Bergisel Mountain, Austria

Hadid Architects

Bergisel Ski Jump 2002

Photo © Helene Binet

"The Ski Jump is a concise piece of functional design, an instrument for high performance sport, shaped with mathematical precision.  The challenge here was to integrate a new, initially alien element into a given formula: The cafŽ and Sundeck.  The assemblage of elements was resolved in the manner of nature, developing a seamless hybrid, where parts are smoothly articulated and fused into an organic unity.  The result is a rather unusual silhouette on Bergisel."
Zaha Hadid

Photo © Helene Binet

Situated on the Bergisel Mountain overlooking downtown Innsbruck, the ski jump will be a major landmark. It is part of a larger refurbishment project for the Olympic Arena and has replaced the old ski jump, which no longer met with international standards.

Photo © Helene Binet

The building is a hybrid of highly specialized sports facilities and public spaces, including a cafŽ and a viewing terrace. These different programs are combined into a single new shape which extends the topography of the slope into the sky.

At a length of about 90 meters and a height of almost 50 meters the building is a combination of a tower and a bridge. Structurally it is divided into the vertical concrete tower and a spatial green structure, which integrates the ramp and the cafŽ.

Photo © Helene Binet

Two elevators bring visitors to the cafŽ 40 meters over the peak of the Bergisel Mountain. From here they can enjoy the surrounding alpine landscape as well as watch the athletes below fly above the Innsbruck skyline.

Zaha Hadid Architects won the international competition for the ski jump in 1999. The new structure opened in 2002.

Total floor area:  1470 square meter
Built area: 355 square meter

Architectural Design: Zaha Hadid
Project Architect: Jan HŸbener
Project Team: Matthias Frei, Cedric Libert, Markus Dochantschi,
Garin O'Aivazian, Jim Heverin, Sylvia Forlati,
Sara Noel Costa de Araujo
Competition Team: Markus Dochantschi, Jan HŸbener, Ed Gaskin,
Eddie Can, Yoash Oster, Stanley Lau, Janne Westermann
Structural Engineer: Christian Aste, Innsbruck
Jane Wernick, London [competition stage]
Project Management: Baumeister Ing. Georg Malojer, Schwaz/Innsbruck
Ski jump technology: BauplanungsbŸro Franz Fuchslueger, Trofaiach
Electrical engineer: TB PŸrcher, Schladming
Services Engineer: TB Schrempf, Schladming
Building Physics: Peter Fiby, Innsbruck
Lighting consultant: Office for Visual Interaction, New York

Source : http://www.where-is-this.com ; http://www.arcspace.com/architects/hadid/Bergisel/

Sant'Agata de' Goti

Sant'Agata de' Goti, Italy

Sant'Agata de' Goti is a comune (municipality) in the Province of Benevento in the Italian region Campania, located about 35 km northeast of Naples and about 25 km west of Benevento. As of 31 December 2004, it had a population of 11,541 and an area of 62.9 km².

The municipality of Sant'Agata de' Goti contains the frazioni (subdivisions, mainly villages and hamlets) Bagnoli, Faggiano, San Silvestro, Cantinella, Presta, Sant'Anna, Cerreta, and Laiano.

Sant'Agata de' Goti borders the following municipalities: Arienzo, Caserta, Dugenta, Durazzano, Frasso Telesino, Limatola, Moiano, Santa Maria a Vico, Tocco Caudio, Valle di Maddaloni. 

Source : http://www.where-is-this.com ; http://www.tripwolf.com/en/guide/show/257469/Italy/SantAgata-de-Goti

Watkins Glen State Park

Watkins Glen State Park is in western New York, in the village of Watkins Glen, at the southern tip of Seneca Lake. Watkins Glen contains several small waterfalls, and is a really amazing place especially for those who like the sight and sound of rock and water.

Watkins Glen State Park, New York

The park includes a campground, a large picnic area, swimming pool, etc. but the main attraction are the trails through the Glen, particularly the gorge trail. This is not a rugged wilderness experience, but a very tourist friendly adventure. The park is right in the middle of town, across the street from a sub shop. The Glen is small. It is only 2 miles long, 300 feet deep, and in places only a dozen or so feet wide, so you can easily see everything in half a day. The place does get crowded, but it is nice and deserted in the early morning. If you are looking for a wild, secluded, hiking adventure, this is not the place for you.

The entrance to the trail is a tunnel, followed by a bridge over Glen Creek. Part of the charm of the place is the stone walkways and bridges built in the 30's as part of a public works project. Purists may prefer scenery totally devoid of human handicraft, but in my opinion the combination of natural beauty and man made stone work results in an amazing fantasyland setting. It is kind of like visiting Rivendell.

The path follows the gorge, going behind waterfalls, through tunnels and over bridges. The main waterfall is the Cavern Cascade. Despite its name, this is a 60' plunge falls.

The Central Cascade is roughly the half way point. It is 3/4 miles from the entrance, and there are another 3/4 miles to the end.

Rainbow falls is a particularly pretty part of the Glen. Here you can walk behind another waterfall and cross another bridge.

At the far end is a picnic area with a concession stand, and a railroad bridge. The last stretch of the trail is less scenic than the earlier parts, but it is all good.

There is also a trail on either rim of the gorge, but it is hard to get views of the glen from above.

Source : http://www.where-is-this.com ; http://gowaterfalling.com/waterfalls/watkins.shtml