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Lahore Fort started life as a defensive wall on the banks of River Ravi by the earliest settlers who founded Lahore. It was attacked, damaged, demolished, and rebuilt into various structures several times over, until it acquired its present general form under Emperor Akbar in 1566. Succeeding emperors, Sikh conquerors, and British colonists used the fort as the seat of their governance, and added their architectural influences to the citadel to give it its present configuration.
Legend has it that Empress Mumtaz Mahal (who is entombed in the Taj Mahal in Agra) told her husband Emperor Shah Jehan that she had a dream in which she looked up at the stars, and each star had her face on it. The Emperor was so taken by his Empress that he decided to make her dream come true, and built the Sheesh Mahal, the walls and ceiling of which were embedded with thousands of convex mirrors and precious/semi-precious stones, so that anywhere one looked they would see a reflection of themselves. Unfortunately, Mumtaz Mahal died before she could visit Sheesh Mahal, and the grieving emperor built the magnificent Taj Mahal as his wife's final resting place.
For more information on Sheesh Mahal, please see: www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2016/11/20/the-mirror-palace/
For more detailed information on Lahore Fort, please see: sites.ualberta.ca/~rnoor/lahore_fort.html, and
Lahore Fort started life as a defensive wall on the banks of River Ravi by the earliest settlers who founded Lahore. It was attacked, damaged, demolished, and rebuilt into various structures several times over, until it acquired its present general form under Emperor Akbar in 1566. Succeeding emperors, Sikh conquerors, and British colonists used the fort as the seat of their governance, and added their architectural influences to the citadel to give it its present configuration.
The Throne Balcony was added to the Diwan-e-Aam by Emperor Shah Jehan from where he could display the pomp and grandeur of the Mughal Empire.
For more detailed information on Lahore Fort, please see: sites.ualberta.ca/~rnoor/lahore_fort.html, and
photo rights reserved by Ben
From the observation deck at Shah-i-Zinda in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, Kanitha enjoys a wonderful view over one of the most impressive parts of the necropolis. Rising directly behind her are the distinctive turquoise domes of the Kazi-Zade Rumi Mausoleum, one of the largest monuments within the Shah-i-Zinda complex. The mausoleum dates from the 15th century and is especially striking for its monumental proportions and richly decorated tilework. From this elevated viewpoint, the domes can be seen from a completely different perspective, with the warm brick architecture of Samarkand stretching out behind them. For me, Kanitha's colourful coat works beautifully with the blues and turquoise of the historic architecture, adding a cheerful human moment to this remarkable place.
Kanitha and the turquoise domes of the Kazi-Zade Rumi Mausoleum, seen from the observation deck at Shah-i-Zinda in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
Vanaf het observatiedek van Shah-i-Zinda in Samarkand, Oezbekistan geniet Kanitha van het uitzicht over één van de indrukwekkendste delen van de necropolis. Direct achter haar rijzen de karakteristieke turquoise koepels van het Kazi-Zade Rumi Mausoleum op, één van de grootste monumenten binnen het Shah-i-Zinda-complex. Het mausoleum dateert uit de 15e eeuw en valt vooral op door zijn monumentale afmetingen en rijk versierde tegelwerk. Vanaf dit hogere standpunt zie je de koepels vanuit een heel ander perspectief, met daarachter de warme bakstenen architectuur van Samarkand. Wat ik zelf mooi vind aan deze foto is hoe de kleurrijke jas van Kanitha samengaat met het blauw en turquoise van de historische architectuur. Zo wordt het niet alleen een foto van een bijzonder monument, maar ook een persoonlijk moment tijdens onze reis.
Facing this contemporary building, I wanted to capture the essence of its striking geometry. By choosing a low-angle composition and high-contrast black and white treatment, I sought to transform this architectural structure into an image where lines and shapes take center stage. The dark sky and repetitive patterns of the facade create a visual dialogue that naturally draws the eye upward.
This photograph explores how modern architecture shapes our cities. The simplicity of lines, the power of contrast, and the pure geometry of the building reveal an abstract beauty in our everyday urban environment. I wanted to share this vision of architecture becoming art, where function transforms into pure aesthetics.
