The Washington Monument is an obelisk near the west end of the National Mall in Washington, D.C., built to commemorate the first U.S. president, General George Washington. The monument, made of marble, granite, and bluestone gneiss, is both the world's tallest stone structure and the world's tallest obelisk, standing 169.294 m. There are taller monumental columns, but they are neither all stone nor true obelisks. It is also the tallest structure in Washington D.C. It was designed by Robert Mills, an architect of the 1840s. The actual construction of the monument began in 1848 but was not completed until 1884, almost 30 years after the architect's death. This hiatus in construction happened because of co-option by the Know Nothing party, a lack of funds, and the intervention of the American Civil War. A difference in shading of the marble, visible approximately 46 m or 27% up, shows where construction was halted for a number of years. The cornerstone was laid on July 4th, 1848; the capstone was set on December 6th, 1884, and the completed monument was dedicated on February 21th, 1885. It officially opened October 9th, 1888. Upon completion, it became the world's tallest structure, a title previously held by the Cologne Cathedral. The monument held this designation until 1889, when the Eiffel Tower was completed in Paris, France. The monument stands due east of the Reflecting Pool and the Lincoln Memorial.

Love this beautiful light on the ceiling of the Casa Batlló. Architect's dream, builder's nightmare. Such genius from Gaudí.

Basilique du Sacré - Cœur de Jésus

Basilique du Sacré-Cœur (en français)

Le sacre coeur.jpg

La basilique du Sacré-Cœur, vue de la base de la butte Montmartre .

Informations de base

EmplacementParis , France

Affiliationcatholique

ProvinceArchidiocèse de Paris

Année consacrée1919

Statut ecclésiastique ou organisationnelBasilique Mineure

Site InternetBasilique du Sacré Cœur

Description architecturale

Architecte (s)Paul Abadie

Révolutionnaire1875

Terminé1914

Caractéristiques

Longueur85 mètres

Largeur35 mètres

Hauteur (max)83 mètres

MatériauxPierre de travertin

La basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Paris , communément appelée basilique du Sacré-Cœur et souvent simplement Sacré-Cœur ( français : Basilique du Sacré-Cœur , prononcé[sakʁe kœʁ] ), est une église catholique et une basilique mineure , dédiée au Sacré-Cœur de Jésus, à Paris , en France . Un repère populaire, la basilique est située au sommet de la butte Montmartre , le point culminant de la ville. Sacré-Cœur est un double monument, politique et culturelle,foispénitence nationale de la défaite deFrance dans les années 1870 , la guerre franco-prussienne et le socialiste Commune de Paris de 1871 [1] couronnant son quartierplus rebelle, et un mode de réalisation morale conservatrice ordre, publiquement dédié au Sacré Cœur de Jésus, qui était une vision de plus en plus populaire d'un Christ aimant et compatissant. [2]

La basilique a été conçue par Paul Abadie . La construction a commencé en 1875 et s'est achevée en 1914. La basilique a été consacrée après la fin de la première guerre mondiale en 1919.

Tryon Palace was the official residence and administrative headquarters of the British governors of North Carolina from 1770 to 1775, at which time it was known as the Governor's Palace. Located in New Bern, the palace was often at the center of state occasions and royal hospitality. The residence was seized by rebel troops in 1775. Shortly after the state capital was relocated to Raleigh in 1792, the main building burned to the ground. A modern recreation faithful to the original architect's plans and some period appropriate support structures were erected on the site in the 1950s and opened to the public in 1959. The palace garden was also recreated, with 16 acres (6.5 ha) of plantings, representing three centuries of landscape and gardening heritage. Today, the palace is a state historic site 123

Chateau de Cheverny is a rare thing within the Loire Valley - a chateau that appears untouched by the Renaissance. This could have a lot to do with the fact that the chateau is still owned by descendants of the original builders, the Hurault family. Built sometime between 1604 and 1635,depending on whose account you read, the 17th century chateau is built in pure Louis XIII classical style with a rigid symmetry.The look is softened by the architect’s use of different roof styles from bell towers to domes.

I went to visit the new Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute late one night recently. It's a really impressive building with very few straight lines and more interesting features than you can count. I have spoken to a few people involved in its construction and apparently all the curves came close to driving some of the builders a tad crazy.

New Cathedral (official name: Catedral Metropolitana de la Inmaculada Concepción). Its towers are truncated due to a calculation error of the architect. Had it been constructed as planned, the foundation would not bear the weight of the full towers.

In spite of the architect's immeasurable mistake, the New Cathedral of Cuenca, completed in 1975, is a monumental work of faith. A combination of Romanesque Revival and Neo-Gothic in style, the church's blue and white domes have become a symbol for the city. Its façade is made of alabaster and local marble, while the floor of the nave is covered with pink marble, brought from Carrara (Italy).

At its inauguration, the newly constructed Cathedral could accommodated 9,000 out of Cuenca's 10,000 inhabitants at that time.

Sufi temple

The Sufi temple is located south of the boulevard of Katwijk aan Zee (Holland), on the edge of the dunes. The temple is called Universal Murad Hassil and was built in 1969. The Sufi temple is unique; it is one of the few temples of universal Sufism in the world. The temple is an international center where universal worship, brotherhood days and other gatherings are held. The annual summer schools of the Universal Sufi Movement also take place here. Moreover, concerts of classical music are given.

As a religious movement, Sufism is characterized by an interaction of religious and spiritual influences. It provides methods for achieving ideals. Central to this is the freedom to find your own way. Universal Sufism is not intended to be a new religion, but to provide a meeting place for all people who, regardless of their faith, race or class, long for love, harmony and beauty.

The building was designed by the Dutch architect S.J. from Embden. Construction of the temple started in 1969. Architect Van Embden considered it one of his best designs. The austere style of the simple square building is that of the so-called new building. The temple has a square shape, with a gold-colored dome on the roof. The square represents strength and stability. The dome has a typical oriental shape. It is translucent and turns gold on the inside. It symbolizes the human heart, which, directed towards the sky, opens up to the divine light. On special occasions, a lamp can be placed on the inside that makes a gold-colored light shine out. The hall in the temple is 13 by 13 meters and can accommodate about 120 visitors.

Construction works started in 1885 and lasted for almost a century. This building combines many architecture styles, but Romanesque Revival is predominant. The cathedral is surmounted by three giant domes covered by striking blue and white glazed tile from Czechoslovakia. Its stained glass windows were created by Spanish artist Guillermo Larrazábal.

Its towers are truncated due to a calculation error of the architect. If they had been raised to their planned height, the foundation of this Church to the Immaculate Conception, would not have been able to bear the weight. In spite of the architect's immense mistake, the skyline of its domes has become a symbol for the city. Its facade is made of alabaster and local marble, while the floor is covered with pink marble, brought from Carrara (Italy). When the Cathedral was first constructed 9,000 out of Cuenca's 10,000 inhabitants could fit in the building.

***

The Cathedral of Cuenca has six domes that are on the pre-ministry and the Central Nave. They are divided into three highs and three lows that are interspersed in their location. all domes have a flashlight inside. The three high domes and one of the low ones are covered by tile while the others maintain the brick structure.

