Nice famous building. The most famous architects in the world and their creations. Ark Nova, Japan

As you know, architecture is frozen music, and, consequently, architects are great composers who have mastered the skill of creating architectural masterpieces. Only instead of notes they use construction Materials, perfectly combining functional, technical and aesthetic properties of their creations.

Many of them, created many centuries ago, are rightfully included in the treasury of world culture. Turning the pages of history, and before us are the most famous architects in the history of mankind.

Ancient architects

Already primitive man learned to build dwellings to shelter from cold and bad weather. Over time, the buildings become more perfect, and the architects of antiquity left a good memory of themselves in the form of temple buildings and royal palaces.

Our gallery of outstanding architects of the world is opened by the ancient Egyptian architect Imhotep, who created many magnificent buildings, including the author of the project for the construction of the Djoser pyramid.

Translated from the ancient Egyptian, his name means “He who came in peace”, and indeed, looking at his architectural creations today, peace comes. In addition, the talented Imhotep mastered the secrets of healing, and also wrote wonderful poems. For his merits he was deified as the God of healing.

Callicrates

Callicrates lived and worked in Athens in the middle of the 5th century BC. He brought to life the ideas of Perikos, and rebuilt Athens, which at that time became the most beautiful city planets.

Today, hundreds of thousands of tourists come to the capital of Greece to see the main creation of Callicrates - the Athenian Parthenon. But note that the Parthenon project was created in collaboration with the architect Iktin.

In addition, Kallikrates erected the temple of Nike, and also completed the construction of the Long Walls along the road from Athens to Piraeus.

Hermogen

The ancient Greek architect Hermogenes went down in history as the founder of the Ionian order. We learn about this unique person from the Roman treatise "Ten Books on Architecture".

According to his projects, cult complexes were erected, and he also became the author of the construction of a temple in honor of Artemis Leukophrina and a temple to Zeus Sotsipolis. All these structures were the decoration of the Ionian city of Magnesia on the Meander. Currently, the facade of the temple in honor of Zeus is on display in the Pergamon Museum.

Apollodorus of Damascus

The most talented Roman architect Apollodorus was born in Damascus, but his architectural masterpieces were erected in Europe. Apollodorus mastered the art of sculpture to perfection, learned the secrets of engineering. He was the favorite of the Roman emperor Trajan, for whom he erected buildings and.

His first engineering project was a bridge over the Danube. Also built the famous Trajan's Column in Rome, the Forum. It is believed that he was one of the founders of the Roman Pantheon. Many achievements of Roman architects and sculptors today delight the eye and impress with skill, which is only the Colosseum.

The famous mathematician and architect of the Byzantine Empire was born in the city of Miletus, and the main creation of his life was the Temple of Hagia Sophia, erected in Constantinople in 537 under the Emperor Justinian.

Isidore's innovation was that for the first time the dome was erected over a square building, and the arches of the vaults, the dome and the half-dome acted as the main elements of the temple structure.

Medieval architects

The church had a great influence on the architectural styles of the Middle Ages, therefore it was the religious buildings that were distinguished by luxury and a variety of architectural elements, techniques and methods of construction.

Giotto di Bondone

He was the first to overcome the influence of the Byzantine traditions and create magnificent masterpieces of painting and architecture. His main brainchild is the painting of the Chapel del Arena in the city of Padua, which was erected according to his project at the beginning of the XIV century.

Jean de Chelle

The French architect, born in 1200 in the town of Chelle, became famous for taking part in the construction of Notre Dame Cathedral.

It was according to his unique design that the side facades adjacent to the nave were erected. In memory of him, a plaque is placed on the southern facade, on which the year 1258 and the name of the architect are listed.

Filippo Calendario

Born in Venice, architect Filippo Calendario lived a short but vibrant life. He was highly respected in his homeland, and according to his design, the facade and columns of the Doge's Palace in Venice were erected.

In 1355 he was executed on charges of preparing a coup d'état. By an evil coincidence, the Doge's Palace became the place of Filippo's execution.