Badshahi Mosque is a vast structure covering 29,867.2 square meters (321, 488 square feet), and was built under the auspices of the 6th Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1673. The mosque is considered one of the finer examples of Mughal architecture. Although the mosque was pillaged and abused under succeeding Sikh and British empires, the British did establish the Badshahi Mosque Authority to restore the mosque, which was taken over by Pakistan after its independence, and the restoration work was completed in 1960. Badshahi Mosque is a cultural icon of Pakistan, and has served as a location for state functions.
For more detailed information on Badshahi Mosque, see: www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Badshahi_Mosque
For more information on Lahore, see: www.cnn.com/travel/article/pakistan-lahore-mughal-treasur...
Lahore Fort started life as a defensive wall on the banks of River Ravi by the earliest settlers who founded Lahore. It was attacked, damaged, demolished, and rebuilt into various structures several times over, until it acquired its present general form under Emperor Akbar in 1566. Succeeding emperors, Sikh conquerors, and British colonists used the fort as the seat of their governance, and added their architectural influences to the citadel to give it its present configuration.
Ornate carvings directly on the stone pillars evidence the meticulous details and refinements that Mughal architects are famous for.
For more detailed information on Lahore Fort, please see: sites.ualberta.ca/~rnoor/lahore_fort.html, and
Lahore Fort started life as a defensive wall on the banks of River Ravi by the earliest settlers who founded Lahore. It was attacked, damaged, demolished, and rebuilt into various structures several times over, until it acquired its present general form under Emperor Akbar in 1566. Succeeding emperors, Sikh conquerors, and British colonists used the fort as the seat of their governance, and added their architectural influences to the citadel to give it its present configuration.
Being the military and administrative headquarters of several empires, the Lahore Fort is dotted with chambers that served as administrative offices, most of which are constructed in the styles of Mughal architecture.
For more detailed information on Lahore Fort, please see: sites.ualberta.ca/~rnoor/lahore_fort.html, and
O Palácio Real de Fez, conhecido como Dar el-Makhzen, apresenta uma das entradas mais emblemáticas da arquitetura marroquina. Com origens no século XIII, durante a dinastia Marinida, o complexo palaciano estende-se por cerca de 80 hectares no coração da cidade imperial. As portas monumentais observadas na imagem exemplificam a mestria do artesanato tradicional marroquino, combinando trabalhos em latão dourado, zellige (mosaico cerâmico policromático) e estuque esculpido com motivos geométricos e arabescos. A estrutura central, flanqueada por torres simétricas com telhados de telha verde — cor associada ao Islão e à realeza alauita —, serve como entrada cerimonial. O palácio permanece como residência oficial do Rei Mohammed VI quando visita Fez, não estando aberto ao público. A praça frontal, Praça dos Alauitas, constitui um ponto de paragem obrigatório para turistas que visitam a medina de Fez, classificada como Património Mundial pela UNESCO desde 1981.
The Royal Palace of Fez, known as Dar el-Makhzen, features one of the most emblematic entrances in Moroccan architecture. Dating back to the 13th century, during the Marinid dynasty, the palace complex covers around 80 hectares in the heart of the imperial city. The monumental doors seen in the image exemplify the mastery of traditional Moroccan craftsmanship, combining gold brasswork, zellige (polychrome ceramic mosaic), and stucco carved with geometric motifs and arabesques. The central structure, flanked by symmetrical towers with green tile roofs—a color associated with Islam and Alawite royalty—serves as a ceremonial entrance. The palace remains the official residence of King Mohammed VI when he visits Fez and is not open to the public. The square in front, Alauite Square, is a must-see for tourists visiting the medina of Fez, which has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981.
Uma das salas dos Banhos Árabes integrados no Real Mosteiro de Santa Clara, em Tordesilhas, conjunto monástico instalado sobre estruturas palatinas medievais e marcado pela permanência de soluções construtivas mudéjares. O espaço apresenta abóbada de berço em alvenaria e pequenos lucernários em forma de estrela, abertos no teto para garantir iluminação difusa, renovação do ar e controlo da humidade, evitando correntes diretas. Estes banhos (hammām) organizavam-se, em geral, por uma sequência de salas de temperaturas graduais — fria, tépida e quente — aquecidas por um hipocausto, com circulação de ar quente sob o pavimento e nas paredes. Para além da função higiénica, eram lugares de sociabilidade e de práticas ligadas ao cuidado do corpo. A sua conservação no mosteiro documenta a continuidade de infraestruturas islâmicas no período cristão e a adaptação de usos ao longo dos séculos.