The tall domes have a Renaissance style, the largest is on the Cruiser and has an inner diameter of 12 meters and has a height of 53 meters.

***

There are two types of domes:

Low: constituted by spherical shells, seated directly on the arches.

Tall: linked or seated on the arches by means of four spherical triangles (called pendentives). On these pendentives sits a ring, from which a cylinder is generated (called drum) that is crowned by a vault banked. At the top of the dome, there is the Lantern, of Renaissance architectural design.

dictionary: "An architect is a person who plans, designs and oversees the construction of buildings"

That's like saying Picasso put paint on canvas...

Where once there was only sky we now have 'The Sky'. - Not just a building occupying space, but an entity becoming part of that space.

In the architect's imagination they envisioned the direct relationship between the physical sky and clouds to the reflected clouds. The soft sky to the Euclidean lines of their structure. - together through their relationship they each achieve presence.

photo: a matter of gradation. As a raging storm approached from behind I aimed toward the tranquil blue sky before me. Capturing the east and west, blues turned gray, the air cooled as the breeze angered to a wind.

In reality all credit for this photo goes to the architect. I just saw what they wanted me to see.

Schaumburg Towers = 1400 American lane, Schaumburg, Illinois

Paul De Santis of the Chicago architectural firm Goettsch Partners

Région OCCITANIE , département de l' Aveyron .

Pont Autoroutier sur l' A75 .

Pont à haubans

Longueur : 2 460 mètres

largeur : 32 mètres

Pilier le plus haut : 300 mètres .

44° 05' 14' N , 3° 01' 15' E

Architecte(s) : Lord Norman FOSTER & Partners .

Construction : octobre 2001 / décembre 2004 .

Durée d' utilisation : 120 ans .

Il s' agit de la durée pendant laquelle le Viaduc doit pouvoir être utilisé comme prévu , en faisant l' objet de l' entretien et de la maintenance escomptés mais sans qu' il soit nécessaire de faire des réparations majeures ...

Vue aérienne .

Pilote : Patrice .

Originally an apartment building, the Rialto by 1931 housed various business offices and the medical clinics it was known for by mid-century, when it was renamed the Medical Arts Building. It was renamed the Harrell Building in 1985 or 1986 and still housed its final tenant, an architect's office, as late as 2003.

A relatively new building in a style that I'd call Soviet-inspired prefab.

But I like the shapes and the way the light plays around with them.

Could the shapes be inspired by tyres?

Bicocca (the former Pirelli factory grounds), Milano, Italia.

I found very little info, not even the architect's name.

Building started in 2018, and it's owned by a company named società Caltagirone.

Praha - Prague_Kostel sv. Mikuláše_Praha 1 - Malá Strana_Czechia

St. Nicholas Church (Malá Strana)

St Nicholas Church

The Church of Saint Nicholas

Kostel svatého Mikuláše

Prague 07-2016 view from Lesser Town Tower of Charles Bridge img1.jpg

50°05′17″N 14°24′12″ECoordinates: 50°05′17″N 14°24′12″E

LocationPrague

CountryCzech Republic

DenominationRoman Catholic

WebsiteWebsite of the Church

History

StatusActive

Founded1704

Architecture

Functional statusParish Church

Architect(s)Christoph Dientzenhofer

Architectural typeBasilica

StyleBaroque

Completed1755

Specifications

Height49 meters

Dome height (outer)79 meters

Dome diameter (outer)20 meters

Spire height79 meters

Administration

ParishLesser Town of Prague

ArchdiocesePrague

The Church of Saint Nicholas (Czech: Kostel svatého Mikuláše) is a Baroque church in the Lesser Town of Prague. It was built between 1704-1755 on the site where formerly a Gothic church from the 13th century stood, which was also dedicated to Saint Nicholas.

Decoration

It has been described as "the most impressive example of Prague Baroque"[1] and "without doubt the greatest Baroque church in Prague and the Dientzenhofers' supreme achievement".[2]

Interior of the dome

On the shield is a sign of the alleged patron of the building Frantisek Karel Count of Kolowrat-Liebsteinsky. The mark of the actual patron Václav Count of Kolowrat-Liebsteinsky on the facade of the temple is not found. He was so humble that he did not want his name to be associated with the building, and after the completion of the building he was used on the front of the coat of arms of his uncle.

The church excels not only in the architecture, but also in the decoration, mainly with the frescos by Jan Lukas Kracker and a fresco inside the 70 m high dome by František Xaver Palko. The interior is further decorated with sculptures by František Ignác Platzer. The Baroque organ has over 4,000 pipes up to six metres in length and was played by Mozart in 1787. Mozart's spectacular masterpiece, Mass in C, was first performed in the Church of Saint Nicholas shortly after his visit.[3][4]

The 79 m tall belfry is directly connected with the church’s massive dome. The belfry with great panoramic view, was unlike the church completed in Rococo forms in 1751-1756 by Anselmo Lurago.

Der preisgekrönte Wettbewerbsentwurf des Projekts stammt vom Hamburger Architektenbüro BRT – Bothe, Richter, Teherani. Der Entwurf Hadi Teheranis, als Mitbegründer von BRT, umfasste zwei Türme, 85 und 75 Meter hoch, mit bis zu 24 Etagen.[ Das auffälligste Merkmal der Türme ist die geknickte Fassadenkonstruktion aus Glas und Stahl.

Laut Beschreibung des Architekten stellen die Türme ein tanzendes Paar dar – „Mann und Frau, die sich zum Tango bewegen. Vielleicht auch die X-Beine einer Prostituierten, die auf dem Kiez nach Freiern Ausschau hält.“

The award-winning competition design for the project comes from the Hamburg architects BRT - Bothe, Richter, Teherani. Hadi Tehrani's design, as co-founder of BRT, comprised two towers, 85 and 75 meters high, with up to 24 floors. [The most striking feature of the towers is the bent facade construction made of glass and steel.

According to the architect's description, the towers represent a dancing couple - “Man and woman moving to tango. Maybe also the knock-knees of a prostitute looking for suitors in the neighborhood. "

Website : roquesgallery-photography.co/

Ještěd, the highest mountain of the Ještěd ridge (1012 m.a.s.l.). It has long been considered one of the main landmarks of northern Bohemia and a symbol of the city of Liberec, which lies below it.

In 1737, a cross was erected for the first time on the summit crag, the first of a series of crosses on Ještěd. As early as 1847, a house was built on top of this mountain, which served as a refreshment station. In 1868, the house was replaced by a stone cottage, next to which in 1876 a 5 m high observation tower was built. However, it had to be torn down soon. The ever-increasing rush of visitors led to the construction of a massive new stone building with a 23-meter-high tower, adapted as an observation tower. The ceremonial opening of this new landmark of Ještěd took place on January 13, 1907. Unfortunately, this unique building with a rich history ended its operation tragically, in a fire on January 31, 1963. After only two years, the construction of a new modern building with a 90 m high tower according to the architect's design began Karel Hubáček. In 1969, he won the extremely prestigious Perret Prize of the International Union of Architects for it.

