Architecture Around The World: London

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With the 2012 Olympics being hosted in London this year, the city is full of hustle and bustle. While many are in London to watch the Olympics, many are also in London to soak in the city's iconic architecture. Like most cities, London has many different architectural styles. Most of London's structures do not date before the Great Fire of 1666. (ABOVE) Much of London's iconic buildings are in the Gothic style. Westminster bridge is a breathtaking structure, it's simple, yet not plain. Big Ben is the perfect example of the Gothic Revival style, having been completed in 1858. (BELOW 1) The Olympic rings look great hanging from the Tower Bridge. The Tower Bridge is in the Victorian Gothic style completed in 1894. The two towers that hold the bridge together are so beautiful architecturally. (BELOW 2) The British Museum is in the Greek Revival style it was completed in 1759. The museum houses approximately eight million objects. The museum's center dome is considered a great architectural achievement. The dome was designed by Sydney Smirk and completed in 1857. (BELOW 3) Originally built in 1889 as a Gentleman's club, the Hyde Park Court, burnt down in 1899 and then reopened to the public in 1902 as the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park hotel. The five-star hotel is in the Edwardian architectural style and has accommodated many of England's iconic stars. (BELOW 4) The modern Millennium Bridge was completed in 2000. The bridge is the perfect example of modern London architecture. From the bridge, you have a perfect view of Saint Paul's Cathedral. The current structure was designed by noted British architect, Christopher Wren in the English Baroque style. What do you think of London's architecture? 

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Architecture Around The World: Italy

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The architecture of Italy is very broad and diverse in its design. Before the Italian unification, Italy was a divined nation, therefore, each city had a different architectural style. Italian architecture is not to be classified by region or period, but rather by its architectural achievements.  During the 8th century BC, ancient Rome was one of the largest empire's in the world. This time saw the construction of arches, domes and similar structures. During the late 14th and 16th centuries, the Renaissance architectural movement placed a great emphasis on symmetry, geometry and proportion. Italy is known as being the homeland of Palladianism, a style that inspired movements such as that of Neoclassical architecture, which places a great emphasis on tall columns, triangular pediment, and a domed roof. Neoclassical architecture can be found all over the world from the White House in the USA to the Australian Museum in Australia. Italian architecture has widely influenced architects throughout the centuries. British architect Inigo Jones, brought the ideas of Italian Renaissance to England during the 17th century. American architect Alexander Davis, brought the ideas of Gothic Revival to the USA during the 19th century. (ABOVE) The city of Venice was influenced by a style known as Venetian Gothic, which combined Byzantine and Moorish architecture. The Gothic period, was a time when Venice was prosperous and the upper class funded the building of new churches and lavish properties for themselves. (BELOW 1) The architecture found on the Amalfi Coast is greatly influenced by Medieval and Byzantine styles as well as the sharp lines found in northern architecture. (BELOW 2) The Trevi Fountain in Rome, is the largest Baroque fountain in the city. (BELOW 3) Verona is known for its iconic red roofs. The city is greatly influenced by Medieval architecture. (BELOW 4) Manarola is a beautiful small town located in Northern Italy, full of colorful buildings. (BELOW 5) Completed in 126 AD, the Pantheon in Rome, is a well known building in the Roman architectural style. The Pantheon is still well known for its impeccable dome, which is still the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome. 

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Like Italy, Italian home pieces are all different and are not designed based on a specific region or period. Italian home pieces are absolutely remarkable as each piece has a unique form. The Sciolari Chandeliers are quite popular in Italian design. The 1970s rare Sciolari chandelier is from Gaspare Asaro. The 1690 Italian cabinet is from Hansord. The piece reflects much of the intricate details found throughout Italian architecture. The 1989 Italian "Mongolfiera" chair by Atelier Fornasetti is from Holly Johnson Antiques. The chairs colors reflects the architecture found on the cost of Italy. You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.

Architecture Around The World: NYC

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With so many people in New York for fashion week I think it's the perfect time to do an "Architecture Around The World" post about the big apple. New York city is the epicenter of art, fashion, design, and much more, but you already knew that! It's a city with over 8,000,000 people, making it the largest in the USA. NYC's architecture is extremely diverse. From classically designed buildings like Saint Patrick's cathedral to modern buildings like the Frank Gehry building in Chelsea. What draws me to this city is that on each street and on every avenue I can experience something different and incredible. Even though the city was settled in the late 1600s, the oldest architecture in the city dates back to the 1830s. This is a result of the Great Fire of 1835, that destroyed most of the buildings on the South East tip. The Great Fire caused architects and designers to rethink using wood framed structure an instead design with stone, and other more durable materials. (ABOVE) This photograph shows the incredible size of both the city and Central Park. The park occupies the center of the city. Isn't this photograph just beautiful?

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(1) The Frank Gehry building in Chelsea is one of the most beautiful modern buildings in the city. The design sort of resembles a cloud. The unique waves, and shapes are extremely Gehry. Vanity Fair named it one of the most attractive office buildings. 

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(2) The Metropolitan Museum of Art is a classic building. It's located on 5th Ave, adjacent Central Park. The building was designed in 1874 in the Beaux Arts architectural style. The museum houses classic European artists as well as Islamic and Classic Antiquity, Egyptian and more. Just to let you know: admission is pay as you wish, so stop by!

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(3) This is the pavilion at the Met. Here you can enjoy lunch, as well as snacks. The facade of the classic building directly in front is part of the original museum from what I understand. The building houses the American wing. I love the classic design of the facade contrasted with the modern design of the all glass pavilion.  

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(4) The Woolworth building is in the Gothic Revival architectural style. It was completed in 1913 and designed by architect Cass Gilbert. I simply love the design of the building. The details here are incredible. How beautiful is the top of this building? 

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(5) The Apple building is one of the most impressive modern structures in the city. It's located on 5th Ave, close to Central Park. The actual store is located underground, the glass structure is sculptural if anything. It was designed by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson. FYI: The store is open 24/7, 365 days.  

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(6) Saint Patrick's Cathedral is also located on 5th Ave (I guess most of my favorite buildings are located on 5th). The cathedral was designed by architect James Renwick Jr. and completed in 1878. I love the details of the structure, Gothic architecture is one of my favorites! 

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(7) The Hearst building located on 8th is NYC's architecture in a nutshell. The base of the building was completed in 1928, however, the main structure was completed in 2006 by architect Norman Foster. This marriage of classic and modern architecture is exactly what the city is about. 

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London's Iconic Big Ben

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Big Ben is the nickname of the clock tower located at the north end of the Palace of Westminster in London. Big Ben is the third tallest freestanding clock tower in the world. When I first saw Big Ben, I was mesmerized by its beautiful details. Simply to call it a clock tower, would do it no justice. Big Ben was completed in 1858 in the Gothic Revival architectural style. (ABOVE) I love this photograph of the Palace of Westminster and Big Ben. At night the tower is beautifully lit, allowing the time to be viewed easily. (BELOW 1) A view of Big Ben during the day. Big Ben stands approximately sixteen stories. (BELOW 2) A close up of the clock shows its intricate details. The clock and dials were designed by Augustus Pugin. The clock dials are set in an iron frame, supporting over 300 pieces of opal glass. There is a clock on each face of the tower. What are your thoughts about London's iconic Big Ben?

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