View allAll Photos Tagged LandmarkArchitecture

Al Jalali Fort is located near Al Alam Palace in Muscat. Formerly associated with Sultan Qaboos, the palace retained its official name, Al Alam Palace, after his passing in 2020. Built by the Portuguese in the late 16th century during their occupation of Oman, the fort stands on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Gulf of Oman. Originally part of the city's coastal defense system, it has a long history of military use and later served as a prison. Today, the fort is maintained by the Omani government and is used for state events – Muscat, Oman

The see-through church, officially "Reading Between the Lines," is a unique artwork in Borgloon, Belgium. Designed by the architectural duo Gijs Van Vaerenbergh in 2011, the church consists of 100 stacked steel plates. Due to its open structure, the building appears solid from some angles and almost transparent from others. This symbolizes the interplay between landscape, architecture, and spirituality. The see-through church is a popular tourist attraction and offers an impressive view of the surrounding Haspengouw region.

The see-through church, officially "Reading Between the Lines," is a unique artwork in Borgloon, Belgium. Designed by the architectural duo Gijs Van Vaerenbergh in 2011, the church consists of 100 stacked steel plates. Due to its open structure, the building appears solid from some angles and almost transparent from others. This symbolizes the interplay between landscape, architecture, and spirituality. The see-through church is a popular tourist attraction and offers an impressive view of the surrounding Haspengouw region.

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“You look like Angelina Jolie” – I said jokingly just a minute into our chat—some playful remarks, a bit of fun, passion, excitement, and the promise of an adventure – that makes up for the next episode of this series. I remember when I embarked on my own journey – my very first encounter with a stranger who happened to be a fashion model. It was a serendipitous introduction by a friend who, coincidentally, was there on assignment as a photographer. That rendezvous feels like a distant memory now, almost a decade ago.

 

In the years that followed, I crossed paths with countless individuals, some dreaming of modeling, others showing extraordinary potential for the industry. Then there was this one person I met over a year ago, a fashion school alumna. Surprisingly, despite her training, she never took the plunge. So you can imagine my delight today, stumbling upon someone brimming with both passion and determination, finally ready to seize the opportunity.

 

Just a few days ago, as she was wandering through the city streets, when fate intervened, caught the eye of a business promoter who offered her a modeling gig for a clothing brand. She dives in headfirst, and to her surprise, discovers a newfound confidence in front of the camera. It's like she's found her calling. And here's the kicker—she's an electrician by trade, proof that passion knows no bounds and when that fiery passion ignites within, it's a sign to follow wherever it leads.

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There are a lot more to this!

 

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Nestled in the heart of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, the Meriwether Lewis Museum offers a captivating glimpse into the rich tapestry of American exploration and history. Housed in a beautifully preserved historic building, the museum stands as a testament to Lewis’s role in the Corps of Discovery and the pivotal part Harpers Ferry played in early American expansion.

 

The museum building itself reflects the enduring craftsmanship of early 19th-century architecture, with its striking red brick façade, soft blue shutters, and stone foundation that hint at the town’s industrial and mercantile past. Originally built during the bustling era when Harpers Ferry thrived as a transportation hub, the structure now serves as a gateway for visitors to step back in time and explore the legacy of Meriwether Lewis and the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

 

Inside, the exhibits detail Lewis’s journey westward, his preparations at Harpers Ferry, and the broader context of the Corps of Discovery’s groundbreaking exploration of the American frontier. Interpretive panels, artifacts, and photographs enrich the visitor experience, while the museum’s carefully preserved architecture embodies the town’s historical significance.

 

The Meriwether Lewis Museum is more than a tribute to an intrepid explorer; it’s a window into the ambitions, challenges, and achievements of a young nation. Standing at the intersection of commerce, conflict, and discovery, the museum’s location highlights Harpers Ferry’s central role in America’s story—where rivers met, railroads converged, and history unfolded.

 

As visitors wander the cobblestone streets of Harpers Ferry and gaze upon the museum’s inviting red brick, they are invited to reflect on the audacity of exploration and the resilience of the American spirit. The Meriwether Lewis Museum is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and anyone intrigued by the compelling tales of America’s past.

Meet Kaisa, the ultimate thrill-seeker – lover of surprises and adventurer extraordinaire! For the past 17 years, she's been tearing up the hill tracks on her trusty dirt bike, a skill she picked up from her dad. But Kaisa's not just about adrenaline-pumping rides; she's also a connoisseur of wanderlust, globe-trotting through several countries before making her way Down Under. Adding to her adventurous spirit, she immersed herself in ten months of farm work in the remote outskirts of Perth, in the middle of nowhere!