One of the rooms in the Arab Baths located within the Royal Monastery of Santa Clara in Tordesillas, a monastic complex built on top of medieval palatial structures and characterized by the preservation of Mudejar architectural features. The space features a barrel vault in masonry and small star-shaped skylights, opened in the ceiling to ensure diffused lighting, air renewal, and humidity control, while avoiding direct drafts. These baths (hammām) were generally organized into a sequence of rooms with gradual temperature changes—cold, warm, and hot—heated by a hypocaust, with hot air circulating beneath the floor and through the walls. Beyond their hygienic function, they were places for socializing and practices related to body care. Their preservation in the monastery documents the continuity of Islamic infrastructure during the Christian period and the adaptation of uses over the centuries.
In capturing this architectural detail, I wanted to strip away all distractions and focus purely on the power of geometric form. Working in black and white allowed me to emphasize the stark contrast between light and shadow, creating a nearly abstract composition from a concrete architectural element. The diagonal positioning was intentional - I wanted to create a sense of upward movement, as if the structure was reaching toward the darkened sky. I carefully positioned myself to capture the repetitive pattern of the architectural fins, using them as leading lines to draw the viewer's eye through the frame. The moody sky and careful processing help create a sense of drama and scale. My goal was to transform what might be seen as a simple architectural detail into a striking geometric study that blurs the line between documentary and fine art photography. The interplay of light across the repeated elements was crucial in bringing depth and dimensionality to what could otherwise have been a flat pattern. This image represents my ongoing exploration of how architectural photography can transcend simple documentation to become abstract art while still maintaining its connection to the built environment.
A colourful facade turned into an almost abstract composition. Bold colours, clean lines and repeating windows create a strict geometric rhythm, while the different shutters, reflections and small imperfections add just enough visual chaos to keep it interesting.
I particularly like the contrast between the rigid structure of the architecture and the little traces of everyday life.
O Aeroporto de Marraquexe-Menara (RAK), localizado a cerca de 6 quilómetros do centro da cidade, é um importante nó de ligação aérea em Marrocos, especialmente com a Europa. A sua arquitetura contemporânea integra elementos da tradição marroquina, nomeadamente na fachada adornada com arabescos que filtram a luz natural, composta por losangos e triângulos. Inaugurado após a expansão de 2008, o terminal foi projetado para uma capacidade anual de 9 milhões de passageiros e adota práticas sustentáveis, como a utilização de painéis fotovoltaicos. A paisagem circundante reflete o clima semiárido da região, com palmeiras e catos. As bandeiras marroquinas hasteadas na via de acesso reforçam a identidade nacional do local. Este aeroporto é um dos mais movimentados do Norte de África e desempenha um papel crucial na ligação entre a Europa e o continente africano.
Marrakech-Menara Airport (RAK), located about 6 kilometers from the city center, is an important air connection hub in Morocco, especially with Europe. Its contemporary architecture incorporates elements of Moroccan tradition, particularly in the facade adorned with arabesques that filter natural light, composed of rhombuses and triangles. Inaugurated after the 2008 expansion, the terminal was designed for an annual capacity of 9 million passengers and adopts sustainable practices, such as the use of photovoltaic panels. The surrounding landscape reflects the region's semi-arid climate, with palm trees and cacti. Moroccan flags hoisted on the access road reinforce the site's national identity. This airport is one of the busiest in North Africa and plays a crucial role in connecting Europe and the African continent.
Uma das imponentes portas de bronze do Dar el‑Makhzen, o Palácio Real situado em Fez el‑Jdid, Marrocos. Embora a fundação original do complexo palaciano remonte à dinastia Merínida no século XIII, as sete portas monumentais atualmente visíveis são uma adição mais recente, construída entre 1969 e 1971, aquando da renovação da entrada sul e da criação da Praça dos Alauítas. A estrutura exemplifica a excelência da arquitetura hispano‑mourisca, destacando‑se pelo uso extensivo de zellij (mosaicos de cerâmica vidrada cortados à mão), onde predomina o azul intenso associado a Fez, criando um contraste vibrante com o dourado do metal trabalhado. As portas exibem complexos padrões geométricos islâmicos, inseridos num arco polilobado e coroados por intrincados estuques esculpidos e madeira de cedro. Como o palácio permanece uma residência oficial ativa do Rei de Marrocos, o acesso ao interior é estritamente vedado ao público, tornando esta fachada monumental o principal ponto de contacto visual com a herança artesanal da cidade imperial.
