quarta-feira, 5 de junho de 2019

Negros Caçadores Retornam à Cidade, Regresso dos Negros de um Naturalista, Brasil (Nègres Chasseurs Rentrant en Ville, Le Retour des Nègres d'un Naturaliste) - Jean Baptiste Debret


Negros Caçadores Retornam à Cidade, Regresso dos Negros de um Naturalista, Brasil (Nègres Chasseurs Rentrant en Ville, Le Retour des Nègres d'un Naturaliste) - Jean Baptiste Debret
Brasil
Faz Parte do livro "Viagem Pitoresca e Histórica ao Brasil, Volume 2", P. 21
Gravura

Praça do Patriarca, São Paulo, Brasil

Praça do Patriarca, São Paulo, Brasil
São Paulo - SP
Fotografia

Praça do Patriarca, destacando a Igreja de Santo Antônio e o cruzamento das Ruas Direita e São Bento, trecho do centro velho que se abria para o Vale do Anhangabaú.

terça-feira, 4 de junho de 2019

Teatro Casino, Montevidéu, Uruguai

Teatro Casino, Montevidéu, Uruguai
Montevidéu - Uruguai
Fotografia - Cartão Postal

Palace Hotel Pocitos, Montevidéu, Uruguai

Palace Hotel Pocitos, Montevidéu, Uruguai
Montevidéu - Uruguai
Fotografia - Cartão Postal

The Liberation Tower, Cidade do Kuwait, Kuwait



The Liberation Tower, Cidade do Kuwait, Kuwait
Cidade do Kuwait - Kuwait
Fotografia

It is the symbol of Kuwait liberation, the representation of country’s resurgence, second tallest tower in Kuwait, and the fifth tallest telecommunication tower in the world. Officially unveiled by the late Kuwaiti Amir, Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on 10th March 1996, this 372meter tall tower is 40 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower.

The tower is so-named following the multinational coalition that led to liberation of the nation from seven months of Iraqi occupation during the Gulf war.

The structure is made using ceramic tiles on the façade from base to first mezzanine level. Three natural light shades render a geometric design from the base. The tower, including the telecommunications complex, is divided into three working areas – a public communications center; revolving observatory level, and a restaurant at 150 meters; and the adjacent plant and equipment structure.

There are a total of 18 elevators, and are amongst the fastest in the world. As for the revolving mezzainine, there are six office floors spanning 12000 sqm above the revolving observatory level, that rise up and out within a section covered in aniodised aluminium, so as to withstand the extreme temperatures.

The tower includes a revolving restaurant and an observation platform, apart from radio and telecommunications offices.


Given the historical and monumental significance of this tower, visitors usually do not miss the opportunity to visit this destination during their travel to Kuwait.

Kuwait Towers, Cidade do Kuwait, Kuwait





Kuwait Towers, Cidade do Kuwait, Kuwait
Cidade do Kuwait - Kuwait
Fotografia


Kuwait Towers is a group of three slender towers that symbolizes Kuwait’s economic resurgence and also World cultural as well as touristic landmark. The structure is often referred to as Kuwait tower in singular although there are three towers. Standing on a promontory into the Arabian Gulf, Kuwait towers were officially inaugurated in 1979 and are rated as a tourist attraction and iconic building of modern Kuwait.

The Kuwait Towers delightfully suggest a combination of traditional Islamic design and modern architectural themes, with comparisons being made to blue-tiled mosques and slender minarets of Samarkand and Bukhara. The easy visibility and popularity of the towers with photographers is also due to the fact that there are no other high rise buildings in the general area of the Kuwait Towers. Ever since the official inauguration of the towers, they have come to signify the prosperity and opulence that has boosted this previously sleepy backwater country into the world’s tenth richest country per capita.

Located in downtown Kuwait City, The Kuwait Towers (Burjan- Al- Kuwait) are on the seashore in Arabian Gulf Street of Sharq district.