 

From the quaint corners of Estonia to the wilderness of Perth and now soaking in the vibes of Sydney, her journey is nothing short of epic. Her dad, her lifelong mentor, not only taught her the ropes of dirt biking since she was 10 but also instilled in her the invaluable life lesson: "there's a solution for everything." Despite taking a tumble or two in her younger days, Kaisa emerged unscathed and stronger, now ready to conquer the globe solo.

 

Kaisa's most remarkable feat? In 2018, while in Sweden, she conquered one of the tallest concrete hills without a single spill. Yep, you read that right – she's a pro at hill gliding! Kaisa's remarkable achievements and zest for life make her one heck of an inspiring trailblazer.

 

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There are a lot more to this!

 

If you are interested about the whole episode, please head over to my website following this link as it contains much more information and many more images.

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This picture is #64 in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page

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Jianggang, the new, ultra-modern business and shopping district in Hangzhou, is so complex in its architecture, I really had a hard time in finding a spot that didn´t completely overwhelm with abstract lines and LED light of all colors and styles. I settled for this spot in the end - the reflection added a somewhat stabilizing element.

   

© Andy Brandl / PhotonMix (2011)

Don´t redistribute / use on webpages, blogs or any other media without my explicit written consent

 

Heydar Aliyev Conference Centre in Baku.

No one single straight edge, all curves...Awesome.

Walking around the building, to tone of the traffic noises changes with each curve.

The iconic Hyatt Regency San Francisco at Embarcadero Center is renowned for its futuristic, towering atrium, designed by celebrated architect John Portman. Opened in 1973, the hotel revolutionized public spaces in hospitality with its 17-story atrium—once the largest in the world. This architectural masterpiece is a blend of concrete and glass, creating a vast vertical space that showcases the daring modernism of the 1970s.

 

The photo captures the breathtaking scale and geometric rhythm of the atrium’s upper levels, where rows of balconies create a striking visual pattern. These balconies form part of the hotel’s radial design, giving the space a sense of limitless expansion. The angular lines that seem to shoot upwards direct your gaze toward the ceiling, where natural light filters in through strategically placed skylights. The atrium not only serves as a functional part of the hotel but also acts as a work of art, enveloping visitors in an environment that feels both grand and intimate.

 

Portman’s design makes incredible use of perspective and light, with sunlight streaming through the upper skylights and casting intricate shadows across the expansive interior. The atrium’s verticality is further emphasized by the glass-enclosed elevator shafts, adding to the futuristic and almost spaceship-like atmosphere. This dynamic space remains a focal point of the Hyatt Regency, offering guests a sense of awe and tranquility in the heart of San Francisco’s bustling financial district.

Nestled atop the scenic hills of San Simeon, Hearst Castle’s main house, La Casa Grande, is a stunning example of Mediterranean Revival and Spanish Renaissance architecture. This iconic estate, designed by Julia Morgan for media tycoon William Randolph Hearst, showcases intricate details like the opulent bell tower with vibrant, hand-painted tiles and an ornate dome capped with a regal cross. The building's grandeur is accentuated by lush gardens, blooming with vibrant flowers and towering trees, providing a picturesque frame to the estate’s breathtaking design.

 

One of the most remarkable features of the main house is its fusion of European styles, blending elements from Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque influences. The mosaics, statuary, and detailed facades are a tribute to classical European architecture, giving visitors the sense of stepping into a grand European palace. The surrounding gardens, meticulously landscaped, offer serene walkways and panoramic views of California’s central coast.

 

The estate’s intricate craftsmanship and lavish interiors make Hearst Castle a must-see destination for architecture lovers, history buffs, and travelers alike. With its stunning design, expansive gardens, and rich history, the main house of Hearst Castle remains one of California’s most treasured landmarks.

The Bliss & Faville designed building at One Market Street is a standout among San Francisco's early 20th-century architectural treasures. Completed in 1916, this Neoclassical gem epitomizes the grandeur of the era, with its red-brick façade, monumental columns, and intricate cornice detailing. Once a key player in the city's waterfront commerce, One Market's stately presence was a beacon for businesses and merchants as the city's skyline began to rise.