From the top of the Ještěd mountain, there is an unlimited view of all sides of the world. Its shape and refined technicism respond uniquely to the landscape context, to the conical peak of the mountain, to which it adds an elegant aerodynamic tip.

It seems obvious: every building has a builder. Nobody would look at this structure and conclude that it evolved through a series of random events, with no intelligent thought behind it.

Scientists estimate that the human body contains about 70 trillion cells. That's a remarkably big number. But what really amazes me, is that every one of those 70 trillion cells contains detailed coded instructions on how to build the whole body. That just screams "DESIGN"!

In his book, the Selfish Gene, Richard Dawkins says of DNA:

This DNA can be regarded as a set of instructions for how to make a body, written in the A, T, C, G, alphabet of the nucleotides. It is as though, in every room of a gigantic building, there was a book-case containing the architect's plans for the entire building.

Dawkins denies that there is a God, yet admits that all living cells contain information (instructions), and even likens it to architect's plans.

If it is self-evident that a building has a builder, how much more obvious is it that all of creation must have a Creator?

For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God. (Hebrews 3:4)

A visitor to the Milwaukee Art Museum snaps a photo in the chancel of Windhover Hall overlooking Lake Michigan. The grand reception hall, designed by Santiago Calatrava, is the Spanish architect's interpretation of a modern Gothic cathedral. Thanks for viewing! Get off your apse, start snapping and enjoy your weekend :)

Nikon D5100, Tamron 18-270, ISO 200, f/11.0, 18mm, 1/100s

Corner detail of The John Dalton Building, a part of Manchester Metropolitan University, built in 1974.

Architect: W. Heppell of the City Architect's Department

Architect(s)Uglješa Bogunović and Slobodan Janjić

View full size by hitting ''L'' on keyboard.

''Nothing requires the architect's care more than the due proportions of buildings.'' - Vitruvius

Le Pont de l'Assut de l'Or ou Pont de la Serradora

est un pont de Valence qui enjambe le fleuve Turia entre, à l'est, la Cité des arts et des sciences et, à l'ouest, l'Ágora, tous trois étant des réalisations de l'architecte valencien Santiago Calatrava Valls.

Le pont a été inauguré le 12 décembre 2008. Avec ses 123 mètres, c'est le plus haut monument de la ville. Le pont, blanc comme toutes les autres réalisations de l'architecte, adopte la forme d'une harpe dont les 29 câbles supportent le tablier.

L'Ágora

est une place couverte du complexe architectural de la Cité des arts et des sciences.

Elle fut dessinée par le célèbre architecte valencien Santiago Calatrava Valls, déjà auteur de quatre autres monuments de la Cité entre 1998 et 2008.

Comme les autres éléments de la Cité des Arts et des Sciences et œuvres de Santiago Calatrava Valls, le bâtiment relève du style futuriste : l'Ágora semble représenter deux mains entrelacées. Celui-ci représente une surface de 5000m² et atteint une hauteur de 80m, ce qui en fait le plus haut de la Cité juste devant l'Opéra de Valence, haute de 75m. Le bâtiment possède une structure métallique. De plus, il est revêtu de trencadis bleu, type de mosaïque créée à partir d'éclats de carreaux. Cette technique est d'ailleurs souvent utilisée par les architectes espagnols comme Gaudi. L'Ágora est aussi entourée d'un grand lac artificiel comme l'Opéra, l'Hemisfèric et le Musée des Sciences Prince Philippe, les autres bâtiments de la Cité.

The Assut de l'Or Bridge or Serradora Bridge

is a bridge in Valencia that crosses the Turia River between, to the east, the City of Arts and Sciences and, to the west, the Ágora, all three being the creations of the Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava Valls.

The bridge was inaugurated on December 12, 2008. With its 123 meters, it is the highest monument in the city. The bridge, white like all of the architect's other creations, takes the form of a harp whose 29 cables support the deck.

The Agora

is a covered square of the architectural complex of the City of Arts and Sciences.

It was designed by the famous Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava Valls, already author of four other monuments of the City between 1998 and 2008.

Like the other elements of the City of Arts and Sciences and works by Santiago Calatrava Valls, the building is futuristic in style: the Ágora seems to represent two intertwined hands. This represents an area of ​​5000m² and reaches a height of 80m, which makes it the highest in the City just in front of the Opéra de Valence, which is 75m high. The building has a metal structure. In addition, it is clad in blue trencadís, a type of mosaic created from shards of tiles. This technique is also often used by Spanish architects like Gaudi. The Ágora is also surrounded by a large artificial lake like the Opera, the Hemisfèric and the Prince Philippe Science Museum, the other buildings of the City.

Wer mag bei dieser in herrlichem Licht eingehüllten Silhouette noch an den Spott und Ärger rund um den Bau der Elbphilhamonie (Elphi) in Hamburg denken?

Der Entwurf des Architektenbüros Herzog & de Meuron sah auf dem damals noch bestehenden Baukörper des backsteinernen Kaispeichers A von 1966 einen gläsern verkleideten Aufbau mit markant geschwungener Dachform vor, die auch „gläserne Welle“ genannt wurde. Ziel war ein charakteristisches Merkmal des Baukörpers, um in Hamburg eine unverwechselbare Silhouette zu formen. Ich denke, das Ziel wurde erreicht.

Aufgenommen während des Flickr-Treffens 2018 in Hamburg.

Who would think of the mockery and annoyance surrounding the construction of the Elbphilhamonie (Elphi) in Hamburg with this silhouette?

The design of the architect's office Herzog & de Meuron provided on the then still existing structure of the brick Kaispeicher A of 1966 before a glass-clad structure with a strikingly curved roof shape, which was also called "glass wave". The goal was a characteristic feature of the building to form an unmistakable silhouette in Hamburg. I think the goal has been achieved.

Taken during the Flickr meeting 2018 in Hamburg.

Website: www.heiko-roebke-photography.de

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church & National Shrine designed by Santiago Calatrava

Murals painted by Father Loukas of Xenophontos

The original church was destroyed by the collapse of the World Trade Center Tower 2 on 9/11. Now after twenty years the new building has finally opened.

From the architect's website: "The design for church must respect the traditions and liturgy of the Greek Orthodox Church, but at the same time must reflect the fact that we are living in the 21st century.' His Eminence, Archbishop Demetrios."

The original house was built in 1719 for The 2nd Earl of Bute,but was rebuilt for The 3rd Marquess of Bute following a fire on 3 December 1877.[1] After his earlier creations of Cardiff Castle and Castell Coch in Cardiff, the Marquess used many of the builders and workman he had employed in South Wales, including William Burges and much of that architect's team. Burges built an oratory at the house.[3] The main part of the present house is a flamboyant example of 19th-century Gothic Revival architecture, built in a reddish-brown stone. Mount Stuart's major features include the colonnaded Marble Hall at the centre of the main block and the Marble Chapel, which has an elaborate spired tower which is the tallest part of the building. Two earlier wings in a strikingly different style survive. They are much smaller in scale, have Georgian-style sash windows and are painted white.[4]

Much of the furniture was custom-designed for the house by Robert Weir Schultz in the early years of the 20th century. He also laid out many sections of the gardens.

