many developments in the US, the campus is heavily focused on cars and is surrounded by roads in an oval shape, with large parking lots to accommodate staff and visitors.
Similar to many of my early morning photoshoots, I had to get up at 4:00am to make the 30-minute drive to the campus. Along the way, I got slightly lost and was unsure of how to pay the road toll, which is imposed on a majority of Florida's road network. Nevertheless, I managed to arrive before sunrise, and I was not disappointed by what I discovered.
The building was dominated by Calatrava's distinctive bone structure, and it was beautifully illuminated by street lights and the lighting scheme within the building itself. The warm yellow glow, juxtaposed against the brilliant white structure and the perfect sky during the morning blue hour, created a captivating scene. While it would have been more dramatic with some clouds in the sky, one must make the most of the given conditions, and a clear blue sky is preferable to a thunderstorm.
The leading line created by the walkway, combined with the yellow glow emanating from within the structure, makes this building highly photogenic. In addition to the shot above, I also took a brief stroll around the empty building and the surrounding campus, allowing me to appreciate the inspiring atmosphere and imagine what university life would be like on this campus.
During my visit, it was evident that the campus development is still in progress, with plans for additional buildings in the near future. The central lake and the meticulous landscaping in the surrounding area create a pleasant and inviting environment, as if the buildings seamlessly blend into the natural landscape.
However, it is disappointing to note that the campus and the surrounding neighbourhood lack an inviting design. I wonder how many Floridians are aware of this remarkable asset in their local area, or if they have had the opportunity to appreciate this architectural masterpiece, regardless of their opinions on modern architecture. Personally, I perceive the building itself as a work of art integrated into the lush green landscape. It feels like a monumental sculpture that one can leisurely explore, akin to strolling through a local park on a Sunday afternoon.
While it is not my place to pass judgment on how a university should conduct itself, I cannot help but feel a sense of melancholy that this architectural gem amidst the landscape cannot be enjoyed by a wider audience, apart from the fortunate few who attended the College or curious architects like myself, who deliberately seek out this building when traveling across the Atlantic.
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