 

The building’s facade is characterized by symmetry and elegance, with its rusticated lower floors contrasted against the smooth upper levels. The top of the structure boasts a meticulously crafted cornice, giving it a commanding, yet refined, presence on the busy corner of Market Street. Large arched windows bring in natural light and provide stunning views of the San Francisco Bay, making it a prime location for both office spaces and commercial endeavors over the decades.

 

Designed by the renowned San Francisco-based architectural firm Bliss & Faville, One Market reflects the firm’s attention to classical proportions and ornate detail. This building was a key development in shaping the city’s financial district and remains a celebrated piece of San Francisco's rich architectural history.

 

With its seamless blend of old-world sophistication and modern-day functionality, One Market continues to serve as a reminder of San Francisco's post-1906 earthquake resilience. It's a must-see for architecture buffs and history enthusiasts alike, offering a glimpse into the city’s evolution.

This captivating view of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in San Francisco highlights the building’s most dramatic features: its soaring Romanesque bell tower, ornate rose window, and turreted corner capped with a slate conical roof and golden cross. Set against a moody sky, the rich red brick and cream stone detailing pop with storybook intensity—echoing the architectural grandeur of 19th-century Europe while remaining uniquely rooted in San Francisco’s Civic Center.

 

Completed in 1895 and designed by architect H. J. Brede, St. Mark’s is one of the city’s finest examples of Romanesque Revival ecclesiastical design. This composition reveals the tower’s symmetrical arcade of arched louvered windows, bracketed cornices, and decorative inset circles that add texture and depth to the brick facade. The rose window, set within a deep arched frame and flanked by ornate stonework, centers the composition and pulls the viewer’s gaze upward, where the sharply pitched gable and twin towers evoke stability and grace.

 

Unlike many churches lost to the 1906 earthquake and fire, St. Mark’s survived and has remained a consistent presence in a rapidly evolving neighborhood. Its warm masonry, turreted towers, and formal geometry stand in powerful contrast to the glass and concrete that surrounds it.

 

Whether you're drawn to its spiritual significance or its historic architecture, this view of St. Mark’s captures the strength, symmetry, and detail that make it one of San Francisco’s most photogenic churches.

Undulating curves of golden Kasota limestone greet visitors at the entrance of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, a bold architectural statement on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. This photo captures the museum’s sinuous façade and sweeping canopy—an homage to natural rock formations shaped by wind and water. Opened in 2004 and designed by Douglas Cardinal (Blackfoot/Algonquin) in collaboration with Johnpaul Jones (Cherokee/Choctaw) and the firm Jones & Jones, the building is the first Smithsonian museum dedicated solely to Native American heritage—and the first to be designed by Indigenous architects.

 

Rather than adopting neoclassical or Brutalist tropes common to federal buildings, the design draws from Native philosophies and relationships to land, light, and ceremony. The absence of straight lines echoes the belief that nature itself is curvilinear, flowing, alive. The main entrance faces the rising sun, in alignment with spiritual traditions. The textured limestone, quarried in Minnesota, exudes warmth and seems to ripple across the building’s surface like layers of sediment or memory.

 

The museum was envisioned as more than a place to view artifacts—it’s a cultural hub where Native voices are centered. Exhibits are developed in collaboration with Indigenous communities, and the museum hosts festivals, talks, and performances celebrating Native resilience and storytelling.

 

In this image, the interplay of organic forms and architectural precision is striking. Glass curtain walls arc inward and outward, blurring the threshold between built environment and the natural world. The overhang above the entrance shields visitors in a welcoming gesture, like a canyon alcove or the arms of a sheltering ancestor.

 

Set against the urban geometry of Washington, D.C., the building offers a tactile, poetic contrast. It reminds us that Indigenous cultures are not relics of the past but vibrant contributors to the present and future. Through both its content and its form, the National Museum of the American Indian asserts presence, sovereignty, and continuity.

Nestled within the heart of the Music Concourse in Golden Gate Park, the Spreckels Temple of Music stands as an architectural gem and a cultural centerpiece. Commissioned in 1899 by Claus Spreckels, a wealthy sugar magnate, the temple embodies both grandeur and grace. Designed by the Reid Brothers, known for their work on other San Francisco landmarks, this classical-style band shell was crafted from Colusa sandstone. The structure's monumental scale is accentuated by its ornate details, including sculptural carvings by the acclaimed artist Robert I. Aitken.