One of the imposing bronze doors of Dar el-Makhzen, the Royal Palace located in Fez el-Jdid, Morocco. Although the original foundation of the palace complex dates back to the Merinid dynasty in the 13th century, the seven monumental gates currently visible are a more recent addition, built between 1969 and 1971, when the south entrance was renovated and the Place des Alaouites was created. The structure exemplifies the excellence of Hispano-Moorish architecture, notable for its extensive use of zellij (hand-cut glazed ceramic mosaics), where the intense blue associated with Fez predominates, creating a vibrant contrast with the gold of the wrought metal. The doors display complex Islamic geometric patterns, set in a poly-lobed arch and crowned by intricate carved stucco and cedar wood. As the palace remains an active official residence of the King of Morocco, access to the interior is strictly forbidden to the public, making this monumental façade the main point of visual contact with the imperial city's artisanal heritage.
Impressions of India – 40
Picture taken inside Fort Barli, in Barli, Rajasthan, India.
If you like this picture from my India trip, you can see more at www.flickr.com/photos/chizuka/albums/72157673735932443
❖ Thank you as always for your visits, appreciation and your comments
❖ Merci comme toujours de vos visites, vos appréciations et vos commentaires.
❖ You can also see my work on 500PX,
"Fragments of daily life ignited by an inner energy that warms the soul. My space breaks apart among mirrors and beams, revealing the fire that lives within the heart of everyday geometries."
A skyward view of the iconic "palm tree" vault at the Jacobins Convent in Toulouse. Shot from the base of the central column, this perspective reveals the intricate geometry of 22 radiating ribs that form this unique 13th-century Gothic masterpiece. The harmony between medieval architecture and contemporary light installation is enhanced by natural light filtering through the stained glass windows, while the characteristic Toulouse red brick and stone create a timeless chromatic pattern.
Printed circuit boards contain an interesting collection of electronic components, conductive traces, and geometric patterns that become more noticeable at high magnification. With macro photography, even ordinary electronic equipment can provide opportunities for creative compositions. Converting the image to black and white emphasizes the shapes, textures, and contrast of the components. It's a good example of how everyday objects can become interesting photographic subjects when viewed from a different perspective.
See my circuit board macro photography project and techniques.
Exploring the stunning rice terraces of Pu Luong, I was overwhelmed by the incredible symphony of greens that stretched across the mountainous landscape. This lone farmer, bent over her work in the vast expanse of terraced fields, embodied the timeless relationship between people and the land in rural Vietnam.
My intention was to capture both the geometric beauty of these ancient agricultural terraces and the human element that brings them to life. The repetitive lines and curves of the rice paddies create a natural artwork, while the farmer's presence reminds us that this stunning landscape is also a working environment where families have cultivated rice for generations.
This image represents my fascination with how traditional agriculture can create some of the world's most beautiful landscapes. The Pu Luong terraces are not just functional - they're a testament to human ingenuity and harmony with nature. Sometimes the most breathtaking views emerge from the most practical human needs, where centuries of careful cultivation have sculpted the mountains into living art.
North Kensington
Fujifilm Superia X-Tra 400 (expired)
Shot at 400
Canon EOS 30
Sigma 20mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art
When I encountered this doorway, I was struck by its bold geometric simplicity and the strong interplay of colors. My goal was to capture the essence of modernist design principles through this seemingly simple entrance. I carefully composed the shot to emphasize the perfect symmetry of the white vertical bands against the green wall, while the rounded square frame creates a striking portal effect. I positioned myself to ensure the concrete steps at the bottom would ground the composition while maintaining the geometric harmony above. The soft, even lighting helped to preserve the subtle details and textures while maintaining the minimalist feel I was after. For me, this image represents the beautiful intersection of form and function in modern architecture, where even a simple doorway becomes a statement of design principles.
As a photographer exploring Paris's contemporary landmarks, I was drawn to the striking angular design of the DUO Towers. For this image, I isolated one of the towers against a dark, dramatic sky, choosing a bold upward perspective that emphasizes its powerful geometric presence. The building's distinctive slanted facade and precise grid pattern of windows created the perfect subject for a minimalist black and white study. Through careful composition and post-processing, I aimed to create a high-contrast image that transforms this modern Parisian tower into an almost abstract geometric form. By eliminating color and embracing deep shadows in the sky, I wanted to emphasize the building's strong architectural lines and create a dramatic interplay between light and shadow. My goal was to present this recent addition to Paris's skyline in a way that celebrates its bold, contemporary design while creating an artistic interpretation that focuses on form, pattern, and architectural power.