Leonardo da Vinci

A talented sculptor, painter, scientist, he became famous in other fields of science and culture. The world knows Leonardo da Vinci as an architect from his work in Milan, where he became the author of the construction of the Sforza Castle.

Another of his works was the construction of a dome over the Milan Cathedral. In France he worked on the creation of the Romorantin Canal, as well as castles commissioned by eminent nobles. Among them is the Chambord castle, built according to the project of the great Italian scientist.

It was his project that was taken as the basis for the construction of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome in 1506. In addition, Donato was the founder of the Renaissance in architecture, created projects of beautiful houses with unique courtyards.

In fairness, it should be noted that in addition to Donato Bramante, other sculptors and architects of the Renaissance, such as Raphael, Bernini, Michelangelo, took part in the work on the creation of a majestic religious building of Catholicism. St. Peter's Basilica in Rome has become a symbol of the era and the largest building in the Vatican.

Jacques Lemercier

The Royal Architect at the court of King Louis XIII, Jacques Lemercier brilliantly and passionately embodied the ideas of classicism and baroque.

He was a true master of masonry, and many of his projects were based on this technique. Lemercier was the first architect of the Louvre, creating a main square hall and a wonderful courtyard... His work was successfully continued by the followers of French classicism.

Louis Levo and Jules Hardouin-Mansart

These two Frenchmen are united by the majestic and striking luxury Versailles, the authors of the construction project of which were Louis and Jules.

Louis Leveaux was the founder of French classicism, and his work amazed the world with its magnificence and unusual architectural solutions... His partner, Jules Hardouin-Mansart, was the court architect of Louis XVI, and was the author of Place de la Victory and Place Vendome in Paris, and also erected the Cathedral of the House of Invalids.

Filippo Brunelleschi

Photo: Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence

One of the first to reveal the fundamentals of perspective in architecture. He built many churches and temples, but his main creation is the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, and today it amazes with the splendor of thousands of tourists visiting Italian Florence.

Octaviano Mancini

The Italian architect is famous for the fact that in 1633 he headed the restoration work of St. Sophia Cathedral in Kiev. By the mid-40s of the 17th century, the work was completed, and the beautiful Kiev church acquired a new look in the Ukrainian baroque style. The domes from hemispheres became pear-shaped, stucco molding appeared on the facade of the church, and the most unique frescoes were also restored ancient temple.

Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kiev, which has been repeatedly restored after the great Italian, has become a beautiful visiting card of the Ukrainian capital. ...

New time architects

At this time, pragmatism comes to life, which is naturally reflected in architecture. The architects of the New Age began to use new techniques, and most importantly, new materials to create their masterpieces.

Domenico Andrea Trezzini

The Italian, invited to work by Peter I, became the first architect of St. Petersburg. It was according to his project that the Kronstadt fortress was laid, the Nevskaya Lavra, Peter's summer house was erected.

The architect was so much in love and passionate about his work that he arrived in Russia, leaving his wife and his children in his homeland. In memory of the great architect in St. Petersburg, a monument was erected on the square, which is named in his honor.

Vasily Petrovich Stasov

The great Russian architect was born into a poor noble family in 1769. He received a diploma from the Roman Academy of Painting and Architecture, and upon his return to his homeland he became the author of significant projects in the capital of the Russian Empire.

The architect of the Narva Triumphal Gate was the founder of the Russian style. His temple of Alexander Nevsky in German Potsdam is the first unique monument in this style that has survived to our time.

Charles Garnier

An art historian and a prominent representative of eclecticism, the French architect also became the founder of the Beauz-art style. He has brought to life great projects, including the Opera Garnier, the Teatro Marigny, the casino in Monte Carlo.

He has written many books on the history of architecture, archeology. For his services to France he was awarded the highest award of France - the Order of the Legion of Honor.

At the end of the eras. Late XIX - early XX centuries

Majestic architectural monuments, unusual park complexes, as well as unusual sculptural compositions appeared at the turn of two centuries, which is worth noting in our review of world architects.

