Best Cities For Architecture Lovers

A representation of Neolithic architecture is Matera, Italy, one of the oldest continually inhabited settlements in the world where the people now can still boast of living in Sassi (cave dwellings) which their ancestors lived 9,000 years ago.  Ancient Egyptian architecture is defined by monumental pyramids, which was a marvel of engineering. Such ancient architecture is characterised by the divine and mortal world, where people believed in myths and gods. I thought it was a pity the article did not cover ancient architecture of such, as it has influenced architecture down the years. As such, I have covered them in this section.

Advancing from there would be Classical architecture from Ancient Greece and Athens is a city recommended in the article. I would also recommend Temple of Valley in Agrigento, Italy, where you could visit ruins and temples for such architectural appreciation. Moving north from Sicily, you would arrive into Rome. The article highlights Baroque architecture, known for its grandiosity, opulence and contrast between light and shadow. Trevi Fountain is a good example. However, Baroque is much later than Roman period. There are also many Roman architecture which is heavily influenced by Greek architecture, defined by composite style columns with decorative brackets. Examples would be the Colosseum and the Pantheon, which is the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome. I would strongly recommend Italy to be a country to visit as there are architecture representing the various historical time periods.

I personally like Islamic Architecture for its arches and motifs. The article suggests Marrakech in Morocco if you wish to see such architecture. I would suggest Seville in Spain instead. The city features typical Moorish architecture like Plaza de Espana and Real Alcazar. Yet when you travel to Barcelona, Spain, you are treated to a wide range of unique, unstructured building designs that are so different from the rest of Europe. There is Catalan Modernism architecture, which is influenced by modern Gothic and oriental techniques. Two very famous architecture in Barcelona by Antoni Gaudi are the unfinished La Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, the latter reminds me of a candy house! If you crave for some modernity, visit Valencia, also in Spain, to get visual treats like the Oceanographic City of Arts and Sciences while feasting on the ever so juicy and sweet Valencia oranges.

For the other significant styles such as Medieval, Byzantine, Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Rococo etc., they are mainly found in France and other European cities. Moving quickly through history, I would instead like to touch on more recent architectural styles as seen in USA such as Neoclassicism, which is the rejection of the opulence of the ruling class, an example being the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., USA. There is also Art Deco architecture, defined by symmetrical and geometric patterns, floral and animal motifs and pastel colours, There are several in New York City like Chrsyler Building and Empire State Building in New York City, USA. There is also  a more laid back, retro vibe from the Art Deco buildings located in historic district in Miami, USA. 

Fast forward, we have Modernist architecture, which emphasises on functionality more than aesthetics, and Postmodernism architecture, which reinvents historical details and familiar motifs. Dubai would be  a good example of Contemporary architecture, given the number of skyscrapers and modern designs that can be viewed along its skyline. I would also like to suggest New York City, with one of its newest Vessel in Hudson Yards whereby you are able to climb up its spiral staircase to enjoy new perspectives of the city. There is also the 9/11 Memorial and Museum which I highly recommend, where you get moved just by strolling in silence around the waterfall pools. I have a penchant for odd looking buildings and one such would be Bard College, with its futuristic looking performing arts centre, which can be classified as Neomodernism architecture, which I will further discuss in the last part.

Asia, being the fastest developing continent, does have its share of good-looking contemporary, Neomodernism architecture. A number of luxury fashion houses have created artistic looking buildings as their flagship stores. Examples are Louis Vuitton Maison Osaka Midosuji, Japan, with a sail façade depicting the relationship with Osaka, being a City of Water; House of Dior Seoul, which resembles petals, giving it a white, flowy surface feel; and Apple Marina Bay Sands, a first Apple store worldwide to sit directly on the water.