Light pours here, molten and unhurried, gilding timber, steel, and glass until every surface glows the same shade of ember. Wooden fins fan like feathers mid flight, window panes absorb the day's last honeyed hour, and across the sky, another tower catches the very same light, geometry glowing.
Architectural Elegance gazing up into the geometric grandeur of Tokyo Station's restored dome. A symphony of radial beams, ornate moldings, and classical windows converge towards the central skylight. This monochrome capture emphasizes the interplay of light and shadow, highlighting the timeless craftsmanship of early 20th-century design
I was in the mood for geometric patterns today. So, I shot this while downtown, near our City Hall.
You see that massively weird hunk of metal hanging off the side of the buidling? That is part of what is to be Edmonton's new Art Gallery.
Um, you be the judge. Because this jury, is out, and will remain out until opening day.
Blessings,
Sheree
Catching the golden hour over the slate tiles and weathered brick chimneys of Oxford, UK. Looking closely through the skyline, you can see centuries of architecture standing side-by-side—from the mid-18th century Baroque dome of the Radcliffe Camera (1749) to the towering 1850s Neo-Gothic spire of Exeter College Chapel.
One of the most stunning features of Hearst Castle is the opulent Roman Pool, an indoor swimming pool that looks straight out of a palace from ancient times. This jaw-dropping masterpiece is located beneath the tennis courts and is modeled after the luxurious baths of ancient Rome. Adorned with intricate blue and gold mosaic tiles, the pool is a symbol of wealth and grandeur, capturing the imagination of anyone who visits.
Designed by architect Julia Morgan, the Roman Pool was completed in the mid-1920s and remains one of the most iconic aspects of Hearst Castle today. The small glass and gold tiles (tesserae) are laid out in mesmerizing geometric patterns, with the recurring motif of the ancient Greek key and several depictions of mythological figures, including Neptune and a Nereid. The deep blue hue of the tiles combined with the pool’s dramatic lighting creates a surreal and reflective effect, making it seem almost otherworldly. Eight Roman-style statues guard the space, adding to the classical grandeur.
Each corner and detail in the pool was meticulously planned, down to the alabaster lamps that stand elegantly by the pool’s edge, casting a soft glow. The ceiling, though weathered over time, complements the lavishness of the pool with its ornate design.
Visiting Hearst Castle and seeing the Roman Pool is like stepping into a different era, a place where art, architecture, and opulence meet. For architecture buffs and those with a love for history, this pool is not just a swimming area—it's an artistic experience not to be missed.
Imagine stepping off a narrow side street and finding yourself face-to-face with this stunning, classic corner of Portugal, most certainly in the historic heart of Porto. This image encapsulates the country’s profound love affair with azulejo tiling, as an entire multi-story building is wrapped in beautiful blue and white ceramic tiles. The patterns are intricate and traditional, primarily geometric and floral, creating a visually rich texture that gives the old building a fresh, almost shimmering facade under the bright sun.
The building itself maintains a sturdy, historic feel, featuring numerous windows and small wrought iron balconies on the upper floors, typical of Portuguese residential architecture from the late 19th or early 20th century. The blue and white coloring—the colors most commonly associated with Portuguese decorative arts—is a deliberate choice that ties the modern streetscape directly to centuries of craft and tradition.
The setting is pure European cobblestone charm. The intersection is paved with rough, irregular stones (calçada), leading the eye into the background where the street narrows into a dimly lit canyon flanked by taller buildings. The contrast is sharp: the bright, tiled façade on the left stands out against the pale, unadorned stone and plaster of the neighboring buildings. The scene is grounded by modern urban elements, including traffic signs (a clear 'Do Not Enter' sign), bollards, and a solitary figure walking quickly away from the intersection, giving a sense of the place being both a historic museum and a living, bustling part of the city. The presence of small shops and ground-floor businesses hints at the commercial activity sustaining this beautiful urban core. This view is a perfect snapshot of urban elegance and historic resilience, capturing the unique texture and light of a Portuguese afternoon.