Jan On Design

Despite how exhausting it becomes, I enjoy traveling to China. I visited seven times this year, and am now finishing my first trip of 2012. Our clients there continue to give us incredible opportunities for which we are extremely grateful. (See one of our completed projects–Fish in the Garden in Guangzhou–here.)

I’ve enjoyed spending time with these people as you can see from these rare photos I’m posting of myself and our client in Fuzhou.

I’m not one to take pictures of my meals, but, after several sittings during which the food didn’t end up treating me well, I have to share this impressive meal I had with some colleagues in Shanghai.

The tofu topped with scallops and a bit of sauce was beautiful and quite yummy. Dessert was carefully cut fruit slices.

This restaurant certainly knew the importance of good culinary presentation.

I guess the old adage is true: “The eye eats first.”

As a bonus, I’ve also attached a picture of a cup of coffee I enjoyed. See the dragon?

I enjoyed watching this interview of New York Times architecture critic Paul Goldberger by Steven Colbert of the Colbert Report. He spoke with him about his new book ‘Why Architecture Matters.’

Colbert is one of the finest interviewers on TV today. Although he usually focuses on lampooning politicians, he can insert himself into really any niche and draw the most insightful comments out of his subjects.

After a brief laugh, Colbert asks Goldberger what he means when he says architecture can influence us and our aspirations. Our homes, for example, can inspire us.

I think Goldberger could have provided a better example of how architecture can control our actions. Frank Lloyd Wright, for example, made the ceiling low in the foyer area of his homes so people wouldn’t congregate there, and would be drawn into the main part of the house.