 

The Spreckels Temple of Music has been an iconic setting for public concerts, speeches, and performances, serving the community for over a century. Its elegant arches and classical columns reflect Beaux-Arts influences, while the bas-relief sculptures add a sense of timeless artistry. In 2003, the San Francisco Planning Commission recognized the historical significance of this venue, acknowledging its central role in the Music Concourse, which is San Francisco Landmark 249. The area was also listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2004.

 

The temple's enduring importance is further highlighted by its ability to connect the past with the present. Today, the Spreckels Temple of Music remains a cherished performance venue and gathering place, surrounded by cultural institutions like the de Young Museum and the California Academy of Sciences. Its location in Golden Gate Park adds to its allure, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in San Francisco’s rich history and vibrant cultural landscape.

Step into a world of timeless glamour at a spectacular San Francisco residence nestled within one of the city’s most legendary Beaux-Arts style buildings. Situated in the heart of San Francisco’s historic Parisian-style neighborhood, this architectural gem, built in 1914 in the Haussmann style by renowned architect Houghton Sawyer for media magnate William Randolph Hearst, exudes elegance & charm. The distinctive blush-hued Beaux-Arts edifice at 1001 California Street, affectionately known as “1001,” is revered as one of San Francisco’s most architecturally significant landmarks. Its rich history and exquisite design captivate visitors, offering a glimpse into the city's illustrious past. From its ornate facade to its grand interiors, every detail tells a story of innovation and sophistication. Whether you're strolling past or stepping inside, “1001” invites you to experience the essence of San Francisco's architectural heritage with unparalleled grace and allure.

185' high.. it's collapsed three times in it's history and of course been rebuilt... the last time in the 10th century.

Crowning the corner of Grant Avenue and California Street, this pagoda-topped structure stands as one of Chinatown’s most iconic and photographed landmarks. The multi-tiered roof—layered in red, green, and gold—evokes classical Chinese temple architecture, but it’s affixed to a Western-style brick commercial building, embodying the East-meets-West hybrid style that defines much of San Francisco's Chinatown. Green-glazed tile accents run along the cornice and building edges, providing rhythm and contrast against the golden brick. Street-level shops and red lantern-adorned light posts anchor the building in its lively urban context. A perfect fusion of theatrical architecture and cultural pride.

THese huge signs give you a sense of scale when you see how small the people are in the picture

Looking up one of the walls towards the huge ceiling.. so impressive

The Interior Narthex, the first secton of the building you walk into.. it has a beautiful richly decorated ceiling.. very impressive entrance that leads you into something even more grand.

What a huge space

The view of the Sultanahmet Camili from the Hagia Sophia.. and Istanbul moment

THe center piece of the Hagia Sophia.. again gives you a good perspective of the height of this building.

At 422 West Minnesota Avenue, DeLand

 

Andrew Jackson Downing would be pleased.

High Style. Contemporary. Traditional. The choice is yours. The apartments at Manhattan House were designed with classic understated simplicity, making each one the perfect canvas for you to express your individual style. The building's unique floor plan ensures that nearly every residence is a corner unit of a floor-through, filled with natural light from two exposures. Perfectly situated on a quiet, tree-lined two way boulevard overlooking a beautiful private park each residence has an unobstructed view. Manhattan House was built with exacting craftsmanship, and the renovation preserves these details while updating the building with every modern convenience. Every residence features plaster moldings, oak floors, solid doors, and custom hardware. Many homes also have wood burning fireplaces and private balconies. Each unit is conveniently pre-wired for fiber optics, allowing for state-of-the-art phone, cable, and high-speed Internet. With only two to seven residences on each floor, privacy and exclusivity are built in.

Looks like some they've restored and repaired this part of the ceiling in the Interior Narthex. The mosaic work is incredible

Originally this was a church but later became a mosque then today a museum.. the Arab influence is clearly see in the design of the main dome.. simply stunning in gold

High Style. Contemporary. Traditional. The choice is yours. The apartments at Manhattan House were designed with classic understated simplicity, making each one the perfect canvas for you to express your individual style. The building's unique floor plan ensures that nearly every residence is a corner unit of a floor-through, filled with natural light from two exposures. Perfectly situated on a quiet, tree-lined two way boulevard overlooking a beautiful private park each residence has an unobstructed view. Manhattan House was built with exacting craftsmanship, and the renovation preserves these details while updating the building with every modern convenience. Every residence features plaster moldings, oak floors, solid doors, and custom hardware. Many homes also have wood burning fireplaces and private balconies. Each unit is conveniently pre-wired for fiber optics, allowing for state-of-the-art phone, cable, and high-speed Internet. With only two to seven residences on each floor, privacy and exclusivity are built in.