Frederic Auguste Bartholdi

The installation of France's gift to the American people in honor of the 100th anniversary of US independence, like the Eiffel Tower, marked a new milestone in the development of architecture.

The talented Frenchman Federic Bartholdi was entrusted with the development of the Statue of Liberty project, and he successfully completed the task. But the idea of \u200b\u200bcreating this sculpture belongs to the thinker Edouard Rene Lefebvre de Laboulay. Aft of this sculpture Frederick's track record is the magnificent monuments that adorn the world's finest cities.

Antoni Gaudi

In the early 70s of the XIX century, Antonio arrived in Barcelona, \u200b\u200band began to diligently comprehend all the subtleties of architectural art. After graduation, he worked under the guidance of famous Spanish masters.

He went down in history as the author and architect of the Park Guell in Barcelona, \u200b\u200bwhich was built over 14 years, from 1900 to 1914. Under his leadership, the construction of the Sagrada Familia Temple began, which began in 1882 and continues to this day. Antonio left the influence of eclecticism and created his own, unique style of curved surfaces.

Gunnar Asplund

Swedish architects of the early 20th century have come a long way from neoclassicism to functionalism. Gunnar Asplud became a prominent representative of the functionalism style.

Photo: city library in Stockholm

His city library in Stockholm is a chic testament to Gunnar's dedication to austere, crisp lines and elements of harsh Northern Art Nouveau. His work had a great influence on the development of architecture, especially in the field of working with glass and iron structures.

Frank Lloyd Wright

An innovative American architect had a great influence on the development of world architecture at the beginning of the twentieth century. Throughout his life, Wright promoted an open style and so-called "organic architecture" that does not contradict nature.

Particularly notable among his projects is the House above the Falls, built in southern Pennsylvania. It is in this project that the style of the master is visible, which manifested itself in the harmonious fusion of architecture and nature.

Le Corbusier

In the photo: Le Corbusier holds a model of the famous "radiant house" to be built in Marseille.

A French architect with Swiss roots has made an enormous contribution to modern architecture. His new approach to space and form was revolutionary.

The architect was a supporter of free forms, squares and spaces. Distinctive feature his new style was block-forms in architecture, flat simple forms of buildings, simple rough decoration, free space. Le Corbusier even wrote his own code of architecture, entitled Five Starting Points modern architecture", Which included the following items:

1. Support pillars
2. Flat roof terraces
3. Free layout
4. Tape windows
5. Free facade

Palace of Justice in the Indian city of Chandigarh

Le Corbusier has been working for more than half a century. During this time, according to his projects, a huge number of buildings and structures were built in all parts of the world. The great architect died at the age of 77, leaving behind a huge legacy for all mankind.

Walter Gropius

A well-known German architect who made a great contribution to the development of world architecture, one of the founders of the Bauhaus school. He began his career working in the studio of Peter Behrens as a designer and architect. Here he meets the great colleagues Le Corbusier and Ludwig Rohe.

Gropius is making great strides in urban planning, as well as in the design of industrial, administrative, residential buildings and exhibition spaces. His first major project was the German shoe factory Fargus, which he designed in collaboration with Adolf Meyer. Until now, the factory has retained its freshness and beauty.

Shoe factory "Fargus"

Famous architects of our time

Evgeny Vuchetich

Note that this is one of the most tall statues in the world. In addition to other works by Vuchetich, one should mention the monument to the Liberator Soldier in Berlin, as well as the sculpture "Beat Swords into Plowshares", standing in front of the UN building in New York.

Grigory Morozov

In the photo: Palace of Sports "Yubileiny" in St. Petersburg

The Soviet architect and scientist graduated from the Leningrad Institute of Painting and Architecture in 1948, and for many years was the chief architect of Leningrad.

According to his designs, the Yubileiny Palace, the Shipyard on Petrovskaya Spit and many other buildings in the style of Soviet realism with elements of classicism were erected. Until his death in 1992, he was devoted to his beloved work, and continued to lead the architectural studio, bringing up many talented students.

Oscar Niemeyer

Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, one of the most famous Latin American masters, was a pioneer in the field of reinforced concrete architecture.