The Mount Stuart House claims to have the world's first heated pool in any house;[2] it was also the first home in Scotland to be lit by electricity.[5]

The house holds The Bute Collection, a private collection of artwork and artefacts The Collection also houses archives, books, furniture, and silverwork reflecting the interests of the Bute family's various generations, including 25,000 books on topics including theology, botany, agriculture and Scottish history and literature.[6] In April 2016 it was announced that a Shakespeare First Folio had been discovered in the House's Library.[7] The folio belonged to Isaac Reed.[8]

The house is open to the public.[9] Information, Wikipedia.

I have to say this is one of the best houses that I have visited, absolutely beautiful. Scotland.

Nice to Zoom in on.

El Generalife (en árabe: جَنَّة الْعَرِيف) fue la villa con jardines habitada por los reyes musulmanes de Granada como lugar de descanso, situado en la ciudad de Granada, España.

Fue concebida como villa rural, donde jardines ornamentales, huertos y arquitectura se integraban, en las cercanías de la Alhambra.

Ese huerto real era común en las cortes hispano-árabes y es fruto de las reformas y añadidos que le aportaron los diferentes sultanes.

El palacio debió de construirse a finales del siglo XIII por el segundo sultán de la dinastía nazarí, Muhammad II (1273-1302).

Fue declarado, junto con la Alhambra, Patrimonio de la Humanidad por la Unesco en 1984.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Palacio de Generalife ( Arabic: جَنَّة الْعَرِيف‎ , literally, "Architect's Garden") was the summer palace and country estate of the Nasrid Emirs of the Emirate of Granada in Al-Andalus, now beside the city of Granada in the autonomous community of Andalusia, Spain.

The palace and gardens were built during the reign of Muhammad III (1302–1309) and redecorated shortly after by Abu I-Walid Isma'il (1313–1324).

The Patio de la Acequia, which you can see in this photo, has a long pool framed by flowerbeds, fountains, colonnades and pavilions.

The Generalife is one of the oldest surviving Moorish gardens.

The Generalife is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Granada, along with the Alhambra palace and gardens, and the Albayzín district.

Designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon, the building was formally opened on 20 October 1973 after a gestation beginning with Utzon's 1957 selection as winner of an international design competition. The government of New South Wales, led by the premier, Joseph Cahill, authorised work to begin in 1958 with Utzon directing construction. The government's decision to build Utzon's design is often overshadowed by circumstances that followed, including cost and scheduling overruns as well as the architect's ultimate resignation.

The building and its surrounds occupy the whole of Bennelong Point on Sydney Harbour, between Sydney Cove and Farm Cove, adjacent to the Sydney central business district and the Royal Botanic Gardens, and close by the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Micheletti & Partners, Milan, Italy.

Montpellier, France.

Architectes : S Sou Fujimoto Architects / NICOLAS LAISNÉ / MANAL RACHDI

Promoteur : Groupe Promeo

Architecture: Peter Zumthor 2007

The chapel was founded by the farmers couple Hermann-Josef and Trudel Scheidtweiler. The Builder had long cherished the wish to found a chapel "out of gratitude for a good and fulfilled life". The chapel should be dedicated to Nicolaas van Flüe ('Bruder Klaus'). Scheidtweiler organized annual pilgrimages for the Landjugend, a Catholic youth organization, of which Niklaus van Flüe is patron saint.

In September 1998, the Frankfurter Algemeine Zeitung published an article about the construction of the episcopal museum in Cologne after a design by the architect Peter Zumthor. Scheidtweiler, not knowing that it was a famous architect, sent a letter to Zumthor asking if he could build a chapel for him.

Zumthor replied that his fee would be high, that he only builds in a modern, minimalist style and that he usually wants to determine all the details himself. Because Nicholas of Flüe was the patron saint of Switzerland and also his mother's favorite saint, Zumthor accepted the commission. The project would eventually take nine years due to the architect's perfectionism. Construction started only seven years after Zumthor's commitment. It is reported that Zumthor ultimately did not charge a fee for the design of this chapel

The chapel is set in open arable land and was built by local farming families and friends of the couple. It is a devotional chapel and therefore no church services take place.

(Wikipedia)

The exit by the John Lewis Store, Grand Central Station Birmingham, UK - Vowed to return for this one on a sunny day - Managed it, finally, TODAY! Loved how the people looked like 'An Architect's impression of People' - Do you see it?

Architect's house. One of the first buildings in the so called Stalin's Empire style which appeared in the Main Street of Kyiv Khreschatyk in the middle of the last century.

V. Dobrovolsky, the chief architect of the project, lived here. The top 3 floors stand out with richly decorated columns with intricate figures on top. Later, a two-story portico with arches was added to the house, which overlooked the side of the Khreshchatyk metro station. However, in 1989 it was dismantled for safety reasons.

Stalin’s Empire, Soviet monumental classicism or neoclassicism - all these are the names of the famous architectural style of the 30-50s of the last century. The main distinguishing features of the style are solemnity and monumentality

Montpellier, France.

Architectes : S Sou Fujimoto Architects / NICOLAS LAISNÉ / MANAL RACHDI

Promoteur : Groupe Promeo

This is by the harbor in Oslo, Norway.

I think i'm gonna post a lot of this amazing new station! (Liege guillemins, by the architect S.Calatrava).

El Generalife (en árabe: جَنَّة الْعَرِيف) fue la villa con jardines habitada por los reyes musulmanes de Granada como lugar de descanso, situado en la ciudad de Granada, España.

Fue concebida como villa rural, donde jardines ornamentales, huertos y arquitectura se integraban, en las cercanías de la Alhambra.

Ese huerto real era común en las cortes hispano-árabes y es fruto de las reformas y añadidos que le aportaron los diferentes sultanes.

El palacio debió de construirse a finales del siglo XIII por el segundo sultán de la dinastía nazarí, Muhammad II (1273-1302).

Fue declarado, junto con la Alhambra, Patrimonio de la Humanidad por la Unesco en 1984.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Palacio de Generalife ( Arabic: جَنَّة الْعَرِيف‎ , literally, "Architect's Garden") was the summer palace and country estate of the Nasrid Emirs of the Emirate of Granada in Al-Andalus, now beside the city of Granada in the autonomous community of Andalusia, Spain.

The palace and gardens were built during the reign of Muhammad III (1302–1309) and redecorated shortly after by Abu I-Walid Isma'il (1313–1324).

The Patio de la Acequia, which you can see in this photo, has a long pool framed by flowerbeds, fountains, colonnades and pavilions.

The Generalife is one of the oldest surviving Moorish gardens.

The Generalife is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Granada, along with the Alhambra palace and gardens, and the Albayzín district.