Designed by the Met's house architect, John Dixon Butler, and built between 1907 and 1910, Wapping Police Station is the home of the Metropolitan Police's Marine Policing Unit. It was Grade II listed in 1983.

 

Also Grade II listed is Old Aberdeen Wharf to the left. With its white façade and giant Tuscan pilasters, it presents a much fancier face to the river than it does to Wapping High Street, which is a plain brick rather affair rather more typical of a London warehouse. The conversion to apartments was designed by Landmark Architecture in Wandsworth.

 

The towers of the St George Estate, currently being refurbished, can be seen peeking over from behind.

 

Panasonic G2 with Canon FDn 85mm f/1.8.

Beautiful windows grace the spacious kitchens in each residence at Manhattan House, allowing you to take in the sunlight and fresh air with your morning coffee. The kitchens offer contemporary styling with luxury finishes, including custom wood cabinetry, CaesarStone countertops, subtle designer lighting and Ann Sacks glass tiles. Top-of-the-line Viking Professional Series appliances, including glass cooktops, convection ovens, microwaves, dishwashers, and wine coolers create a dream kitchen for those with discerning tastes.

January 10, 2019 - "The Hebrew Bible is the cornerstone of the Jewish people and this fundamental text has left its imprint on Christianity and Islam.

 

The Shrine of the Book was built as a repository for the first seven scrolls discovered at Qumran in 1947. The unique white dome embodies the lids of the jars in which the first scrolls were found. This symbolic building, a kind of sanctuary intended to express profound spiritual meaning, is considered an international landmark of modern architecture. Designed by American Jewish architects Armand P. Bartos and Frederic J. Kiesler, it was dedicated in an impressive ceremony on April 20, 1965. Its location next to official institutions of the State of Israel—the Knesset (Israeli Parliament), key government offices, and the Jewish National and University Library—is appropriate considering the degree of national importance that has been accorded the ancient texts and the building that preserves them.

 

The contrast between the white dome and the black wall alongside it alludes to the tension evident in the scrolls between the spiritual world of the “Sons of Light” (as the Judean Desert sectarians called themselves) and the “Sons of Darkness” (the sect’s enemies). The corridor leading into the Shrine resembles a cave, recalling the site where the ancient manuscripts were discovered.

 

Providing a vivid context for the Shrine of the Book and the Dead Sea Scrolls and for many contemporaneous archaeological artifacts displayed throughout the Museum, the Model Illustrates one of the most formative periods in the history of the Jewish people and bears a deep connection to the symbols of modern statehood that surround the Museum campus." Previous text from the following website: www.imj.org.il/en/wings/shrine-book

Manhattan House is one of the most influential pieces of architecture from the city's mid-century period. Inspired by Le Corbusier, the father of Modernist architecture, Manhattan House was designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the internationally renowned architecture firm responsible for the Time Warner Center, the St. Regis Hotel and Residences and the Lever House. The first master architect Gorden Bunshaft, was lead designer as well as a resident. His building was honored with landmark status in 2007, and was recently designated as the host site for the 2008 Kips Bay Decorator Show House, the premier design exposition in North America.

Welcome to the Manhattan Club, a residence only retreat poised atop the building with 10,000 square feet of rooftop and amenity space. This penthouse space offers a 360-degree panorama of the New York City skyline. Featuring an indoor library and lounge, as well as tastefully landscaped terraces, this elegant and sophisticated space is an ideal personal retreat or venue for entertaining your private parties.

A gigantic column rising up twards an arch

I presume these (one of 4 or 5 circular panels inside the building) huge panels are displaying phrases from the Qur'an I don't understand Arabic and I read these are particularly difficult to read being in a dialect several hundred years old and combined in an unusual manner. They stood out though among the features of the building. Apparently they were hidden for many centuries and only revealed within the last 100-200 years. To me they are just striking.

Beautiful windows grace the spacious kitchens in each residence at Manhattan House, allowing you to take in the sunlight and fresh air with your morning coffee. The kitchens offer contemporary styling with luxury finishes, including custom wood cabinetry, CaesarStone countertops, subtle designer lighting and Ann Sacks glass tiles. Top-of-the-line Viking Professional Series appliances, including glass cooktops, convection ovens, microwaves, dishwashers, and wine coolers create a dream kitchen for those with discerning tastes.

Two of the minarets at the Hagia Sophia

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