Brasilia Cathedral

In fact, all the buildings in the new part of the capital Brasilia were built according to Oscar's designs. Among them, it is worth noting the National Congress Palace and the Government House. Because of his communist views, he was forced to leave his homeland. Then he returned, and, having lived 104 years, the great master died in 2012 in his native Rio de Janeiro.

Groninger Museum in the Netherlands

A striking feature of his work is the mixing of different styles and forms, not being afraid to add variety. In addition, Mendini has written several books on design theory and the history of world architecture.

Conclusion

Architecture, which is part of the sphere of spiritual culture, forms an environment that is so necessary for the life and work of people. The aesthetic views of mankind are also of great importance, although, as we see, the great architects and architects of the past often went beyond the usual framework of generally accepted norms. And this ability is talent, and as a symbol of the eternity of architecture Bonnato Pisano's Leaning Tower of Pisa, which has been falling since the 12th century, and still stands.

Architecture is a kind of product and reflection of social consciousness and being; it is designed to satisfy the aesthetic needs of society. The evolution of architecture is inseparable from the evolution of mankind. Any achievements and problems of architecture cannot be separated from social achievements and complexities.

For architecture, it is more important to fully satisfy the needs of society in an equal relationship with the natural environment, and not to develop any prevailing style. For example, the popular Baroque architectural style has not led to the construction of ecological buildings that are in balance with the natural environment and fully meet the needs of society. This was also the case for late modernism.

XX century in the formation of world architecture

The XX century was critical in the development of all mankind: it was then that society first realized the instability of its development and formation, which led to global changes. For the first time, it was realized that more sustainable development is needed, which is based on sustainable construction and architecture.

Remark 1

For the first time in human history in the 20th century, the built environment has grown and has become the main value of all states. It was during this period that the need for a stable use of resources and the transition to the use of renewable resources was realized, which significantly influenced the architecture.

Factors that influenced modern world architecture

During that period, other global problems arise that significantly influenced the architecture:

• rapid population growth;
• the formation of cities and the creation of urban areas;
• lack of vital resources;
• increasing social inequality;
• unsustainable development;
• the rapid growth of undeveloped territories;
• reduction of natural landscapes.

Therefore, it is more logical to arrange the stages of architectural evolution with the stages of technical, socio-economic, ecological and technological development of society. Assessing the progress of architecture, in the first place it is necessary to attribute the needs of society in terms of the natural resource potential of the territory, as well as ecological relations with the natural environment.

Great architectural structures of the world

When planning a trip around the world, you should definitely visit the cities with the most significant and beautiful architectural structures. These cities are popular for their large number of buildings, cityscapes and squares, while their cultural heritage and unforgettable architecture make them the best cities in the world.

These huge capitals with countless mysterious places have many attractions to offer. However, there are ten of the greatest architectural structures in the world.

1. The Shard Tower, located in London. The huge skyscraper The Shard radically changes the London skyline and makes it itself high point in Europe. Its height exceeds 300 meters above ground level. The Shard is considered the tallest building in this part of the world and is rightfully considered the most famous. In 2012, its construction was completed in the very center of London, close to London Bridge, the Thames embankment and the Tower of London. The Shard can be seen from anywhere in the city, especially at night, when the luminous silhouette of this iconic architectural structure turns into a colorful mixture of shadow and light, and the lively reflection in the river conveys all its greatness. The observation deck, which is located at an altitude of 250 meters, and offers the most successful view of London, is gaining particular popularity.

Figure 1. The Shard Tower, London. Author24 - online exchange of student papers

1. Big Ben. Another famous London landmark is Big Ben (House of Lords, House of Commons), which has its roots in history. In the architecture of this building, you can discern numerous sharp details, tall pillars, sharp decorations, dark mystical corners and contrasting pale silhouettes. This large-scale architectural structure is one of the city's iconic landmarks. The huge Big Ben tower with a clock and a characteristic ringing can be recognized all over the world, which makes this building one of the most famous structures in the world.