The plan of constructing Kuwait Tower dates back to 1962, less than a year after Kuwait achieved its freedom from England. The design was done by Swedish architects Malene Björn and Sune Lindström of Vatten-Byggnadsbyzan (VBB) and this was officially approved in 1971. Belgrade-based contractor Union-Inzenjering was assigned with most of the structural work which was completed between1975 and 1976.

Seven months of Iraqi occupation which began on August 2nd, 1990, when Saddam Hussein of Iraq invaded Kuwait had left an ugly mark on Kuwait. Kuwait salvaged its sovereignty after a 100-hour ground campaign that began on February 25th. Saddam’s troops were guilty for sabotaging actions intended to wipe out all reminders of an independent Kuwait which also included the Kuwait Towers. Iraqi soldiers deliberately shattered the towers’ electrical utilities and wrecked interior facilities besides causing damage to the towers’ exteriors with gunfire and shrapnel.

The damage sustained to the Kuwait Towers (estimated to be 75 percent) was repaired throughout the balance of 1991 and well into 1992, and necessary technical as well as comfort facilities were restored to their original condition. The refurbishment cost was an estimated KD 2 million. On December 26th of 1992, it was an inspirational occasion for proud Kuwaiti citizens as the Kuwait Towers were officially reopened to the public by Nasser Al-Roudhan, Finance and Planning Minister at that time.

Kuwait towers were built in March 1979 and comprises of an area of 38,000 m² with two major towers and a minor tower. The height of main tower is 187 meters (614 ft) and consists of the Ground Floor, Main Sphere and the Viewing Sphere. The main tower is also home to Kuwait Towers’ signature restaurants, cafés and reception halls; the lower sphere holds in its upper half a restaurant for 90 persons and in its bottom half a water tank of 4,500 cubic meters. Rising to 123 meters above the sea level, the viewing sphere completes a 360° turn every 30 minutes so that visitors can experience a panoramic view of Kuwait City, its fascinating vicinities and the tranquil blue waters of the Arabian Gulf within a glass enclosed pavilion. The Viewing Sphere's revolving platform provides an empowering view of Kuwait city, along with extra amenities like a quick snack cafeteria and a souvenir store.

The second tower serves as a water reservoir and is 147 meters high. The third tower houses equipment to illuminate the two larger towers and supply electricity for some areas in Kuwait City. The towers hold 10,000 cubic meters of water on the whole.

As part of a water distribution project, Kuwait Towers were designed by the Danish architect malene Bjorn and maintained by the Swedish engineering company VBB (since 1997 called Sweco). Before the construction of Kuwait towers, Sune lindstorm, Chief architect of the company already erected five groups of his typical "mushroom" water towers, but the Amir of Kuwait wanted a more striking design for the sixth site. Lindstorm made ten different designs and three were presented to the Amir, who chose this one.

VBB has commissioned the main building task to the Energoproject of Belgrade, Yugoslavia. The towers were built in prestressed concrete and reinforced concrete. The three spheres is covered approximately by 41,000 enamelled steel discs in eight shades of green, blue and gray, recalling the tiled domes of historic Mosques. Around the spheres, the steel discs are prearranged in spiral patterns. The construction of Kuwait Towers were, together with the Kuwait Water Towers, was awarded the Aga khan award for architecture in 1980.

Seif Palace, Cidade do Kuwait, Kuwait











Seif Palace, Cidade do Kuwait, Kuwait
Cidade do Kuwait - Kuwait
Fotografia - Cartão Postal



The Seif Palace is popular among local and overseas visitors as the home of the royal family. Nevertheless, they might be surprised to find out that this palace does not get much used by the Monarch and the government. While it is true that this palace is designated to the Emir dynasty, the household personally chose to stay in Bayan Palace which is known as the official house of the Emir and this is also the place where the monarch would entertain his dignitaries. Therefore, the Seif palace only serves as the court if there are special celebrations and events, or if the Bayan Palace is not available. However, thousands of travelers every year go to see this fine building.