Musée des sciences Príncipe Felipe,

Le bâtiment est de style tout à fait futuriste. En effet, il prend la forme d'un long squelette d'un Animal préhistorique dont les épines dorsales percent le ciel. L’architecture correspond donc parfaitement au contenu du musée.

Le musée représente une superficie de 42 000 m2. Il mesure presque 250 m de long, 104 m de large pour 55 m de hauteur. Ces dimensions magistrales en font le plus grand musée d’Espagne. Il a ainsi fallu 58 000 m2 de béton et 14 000 tonnes d’acier pour le bâtir. L’édifice est entouré de 13 000 m2 de bassins.

Le Pont de l'Assut de l'Or ou Pont de la Serradora

est un pont de Valence qui enjambe le fleuve Turia entre, à l'est, la Cité des arts et des sciences et, à l'ouest, l'Ágora, tous trois étant des réalisations de l'architecte valencien Santiago Calatrava Valls.

Le pont a été inauguré le 12 décembre 2008. Avec ses 123 mètres, c'est le plus haut monument de la ville. Le pont, blanc comme toutes les autres réalisations de l'architecte, adopte la forme d'une harpe dont les 29 câbles supportent le tablier.

L'Ágora

est une place couverte du complexe architectural de la Cité des arts et des sciences.

Elle fut dessinée par le célèbre architecte valencien Santiago Calatrava Valls, déjà auteur de quatre autres monuments de la Cité entre 1998 et 2008.

Comme les autres éléments de la Cité des Arts et des Sciences et œuvres de Santiago Calatrava Valls, le bâtiment relève du style futuriste : l'Ágora semble représenter deux mains entrelacées. Celui-ci représente une surface de 5000m² et atteint une hauteur de 80m, ce qui en fait le plus haut de la Cité juste devant l'Opéra de Valence, haute de 75m. Le bâtiment possède une structure métallique. De plus, il est revêtu de trencadis bleu, type de mosaïque créée à partir d'éclats de carreaux. Cette technique est d'ailleurs souvent utilisée par les architectes espagnols comme Gaudi. L'Ágora est aussi entourée d'un grand lac artificiel comme l'Opéra, l'Hemisfèric et le Musée des Sciences Prince Philippe, les autres bâtiments de la Cité.

Príncipe Felipe Science Museum,

The building is quite futuristic in style. Indeed, it takes the form of a long skeleton of a prehistoric animal whose backbones pierce the sky. The architecture therefore corresponds perfectly to the content of the museum.

The museum covers an area of ​​42,000 m2. It is almost 250 m long, 104 m wide and 55 m high. These masterful dimensions make it the largest museum in Spain. It took 58,000 m2 of concrete and 14,000 tons of steel to build it. The building is surrounded by 13,000 m2 of pools.

The Assut de l'Or Bridge or Serradora Bridge

is a bridge in Valencia that crosses the Turia River between, to the east, the City of Arts and Sciences and, to the west, the Ágora, all three being the creations of the Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava Valls.

The bridge was inaugurated on December 12, 2008. With its 123 meters, it is the highest monument in the city. The bridge, white like all of the architect's other creations, takes the form of a harp whose 29 cables support the deck.

The Agora

is a covered square of the architectural complex of the City of Arts and Sciences.

It was designed by the famous Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava Valls, already author of four other monuments of the City between 1998 and 2008.

Like the other elements of the City of Arts and Sciences and works by Santiago Calatrava Valls, the building is futuristic in style: the Ágora seems to represent two intertwined hands. This represents an area of ​​5000m² and reaches a height of 80m, which makes it the highest in the City just in front of the Opéra de Valence, which is 75m high. The building has a metal structure. In addition, it is clad in blue trencadís, a type of mosaic created from shards of tiles. This technique is also often used by Spanish architects like Gaudi. The Ágora is also surrounded by a large artificial lake like the Opera, the Hemisfèric and the Prince Philippe Science Museum, the other buildings of the City.

photo rights reserved by B℮n

The Royal Grand Palace is a complex of buildings at the heart of Bangkok, Thailand. The palace has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam and later Thailand since 1782. It consists of not only royal and throne halls, but also a number of government offices as well as the renowned Temple of the Emerald Buddha. It covers an area of 218,000 square metres and is surrounded by four walls, 1900 metres in length. After King Rama I ascended to the throne in 1782, the palace was built. Prior to this, the royal palace and centre of administration had been located in Thonburi, on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. For various reasons, the new King considered the former capital to be unsuitable and decided to establish a new capital on the other side of the river. Admission fee is free of charge for Thais and 500 baht for foreigners. You'll need to wear culturally appropriate attire when visiting the Grand Palace in Bangkok. This means being well covered. Visitors should wear long skirts/trousers and sleeved shirts—basically anything that covers more than the lower arms and head. Fortunately, after the covid period, it is not yet busy with tourists. Thailand has just ended their quarantine policy. Face masks are no longer mandatory. Great to visit the Grand Palace one more time now. Chakri Maha Prasat Hall was a royal residence built by King Rama V in 1877. King Rama V used this building as his residence. And now this building is used for state banquets. The Phra Dusit Maha Prasat - throne hall dominates with a tall gilded spire. The Phra Thinang Aphorn Phimok Prasat is an open pavilion, built next to the Phra Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall.

Chakri Maha Prasat Hall was a royal residence built by King Rama V in 1877. The British architect's original design required three domes over the building. But King Rama V had it turned into Prasat spires. So this is the only building in The Grand Palace that mixed the lower part of the European-style throne room with a Thai-style roof. King Rama V used this building as his residence. And now this building is used for state banquets. The Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall was built on a symmetrical cruciform plan, the roof is topped with a tall gilded spire. The hall is considered an ideal archetype of Thai traditional architecture. It was built by King Rama I to replace an earlier wooden hall that burned down in 1789. King Rama I intended to use the present building for his own reclining condition. Thus the main function of this hall for in-state lying of kings, queen and members of the royal family. The funeral urns of High-ranking members of the royal family usually lay in state in the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall for a hundred days. The Phra Thinang Aphorn Phimok Prasat is an open pavilion, built next to the Phra Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall. The pavilion was built by King Rama IV as a dressing pavilion for the king to change his crown and other ornaments used at a coronation.