1. Burj Hadifa. By far the most high building will be no exception in the list of famous architectural structures. Burj Hadifa rises majestically over Dubai at an altitude of 830 meters. At night, the building creates a particularly colorful and fantastic atmosphere. Numerous lights come together to create a massive spectacle alongside other architectural structures in Dubai. The tower rises above the horizon with its distinctive Arabian silhouette, Y-shaped design, cross-sections and multiple levels. This building can be safely called a masterpiece of modern architecture. At the top of the skyscraper is the famous At.Mosphere restaurant.

1. Burj Al Arab. This delightful piece of architecture is also found along the coastline in Dubai. Dubai Sail is the most popular and luxurious hotel not only in Dubai but the entire planet. Its height is about 320 meters, making it the second highest hotel in the world. Burj Al Arab is a symbol of the historical heritage of Dubai, it produces unforgettable impression with its bright white and original silhouette, as well as its gigantic scale and size. A small narrow bridge leads to the Burj Al Arab Hotel, and there is a helicopter landing pad at the top.

1. Taj Mahal. Another famous architectural structure is the Taj Mahal. It is located in India in eastern Agra. This architectural masterpiece is renowned for its crisp white facades and unique history, making it one of the most attractive architectural gems. The history of the building dates back to the 17th century. The Taj Mahal is a love story that permeates every corner of this mausoleum. This structure has a huge dome 170 meters high, four smaller domes and a giant courtyard, several inclined minarets. The Taj Mahal is world renowned for its unique Islamic designs, marble fittings and many calligraphic decorations. Being at the main entrance, one immediately feels its grandeur and impressive size.

1. Roman Coliseum. Historical heritage permeates every detail of the Roman Colosseum. Each wall, facade and stone has its own history. The scale of this arena is impressive to this day, and 2000 years ago it was a real engineering marvel. The Colosseum is the largest amphitheater in the world, the center of numerous gladiatorial battles, where all the Roman nobility gathered. Under it is a network of tunnels and caves, and the outer part of the Colosseum with many arches, columns and floors is considered the main symbol of Rome and all of Italy.

1. Leaning Tower of Pisa. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is just a small part of the whole complex Cathedral Pisa, however, it is considered its most famous architectural structure. The tower consists of many spiraling balconies that are pale in color with many shades. It has a courtyard and is surrounded by many lawns. The Leaning Tower of Pisa has a Romanesque architectural design, but this is not what it is known for. It tilts 4 degrees, giving the illusion of falling. This is what tourists use when taking pictures against the background of the original architectural structure.

1. Sydney Opera House. The Sydney Opera House is the most famous architectural structure in Australia as it is a real piece of art and a true masterpiece of art. The Opera House is a cultural symbol of the country and the most popular attraction in Sydney. Within the walls of the Sydney Opera House, numerous events take place that are associated with opera, art and music. The architectural perspective is located near the water on one side, and on the other - surrounded by modern skyscrapers, making the Sydney Opera House one of the famous buildings in the world.

Figure 8. The Sydney Opera House. Author24 - online exchange of student papers

1. Empire State Building. The Empire State Building is the symbol of the United States and New York. This is one of those must-see places in the city. The skyscraper will impress with its many colors, pure Art Deco forms, historical cultures and, of course, enormous height. It rises almost 450 meters above the Manhattan skyline. The Empire State Building is dotted with numerous windows, and at the top is an observation deck that offers a divine view of all of Manhattan.

Figure 9. Empire State Building, New York. Author24 - online exchange of student papers

1. The Eiffel Tower. The list of the most popular and great architectural structures is headed not at all by the building, but by the tower. The Eiffel Tower. It is undoubtedly the most popular architectural structure in the whole world. The tower is located in the center of Paris and is a symbol of France. It is the tallest structure on the entire continent and the most visited attraction in the world. The Eiffel Tower is renowned for its unique history, with numerous spans, connections, arches and intricate elements that successfully highlight its charm.

Figure 10. Eiffel Tower, Paris. Author24 - online exchange of student papers

Now there are a huge number of great architectural structures that have not only impressive appearance, but also a hereditary history, which fascinates no less than their pompous architecture. These religious buildings are located in different cities of the world and are an integral part of world history.