Built in 1896 by Sheikh Mubarak, the palace is a focal point of Kuwait city and it is considered as integral part of Kuwait’s city and its progress. The palace is also a wonderful example of Islamic architecture with original Islamic mosaic tile works. The overall area of the palace is 450000 sqm including an artificial lake, landing field for the helicopters and a dock for the yachts. After 3 years of its construction, Sheikh Mubarak decided to expand his palace by adding on another wing, which was constructed using the same architectural style. The building was completed by the end of 1910 and it became one of the most beautiful in Kuwait. On 1913, Seif Palace became the first building in Kuwait to have electricity.

Sheikh Mubarak hosted many esteemed guests in his palace, including the British Viceroy to India in 1915 and the Danish explorer and photographer Ronkier Lens in 1912.

One of the reasons why tourists love to visit the Seif Palace is its spectacular architecture. On February 7th 1917, the door of the palace connecting the first floor of the east wing with the ground floor is inscribed with the famous writing on top: "if it had lasted for others, it wouldn't have passed to you".

In terms of size, it is quite enormous for an almost vacant building. Getting around this palace on foot is exhausting for some citizens and it occupies most of the space in the Grand Mosque’s waterfront. The neo Arabic watch tower in the palace is immensely popular and can compete against Britain’s Big Ben. This structure is covered with blue tiles and a dome that is plated with pure gold. Clay, metal, wood, limestone and even loose rocks which were collected nearby were used in its construction. Surrounding the palace is a spacious garden, which contain giant hedges that are frequently being sculpted. The garden is also equipped with a variety of flora and fauna, which visitors will enjoy looking at. These plants are maintained or replaced depending on the season.

Another reason why people are charmed by the Seif Palace is its seclusion. Who doesn’t like to explore the secrecy and have adventure? Local and overseas residents are inquisitive as to why civilians are not permitted inside the palace. Their curious natures are more enhanced by the fact that extended wait outside the building is discouraged, and taking pictures is also a big ‘no-no’. Normally pictures of the construction are taken in secret from inside vehicles. The sightseers are forbidden to go anywhere near the entrance doors, however they can still go around the gardens. Finally, if visitors are still intent to know more about what goes inside this castle, there are plenty of books and documentaries in the library, which will give them very detailed information.

Dating back to 1880, the Seif Palace which was the original seat of the Government of Kuwait was severely damaged during Iraqi invasion. Iraqi troops plundered and damaged the Palace buildings, then wrecked them with artillery shelling, gunfire and firebombing. The Seif Palace attack was part of a campaign to wipe out Kuwait's national identity.

The government decided to refurbish the palace complex due to the historic importance of the buildings. The scope of the refurbishment work included introducing modern amenities in all the wings and renovating several buildings to create an art gallery, a museum and office spaces. These renovations also required the construction of a new central plant for providing electrical and mechanical services to the entire complex.

The palace was expanded with a total area of 16,000 sqm to include ten buildings. Refurbishment work required extensive research to recognize the original features and finishes of the buildings to make sure that the renovations matched as much of the original building as possible.

Seif Palace, Cidade do Kuwait, Kuwait

Seif Palace, Cidade do Kuwait, Kuwait
Cidade do Kuwait - Kuwait
Fotografia - Cartão Postal

Seif Palace (Arabic, قصر السيف) is a palace in Kuwait CityKuwait. Located opposite the Grand Mosque, one of Seif Palace’s best-known features is the watch tower, covered in blue tiles and with a roof plated in pure gold. Local materials such as clay, rocks, limestone, wood and metals were used in its construction.

Mubarakiya Market, Década de 60, Cidade do Kuwait, Kuwait

Mubarakiya Market, Década de 60, Cidade do Kuwait, Kuwait
Cidade do Kuwait - Kuwait
Fotografia - Cartão Postal

Souq Al-Mubarakiya is a souq in Kuwait CityKuwait. It is one of the oldest souqs in Kuwait, and was the center of trade prior to the discovery of oil.

Safat Square, 1960, Cidade do Kuwait, Kuwait

Safat Square, 1960, Cidade do Kuwait, Kuwait
Cidade do Kuwait - Kuwait
Fotografia - Cartão Postal

Safat Square (Arabicساحة الصفاة‎ Sahat al Safat) is a major historical commercial square in Kuwait CityKuwait.