1992
Master of Architecture
Pamela Musella
Pamela Musella traveled to Bergen, Estonia, Italy, Oslo, Russia, and Stockholm.
Pamela Musella
University of Florida
School of Architecture
Library, Chandigarh, India. © Pamela Musella.
Jury
Joseph Esherick
Craig Hartman
Laura Hartman
Brian Lee
Stanley Saitowitz
Peter Walker
Letters from Abroad
October 20, 1993
Oslo
The most exciting, and may I add "tense" adventure during my travels was when I visited Viipuri, now Vyborg, in Russia. The visa process itself was quite complex, but the journey even more so. I went by train to Vyborg, which used to be part of Finland. Upon my arrival I was immediately faced with the sad realities of Russian life. There were no lights on in the train station—only sunlight from the large windows. Many people were begging, especially children. The streets were filthy with stray and dead animals and sidewalks were filled with people waiting in line for food.
I headed for Aalto’s library—a beautiful building from what I had seen published. I brought photos of the library with me, in case I couldn’t find it. I was standing right in front of the library and didn’t recognize it. Finally, I compared some features to the photos to realize that it really was the right building. It had been severely damaged during the war and hasn’t been touched since. It is hardly white anymore and most of its glass is broken. Inside, once again, no lights were on. Light filtered through the series of damaged skylights. The walls were peeling and full of mildew. The library is functioning fine and several children were studying in what seemed like darkness. It was sad to see both the building and the city in ruins. My heart truly goes out to the Russian people.
On a brighter side, I was also able to take a boat to Tallinn, Estonia, which has been free from the Soviet Union only since 1990. This proved to be a wonderful experience. The town is filled with beautiful buildings and fortresses, Finnish, Swedish, and Russian influences were evident in the architecture. The people are also enjoying their freedom and appear to be on the way to recovery.
Right now, I’m in Oslo, Norway. I decided to stop in Stockholm, Oslo, and Bergen—fjord country—before returning to Italy.
Library, Chandigarh, India. © Pamela Musella.
Library, Chandigarh, India. © Pamela Musella.
Library, Chandigarh, India. © Pamela Musella.
Library, Chandigarh, India. © Pamela Musella.
Pam Manhas
University of Florida
School of Architecture
Pam Manhas
is an accomplished hospitality-focused interior designer. Her prolific career spanning three decades has included the design of over 200 restaurants nationwide. Educated as an architect, she received her Design and Architecture degrees from the University of Florida. She began her design journey working with legendary architect Richard Meier in New York. After a successful architectural career in Manhattan, which included multiple museum and civic-scale projects, she joined the award-winning Zakaspace Corporation as director of design. She established Manhas Design in 2003 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Recognized for her timeless designs, custom lighting, and endless patience, she has become a creative force working with restaurant industry leaders and platinum-level country clubs. From conceptual design through construction administration, she ensures that each project is successfully executed. While creating compelling design concepts, her consistent ability to deliver both cohesive documentation and a strong sense of collaboration has resulted in a career of memorable projects. She has cultivated a practice that is committed to excellence in service and design.