De Royal Grand Palace is een gebouwencomplex in het hart van Bangkok, Thailand. Het paleis is sinds 1782 de officiële residentie van de koningen van Siam en later Thailand. Het bestaat niet alleen uit koninklijke en troonzalen, maar ook uit een aantal regeringsgebouwen en de beroemde Tempel van de groene Smaragd Boeddha. Het heeft een oppervlakte van 218.000 vierkante meter en is omgeven door vier muren van 1900 meter lang. Nadat koning Rama I in 1782 de troon besteeg, werd het paleis gebouwd. Daarvoor was het koninklijk paleis en het bestuurscentrum gevestigd in Thonburi, op de westelijke oever van de Chao Phraya-rivier. Om verschillende redenen vond de nieuwe koning de voormalige hoofdstad ongeschikt en besloot hij een nieuwe hoofdstad te stichten aan de andere kant van de rivier. De toegangsprijs is gratis voor Thais en 500 baht voor buitenlanders. In april 1981 gebruikte de plaatsvervangend commandant van het Thaise leger, generaal San Chitpatima, het paleis als zijn hoofdkwartier voor een poging tot staatsgreep tegen premier Prem. De staatsgreep mislukte mede door ingrijpen koning Bhumibol. Een paar uur later ontmoette generaal Prem echter koning Bhumibol in zijn paleis in Bangkok en de koninklijke familie en de premier vloog naar een legerbasis in Noordoost-Thailand. Premier Prem kondigde op de radio aan dat hij niet was afgetreden. Het Thaise leger trok zich weer terug uit het paleis. Gelukkig is het na de covid periode nog niet druk met toeristen. Thailand heeft zojuist hun quarantainebeleid beëindigd. Mondkapjes zijn niet meer verplicht. Geweldig om het Grand Palace nu nog een keer te bezoeken. Chakri Maha Prasat Hall was een koninklijke residentie gebouwd door koning Rama V in 1877. Het oorspronkelijke ontwerp van de Britse architect, vereiste drie koepels over het gebouw. Maar koning Rama V liet het veranderen in Prasat-spitsen. Dit is dus het enige gebouw in The Grand Palace dat het onderste deel van de troonzaal in Europese stijl vermengde met een dak in Thaise stijl. Koning Rama V gebruikte dit gebouw als zijn residentie. En nu wordt dit gebouw gebruikt voor staatsbanketten. De Dusit Maha Prasat Hall ligt er naast. Het werd gebouwd door koning Rama I als vervanging voor een eerdere houten hal die in 1789 afbrandde. Koning Rama I was van plan om het huidige gebouw te gebruiken voor zijn eigen liggende toestand. Dus de belangrijkste functie van deze hal voor in-state liggen van koningen, koningin en leden van de koninklijke familie. De grafurne van Hooggeplaatste leden van de koninklijke familie lagen gewoonlijk honderd dagen opgebaard in de Dusit Maha Prasat Troonzaal. De Phra Thinang Aphorn Phimok Prasat is een open paviljoen, gebouwd naast de Troonzaal.

ENG: The former "Centrum Store" was designed by two Hungarian architects in the 1970s. In spring 2007 it was demolished and replaced by a new huge hall called "Centrum Galerie" by the architect "Peter Kulka Architektur Dresden GmbH", which was completed in 2009 and opened in spring 2010.

The heart of the gallery is the atrium-like middle section of the shopping centre, which you can admire here.

Knowing the conditions and constraints of shopping centre planning, the architect's achievement of creating a strong, concentrated interior as the centre of the shopping centre, which does not break under the "overflowing optical load" of advertising spaces and shop windows, cannot be valued highly enough. Surprisingly, a serial ornament in combination with changeable backlighting makes this both playful and completely clear.

GER: Das ehemalige "Centrum Warenhaus" wurde von zwei ungarischen Architekten in den 1970er Jahren entworfen. Im Frühjahr 2007 wurde es abgerissen und an dessen Stelle vom Architekten „Peter Kulka Architektur Dresden GmbH“ eine neue riesige Halle mit dem Namen "Centrum Galerie" im Jahre 2009 fertiggestellt und im Frühjahr 2010 eröffnet.

Das Herzstück der Galerie ist das Atrium artige Mittelstück des Einkaufszentrum, was Ihr hier bewundern könnt.

Wenn man weiß, welchen Bedingungen und welchen Zwängen die Planung von Einkaufszentren unterliegt, kann man die Leistung des Architekten gar nicht hoch genug schätzen, einen starken, konzentrierten Innenraum als Mitte des Einkaufszentrums geschaffen zu haben, der nicht unter der „überbordenden optischen Last“ der Werbeflächen und Schaufenster zerbricht. Überraschenderweise gelingt dies mittels eines seriell eingesetzten Ornaments in Kombination mit wandelbarer Hintergrundbeleuchtung sowohl spielerisch, als gleichzeitig auch völlig klar.

photo rights reserved by B℮n

The Royal Grand Palace is a complex of buildings at the heart of Bangkok, Thailand. The palace has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam and later Thailand since 1782. It consists of not only royal and throne halls, but also a number of government offices as well as the renowned Temple of the Emerald Buddha. It covers an area of 218,000 square metres and is surrounded by four walls, 1900 metres in length. After King Rama I ascended to the throne in 1782, the palace was built. Prior to this, the royal palace and centre of administration had been located in Thonburi, on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. For various reasons, the new King considered the former capital to be unsuitable and decided to establish a new capital on the other side of the river. Admission fee is free of charge for Thais and 500 baht for foreigners. You'll need to wear culturally appropriate attire when visiting the Grand Palace in Bangkok. This means being well covered. Visitors should wear long skirts/trousers and sleeved shirts—basically anything that covers more than the lower arms and head. Fortunately, after the covid period, it is not yet busy with tourists. Thailand has just ended their quarantine policy. Face masks are no longer mandatory. Great to visit the Grand Palace one more time now. Chakri Maha Prasat Hall was a royal residence built by King Rama V in 1877. King Rama V used this building as his residence. And now this building is used for state banquets. The Phra Dusit Maha Prasat - throne hall dominates with a tall gilded spire.

Chakri Maha Prasat Hall was a royal residence built by King Rama V in 1877. The British architect's original design required three domes over the building. But King Rama V had it turned into Prasat spires. So this is the only building in The Grand Palace that mixed the lower part of the European-style throne room with a Thai-style roof. King Rama V used this building as his residence. And now this building is used for state banquets. The Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall was built on a symmetrical cruciform plan, the roof is topped with a tall gilded spire. The hall is considered an ideal archetype of Thai traditional architecture. It was built by King Rama I to replace an earlier wooden hall that burned down in 1789. King Rama I intended to use the present building for his own reclining condition. Thus the main function of this hall for in-state lying of kings, queen and members of the royal family. The funeral urns of High-ranking members of the royal family usually lay in state in the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Room for a hundred days.