Old or new, complex or simple structures, these buildings are undoubtedly the most incredible in the world. There are attractive, there are unusual, and there are simply crazy buildings, not similar to anything. Sometimes it is even difficult to immediately understand what is in front of you - a house or something else?

Lotus Temple

(Delhi, India)

The main Bahai temple of India and neighboring countries, built in 1986. Located in the city of New Delhi - the capital of India. A huge building of snow-white Pentelian marble in the shape of a blossoming lotus flower is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Delhi. It is known as the main temple of the Indian subcontinent and the main attraction of the city.

The Lotus Temple has won several architectural awards and has been featured in numerous newspaper and magazine articles. In 1921, a young Bombay Bahá'í community asked Abdu'l-Bahá for permission to build a Bahá'í temple in Bombay, to which the answer was allegedly given: "By the will of God, in the future a magnificent temple of worship will be erected in one of the central cities of India," that is, in Delhi ...

"Khan Shatyr"

(Astana, Kazakhstan)

A large shopping and entertainment center in the capital of Kazakhstan Astana (architect - Norman Foster). Opened on July 6, 2010, it is considered the largest tent in the world. total area "Khan Shatyra" - 127,000 m2. It houses retail and entertainment complexes, including a supermarket, a family park, cafes and restaurants, cinemas, gyms, a water park with an artificial beach and wave pools, office and office space, parking for 700 cars and much more.

The highlight of "Khan Shatyr" - beach resort with a tropical climate, plants and a temperature of + 35 ° C all year round. The sandy beaches of the resort are equipped with a heating system, which gives the feeling of a real beach, and the sand is brought from the Maldives. The building is a giant 150 m high tent (spire) constructed from a network of steel cables on which a transparent ETFE polymer coating is fixed. Due to its special chemical composition, it protects the inner space of the complex from sudden temperature changes and creates a comfortable microclimate inside the complex. "Khan Shatyr" entered the top ten world eco-buildings according to Forbes Style magazine, becoming the only building from the entire CIS space, which the publication decided to include in its hit parade.

The opening of the Khan Shatyr shopping and entertainment center took place within the framework of the celebration of Astana Day with the participation of the President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev. During the opening ceremony, a concert by world performer, Italian tenor of classical music Andrea Bocelli took place. The most interesting thing is that any Tyumen citizen can visit this amazing place: Astana is only nine hours away.

Guggenheim Museum

(Bilbao, Spain)

Designed by American architect Frank Gehry, the Guggenheim Museum is a magnificent example of the most innovative architectural ideas of the 20th century. Constructed from titanium, it is adorned with wavy lines that change color under the sun's rays. The total area is 24,000 m2, 11,000 of which are dedicated to exhibitions.

The Guggenheim Museum is a veritable architectural landmark, an example of daring configuration and innovative design, providing a seductive backdrop for the works of art within it. This building has changed the way the world views modern architecture and museums and has become a symbol of the revival of the industrial city of Bilbao.

National Library

(Minsk, Belarus)

The history of the National Library of Belarus begins on September 15, 1922. On this day, by the Decree of the Council of People's Commissars of the BSSR, the Belarusian State and University Library was founded. The number of readers has steadily increased. During its history, the library has changed several buildings, and soon it became necessary to build a new large and functional library building.

Back in 1989, at the republican level, a competition was held for projects of a new library building. The best was the "glass diamond" architects Mikhail Vinogradov and Viktor Kramarenko. On May 19, 1992, by the Resolution of the Council of Ministers, the Belarusian State Library received the status of a national one. On March 7, 2002, the President of the Republic signed a decree on the construction of the building of the state institution “National Library of Belarus”. But its construction began only in November 2002.

The grand opening ceremony of the “Belarusian diamond” took place on June 16, 2006. President of Belarus Alexander Grigorievich Lukashenko (who, by the way, received a library card number 1) noted at the opening ceremony that "this unique building combines the strict beauty of modern architecture and the latest scientific and technical solutions." Indeed, the National Library of Belarus is a unique architectural, construction and software and hardware complex, built in accordance with the latest scientific and technical developments and aimed at meeting the information and socio-cultural needs of society.

