Yesterday I had the chance to visit a quirky oddity that is within the grounds of UC of San Diego. I was SHOCKED when I drove up. I was not expecting to look up and see a precariously placed house atop an engineering building.
And trust me….I’ve seen A LOT here in San Diego. It is, after all, the land of the fruits and the nuts. But this had to top it all (no pun intended). Of course I had to snap a quick picture from the ground up. The pictures are from my phone so excuse the quality. Had I known I was going to encounter this little unique gem I would have brought my camera.
I was visiting a friend for lunch – she works at the library – and I of course questioned her about it. She said a foreign engineer student from Korea, Do Ho Suh, designed and executed this project. It sits on top of the Jacobs School of Engineering building and is accessible to the public. It weigh 70,000 pounds and certainly defies gravity when you venture inside. The project was named “Fallen Star.” It is said that his inspiration for this project was the uncertainty and complete cultural shock of moving to America. He said his world felt caddywhompus and this crooked house certainly is a manifestation of his feelings of displacement.
The garden surrounding it is also Suh’s design. In spite of its unsettled feel it had a sense of hominess. It was fun stepping inside. Both Abby and I felt we had been transported to a Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum. We sat down and were sure we would topple over any second. Suh’s intent for this project prevailed and the symbolism was not missed by me. I felt his pain—perhaps not as drastically—but just moving here from my lifelong hometown—I could empathize.
Here are some of the pictures I captured while there:
Even the glasses were lopsided!
The off-kilter chandelier. Look at the curtains! That wasn’t the wind. It was like that permanently.
I, of course, I had to take a picture of the books! I have an English degree after all!
Come visit me and I’ll take you to this rare treasure!! If I find anymore I’ll be sure to post about them.
San Diego is full of fun, free, and amusing activities; which is just one thing I do love about this unique city!
Y’all have a great day!
–Hannah
Want to see more of this unique little house? Click here!
I came accross your blog by accident…and what a happy accident it was !!!!…Thank you so much for shareing your pictures…and a bit of your life….God bless.
Rebecca, so glad you did! I hope to have you as a consistent reader. I am honored you would spend the time reading about my little life.
Have a fantastic week!