De Royal Grand Palace is een gebouwencomplex in het hart van Bangkok, Thailand. Het paleis is sinds 1782 de officiële residentie van de koningen van Siam en later Thailand. Het bestaat niet alleen uit koninklijke en troonzalen, maar ook uit een aantal regeringsgebouwen en de beroemde Tempel van de groene Smaragd Boeddha. Het heeft een oppervlakte van 218.000 vierkante meter en is omgeven door vier muren van 1900 meter lang. Nadat koning Rama I in 1782 de troon besteeg, werd het paleis gebouwd. Daarvoor was het koninklijk paleis en het bestuurscentrum gevestigd in Thonburi, op de westelijke oever van de Chao Phraya-rivier. Om verschillende redenen vond de nieuwe koning de voormalige hoofdstad ongeschikt en besloot hij een nieuwe hoofdstad te stichten aan de andere kant van de rivier. De toegangsprijs is gratis voor Thais en 500 baht voor buitenlanders. In april 1981 gebruikte de plaatsvervangend commandant van het Thaise leger, generaal San Chitpatima, het paleis als zijn hoofdkwartier voor een poging tot staatsgreep tegen premier Prem. De staatsgreep mislukte mede door ingrijpen koning Bhumibol. Een paar uur later ontmoette generaal Prem echter koning Bhumibol in zijn paleis in Bangkok en de koninklijke familie en de premier vloog naar een legerbasis in Noordoost-Thailand. Premier Prem kondigde op de radio aan dat hij niet was afgetreden. Het Thaise leger trok zich weer terug uit het paleis. Gelukkig is het na de covid periode nog niet druk met toeristen. Thailand heeft zojuist hun quarantainebeleid beëindigd. Mondkapjes zijn niet meer verplicht. Geweldig om het Grand Palace nu nog een keer te bezoeken. Chakri Maha Prasat Hall was een koninklijke residentie gebouwd door koning Rama V in 1877. Het oorspronkelijke ontwerp van de Britse architect, vereiste drie koepels over het gebouw. Maar koning Rama V liet het veranderen in Prasat-spitsen. Dit is dus het enige gebouw in The Grand Palace dat het onderste deel van de troonzaal in Europese stijl vermengde met een dak in Thaise stijl. Koning Rama V gebruikte dit gebouw als zijn residentie. En nu wordt dit gebouw gebruikt voor staatsbanketten. De Dusit Maha Prasat Hall ligt er naast. Het werd gebouwd door koning Rama I als vervanging voor een eerdere houten hal die in 1789 afbrandde. Koning Rama I was van plan om het huidige gebouw te gebruiken voor zijn eigen liggende toestand. Dus de belangrijkste functie van deze hal voor in-state liggen van koningen, koningin en leden van de koninklijke familie. De grafurne van Hooggeplaatste leden van de koninklijke familie lagen gewoonlijk honderd dagen opgebaard in de Dusit Maha Prasat Troonzaal.

Allegra and Alberto Ergas Mansion ( architects S. Mylonas - E. Kotzamassoulis, 1925)

The specific building located on Valaoritou and Venizelou was built as the residence of Alberto and Allegra Ergas, a couple of an old Jewish family.

Though the building that now stands at 6260-62 Sunset Boulevard was completed in 1938, Morgan Camera Shop is believed to have first opened its doors at 6305 Sunset in the early 1930s. The 1938 building initially functioned as a photographic salon, although it also operated as a retail and repair shop.

Gilbert Morgan, a pioneer in the miniature camera field, owned the store in the heart of the Hollywood entertainment industry with his brother, Willard D. Morgan, who was instrumental in bringing the 35mm camera to the United States. Morgan & Morgan Press published the work of a number of key artists and photographers, including Ansel Adams. Willard Morgan was also a close friend of Richard Neutra and documented much of the architect's work in Los Angeles.

60's-70's Council housing estate.

It probably looked good as an architect's scale model . . .

LR4015 © Joe O'Malley 2020

photo rights reserved by B℮n

The Royal Grand Palace is a complex of buildings at the heart of Bangkok, Thailand. The palace has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam and later Thailand since 1782. It consists of not only royal and throne halls, but also a number of government offices as well as the renowned Temple of the Emerald Buddha. It covers an area of 218,000 square metres and is surrounded by four walls, 1900 metres in length. After King Rama I ascended to the throne in 1782, the palace was built. Prior to this, the royal palace and centre of administration had been located in Thonburi, on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. For various reasons, the new King considered the former capital to be unsuitable and decided to establish a new capital on the other side of the river. Admission fee is free of charge for Thais and 500 baht for foreigners. You'll need to wear culturally appropriate attire when visiting the Grand Palace in Bangkok. This means being well covered. Visitors should wear long skirts/trousers and sleeved shirts—basically anything that covers more than the lower arms and head. Fortunately, after the covid period, it is not yet busy with tourists. Thailand has just ended their quarantine policy. Face masks are no longer mandatory. Great to visit the Grand Palace one more time now. Chakri Maha Prasat Hall was a royal residence built by King Rama V in 1877. King Rama V used this building as his residence. And now this building is used for state banquets. The Phra Dusit Maha Prasat - throne hall dominates with a tall gilded spire.

Chakri Maha Prasat Hall was a royal residence built by King Rama V in 1877. The British architect's original design required three domes over the building. But King Rama V had it turned into Prasat spires. So this is the only building in The Grand Palace that mixed the lower part of the European-style throne room with a Thai-style roof. King Rama V used this building as his residence. And now this building is used for state banquets. The Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall was built on a symmetrical cruciform plan, the roof is topped with a tall gilded spire. The hall is considered an ideal archetype of Thai traditional architecture. It was built by King Rama I to replace an earlier wooden hall that burned down in 1789. King Rama I intended to use the present building for his own reclining condition. Thus the main function of this hall for in-state lying of kings, queen and members of the royal family. The funeral urns of High-ranking members of the royal family usually lay in state in the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall for a hundred days.

De Royal Grand Palace is een gebouwencomplex in het hart van Bangkok, Thailand. Het paleis is sinds 1782 de officiële residentie van de koningen van Siam en later Thailand. Het bestaat niet alleen uit koninklijke en troonzalen, maar ook uit een aantal regeringsgebouwen en de beroemde Tempel van de groene Smaragd Boeddha. Het heeft een oppervlakte van 218.000 vierkante meter en is omgeven door vier muren van 1900 meter lang. Nadat koning Rama I in 1782 de troon besteeg, werd het paleis gebouwd. Daarvoor was het koninklijk paleis en het bestuurscentrum gevestigd in Thonburi, op de westelijke oever van de Chao Phraya-rivier. Om verschillende redenen vond de nieuwe koning de voormalige hoofdstad ongeschikt en besloot hij een nieuwe hoofdstad te stichten aan de andere kant van de rivier. De toegangsprijs is gratis voor Thais en 500 baht voor buitenlanders. In april 1981 gebruikte de plaatsvervangend commandant van het Thaise leger, generaal San Chitpatima, het paleis als zijn hoofdkwartier voor een poging tot staatsgreep tegen premier Prem. De staatsgreep mislukte mede door ingrijpen koning Bhumibol. Een paar uur later ontmoette generaal Prem echter koning Bhumibol in zijn paleis in Bangkok en de koninklijke familie en de premier vloog naar een legerbasis in Noordoost-Thailand. Premier Prem kondigde op de radio aan dat hij niet was afgetreden. Het Thaise leger trok zich weer terug uit het paleis. Gelukkig is het na de covid periode nog niet druk met toeristen. Thailand heeft zojuist hun quarantainebeleid beëindigd. Mondkapjes zijn niet meer verplicht. Geweldig om het Grand Palace nu nog een keer te bezoeken. Chakri Maha Prasat Hall was een koninklijke residentie gebouwd door koning Rama V in 1877. Het oorspronkelijke ontwerp van de Britse architect, vereiste drie koepels over het gebouw. Maar koning Rama V liet het veranderen in Prasat-spitsen. Dit is dus het enige gebouw in The Grand Palace dat het onderste deel van de troonzaal in Europese stijl vermengde met een dak in Thaise stijl. Koning Rama V gebruikte dit gebouw als zijn residentie. En nu wordt dit gebouw gebruikt voor staatsbanketten. De Dusit Maha Prasat Hall ligt er naast. Het werd gebouwd door koning Rama I als vervanging voor een eerdere houten hal die in 1789 afbrandde. Koning Rama I was van plan om het huidige gebouw te gebruiken voor zijn eigen liggende toestand. Dus de belangrijkste functie van deze hal voor in-state liggen van koningen, koningin en leden van de koninklijke familie. De grafurne van Hooggeplaatste leden van de koninklijke familie lagen gewoonlijk honderd dagen opgebaard in de Dusit Maha Prasat Troonzaal.

