Contrasting architecture, a photo from Brunei and Muara, West

Photographer's Note

This is my second posting of Omar Ali Saifuddin mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan.

The mosque with its pure gold dome, marble minarets and artificial lagoon is linked by a bridge (as seen in the middle right area) across the lagoon to the Kampong Ayer water village. From a distance, and especially at low tide, the water village may look like a slum. It actually enjoys modern amenities including air conditioning, satellite television, internet access, plumbing, and electricity. Some of the residents keep potted plants and chickens. The village has a unique architectural heritage of wooden homes with ornate interiors.

saxo042, macjake, PaulVDV, shevchenko, holmertz, kordinator, dnms531 oznaczył to zdjęcie jeko użyteczne

Critiques | Translate

macjake (98262) 2010-09-12 10:43

Hi Marlene
wow...what a difference...
great to see this overview of the City.
We don't usually think of these type of housing projects in Brunei.
but its amazing too that you stated they have air conditioning and modern advances.
well done with great contrasting architecture
Cheers
craig

PaulVDV (62802) 2010-09-12 12:36

Hello Marlene,
A very interesting picture of a country of which we don't get much views.
The contrast in architecture between the foreground and the background is giant, in style, in size, in materials of building and probably also in the year of construction.
At first sight the neighbourhood in the foreground looks like districts I've seen in other countries in S.E.-Asia.
So reading your note I was really surprised that these houses do have most modern facilities.
I've heard weird stories of the wealth of this country and specially of the sultan. Is it so that the country can offer all its inhabitants prosperity?
Best regards, Paul

ifege (46923) 2010-09-12 18:44

hi Marlene - yes very contrasting! The rusty old water front buildings are classic examples of those you find in many Malaysian water front towns. The background has a more stylish collection of buildings.
cheers
Ian

peppe59 (14555) 2010-09-13 11:38

Ciao Marlene,
subjects contrasting between they, optimal resolution and quality of the image. good week
peppe

Urs (14082) 2010-09-13 16:38

Hi Marlene

After one week traveling, shopping and photographing in Southern Thailand we have returned to Alor Star and TE, but now I have to catch up with all the mails. Thanks for your critique. To Brunei I have not been so far. What is amazing are the contrasts of rich and poor you have captured, and that in a country with is supposed to be super rich. Very fine color hues and sharpness. WEll done.

Warm regards
Urs

shevchenko (20560) 2010-09-13 20:06

Hi Marlene,
It is really a good contrast between the different type of architectures, what a luxury mosque beside the simply houses, good frame, interesting composition, thanks for sharing.
Ally

John_F_Kennedy (43797) 2010-09-14 4:54

Hello Marlene,
Powerful contrast in the picture with strong colours. I really love the composition
best wishes,
Achim

holmertz (101980) 2010-09-18 3:44

Hello Marlene,
I am glad to see that you have joined me among the few TE members to have visited Brunei. I don't remember the buildings behind the mosque from my journey 34 (!) years ago, but the Kampong Ayer looks the same. Your photo captures very well the different aspects of this remarkable little country.
Kind regards,
Gert

kordinator (8738) 2010-09-26 2:04

Hello Marlene
Great contrasting composition,perfect framed.
Beautiful architecture.
Nice strong colours.
Very well written informative note.
Great job.
Regards
Saa

BennyV (34734) 2010-10-28 6:42

Hello Marlene,

Quintessentially Brunei, a straightforward but succesful documentary shot. It works. Tfs.

Benny