Abandoned House, USA

Jonnie Lynn Lace ©

photo rights reserved by B℮n

The Royal Grand Palace is a complex of buildings at the heart of Bangkok, Thailand. The palace has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam and later Thailand since 1782. It consists of not only royal and throne halls, but also a number of government offices as well as the renowned Temple of the Emerald Buddha. It covers an area of 218,000 square metres and is surrounded by four walls, 1900 metres in length. After King Rama I ascended to the throne in 1782, the palace was built. Prior to this, the royal palace and centre of administration had been located in Thonburi, on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. For various reasons, the new King considered the former capital to be unsuitable and decided to establish a new capital on the other side of the river. Admission fee is free of charge for Thais and 500 baht for foreigners. You'll need to wear culturally appropriate attire when visiting the Grand Palace in Bangkok. This means being well covered. Visitors should wear long skirts/trousers and sleeved shirts—basically anything that covers more than the lower arms and head. Fortunately, after the covid period, it is not yet busy with tourists. Thailand has just ended their quarantine policy. Face masks are no longer mandatory. Great to visit the Grand Palace one more time now. Chakri Maha Prasat Hall was a royal residence built by King Rama V in 1877. King Rama V used this building as his residence. And now this building is used for state banquets. The Phra Dusit Maha Prasat - throne hall dominates with a tall gilded spire.

Chakri Maha Prasat Hall was a royal residence built by King Rama V in 1877. The British architect's original design required three domes over the building. But King Rama V had it turned into Prasat spires. So this is the only building in The Grand Palace that mixed the lower part of the European-style throne room with a Thai-style roof. King Rama V used this building as his residence. And now this building is used for state banquets. The Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall was built on a symmetrical cruciform plan, the roof is topped with a tall gilded spire. The hall is considered an ideal archetype of Thai traditional architecture. It was built by King Rama I to replace an earlier wooden hall that burned down in 1789. King Rama I intended to use the present building for his own reclining condition. Thus the main function of this hall for in-state lying of kings, queen and members of the royal family. The funeral urns of High-ranking members of the royal family usually lay in state in the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall for a hundred days.

De Royal Grand Palace is een gebouwencomplex in het hart van Bangkok, Thailand. Het paleis is sinds 1782 de officiële residentie van de koningen van Siam en later Thailand. Het bestaat niet alleen uit koninklijke en troonzalen, maar ook uit een aantal regeringsgebouwen en de beroemde Tempel van de groene Smaragd Boeddha. Het heeft een oppervlakte van 218.000 vierkante meter en is omgeven door vier muren van 1900 meter lang. Nadat koning Rama I in 1782 de troon besteeg, werd het paleis gebouwd. Daarvoor was het koninklijk paleis en het bestuurscentrum gevestigd in Thonburi, op de westelijke oever van de Chao Phraya-rivier. Om verschillende redenen vond de nieuwe koning de voormalige hoofdstad ongeschikt en besloot hij een nieuwe hoofdstad te stichten aan de andere kant van de rivier. De toegangsprijs is gratis voor Thais en 500 baht voor buitenlanders. In april 1981 gebruikte de plaatsvervangend commandant van het Thaise leger, generaal San Chitpatima, het paleis als zijn hoofdkwartier voor een poging tot staatsgreep tegen premier Prem. De staatsgreep mislukte mede door ingrijpen koning Bhumibol. Een paar uur later ontmoette generaal Prem echter koning Bhumibol in zijn paleis in Bangkok en de koninklijke familie en de premier vloog naar een legerbasis in Noordoost-Thailand. Premier Prem kondigde op de radio aan dat hij niet was afgetreden. Het Thaise leger trok zich weer terug uit het paleis. Gelukkig is het na de covid periode nog niet druk met toeristen. Thailand heeft zojuist hun quarantainebeleid beëindigd. Mondkapjes zijn niet meer verplicht. Geweldig om het Grand Palace nu nog een keer te bezoeken. Chakri Maha Prasat Hall was een koninklijke residentie gebouwd door koning Rama V in 1877. Het oorspronkelijke ontwerp van de Britse architect, vereiste drie koepels over het gebouw. Maar koning Rama V liet het veranderen in Prasat-spitsen. Dit is dus het enige gebouw in The Grand Palace dat het onderste deel van de troonzaal in Europese stijl vermengde met een dak in Thaise stijl. Koning Rama V gebruikte dit gebouw als zijn residentie. En nu wordt dit gebouw gebruikt voor staatsbanketten. De Dusit Maha Prasat Hall ligt er naast. Het werd gebouwd door koning Rama I als vervanging voor een eerdere houten hal die in 1789 afbrandde. Koning Rama I was van plan om het huidige gebouw te gebruiken voor zijn eigen liggende toestand. Dus de belangrijkste functie van deze hal voor in-state liggen van koningen, koningin en leden van de koninklijke familie. De grafurne van Hooggeplaatste leden van de koninklijke familie lagen gewoonlijk honderd dagen opgebaard in de Dusit Maha Prasat Troonzaal.

When you look at the rocks in this photo, do you think they were placed there by design, or did a series of random natural processes lead to them arriving at their final size, shape and position?

I'm guessing that you recognise a degree of uniformity and obvious intention in their placement. You instinctively know that these rocks could never have arranged themselves in such a way through purely random events. And you'd be right - these rocks form the face of the dam at a local reservoir. They were placed there quite deliberately, to prevent the dam from being eroded by the waves generated on windy days.

So, let me ask: if you can see intent and design in something as simple as a pile of rocks, isn't it reasonable to see design behind the infinitely more complex moss and grasses growing on and between those rocks?

As in every other living thing, each cell in the moss and grass contains the DNA for the entire organism. In his book, the Selfish Gene, Richard Dawkins says of DNA:

This DNA can be regarded as a set of instructions for how to make a body, written in the A, T, C, G, alphabet of the nucleotides. It is as though, in every room of a gigantic building, there was a book-case containing the architect's plans for the entire building.

Dawkins denies that there is a God, yet admits that all living cells contain information (instructions), and even likens it to architect's plans.

If it is self-evident that a building has a builder, how much more obvious is it that all of creation must have a Creator?

Dawkins appears to recognise the unavoidable truth of intelligent design, yet still says there is no God. But the Bible says:

For the invisible things of Him [God] from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools.

(Romans 1:20-22)