The new library building houses 20 reading rooms, which are designed for 2000 users. All rooms are equipped with electronic departments for issuing documents, modern equipment that allows scanning and copying documents, printing from electronic copies. The halls have computerized workstations, workstations for visually impaired and blind users, equipped with special equipment.

Crooked house

(Sopot, Poland)

In the Polish city of Sopot, on Heroiv Monte Cassino Street, there is one of the most unusual houses on the planet - the Crooked House (in Polish - Krzywy Domek). One gets the impression that it either melted in the sun, or it is an optical illusion, and this is not the house itself, but only its reflection in a huge curved mirror.

A crooked house is really crooked and does not contain a single flat spot or corner. It was built in 2004 according to the project of two Polish architects - Shotinskiy and Zalewski - who were impressed by the drawings of the artists Jan Marcin Schanzer and Per Oskar Dahlberg. The main task of the authors before the customer, which became the shopping center "Resident", was to create such an appearance of the building that would attract as many visitors as possible. A wide variety of materials have been used in the design of the facade, from glass to stone, and the roof of enamel plates resembles the back of a dragon. The doors and windows are likewise asymmetrical and intricately curved, giving the house the appearance of some kind of fabulous hut.

Crooked house works around the clock. During the day, a shopping center, cafes and other establishments are open here, and in the evening - pubs and clubs. In the dark, the house becomes even more beautiful. In 2009, the building was recognized as one of the seven wonders of the Tricity, which includes the cities of Gdynia, Gdansk and Sopot. Crooked House topped the list of 50 most unusual buildings in the world according to a recent poll by The Village of Joy.

Teapot building

(Jiangsu, China)

In China, the construction of the Wuxi Wanda Exhibition Center, made in the form of a clay teapot, is nearing completion. This building has already officially entered the Guinness Book of Records as the tallest kettle in the world. The choice of this form is not accidental: clay teapots have been considered symbols of the Middle Kingdom since the 15th century. They are still produced in Jiangsu province, where the Wuxi Wanda Exhibition Center is located. In addition to making clay teapots, China is famous for its elite teas.

Real estate developer The Wanda Group announced that it had spent 40 billion yuan ($ 6.4 billion) on the construction of the cultural and exhibition center. The result was a structure with an area of \u200b\u200b3.4 million m2, a height of 38.8 m and a diameter of 50 m. Outside, the building is sheathed with aluminum sheets, which provide the necessary curvature of the frame. In addition to them, glass stained-glass windows of various sizes play an important role.

The Wuxi Wanda Center will have exhibition halls, a water park, roller coasters, and a Ferris wheel. In addition, each of the three floors of the building can rotate along its own axis. The Cultural and Exhibition Center is part of the Tourism City shopping and entertainment complex, the construction of which is planned to be completed by 2017.

Habitat 67

(Montreal, Canada)

An unusual residential complex in Montreal was designed by the architect Moshe Safdie in 1966-1967. The complex was built for the start of Expo 67, one of the world's largest exhibitions of the time, with the theme of houses and residential construction.

The base of the structure is 354 cubes stacked on top of each other. It was they who made it possible to create this gray building with 146 apartments, where families live, who have traded a quiet house in a residential area for such a non-standard house. Most downstairs neighbors' rooftop apartments have a private garden.

The style of construction is considered to be brutalism. Habitat 67 was built over 45 years ago, but it still impresses with its scale. This is, without a doubt, one of the few modern utopias that not only came true, but also became very popular and was even recognized as elite.

Dancing building

(Prague, Czech Republic)

The deconstructivist office building in Prague consists of two cylindrical towers: the usual and the destructive. The Dancing House, jokingly called "Ginger and Fred," is an architectural metaphor for the dancing couple Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire. One of the two cylindrical parts, which expands upward, symbolizes a male figure (Fred), and the second visually resembles a female figure with a thin waist and a skirt fluttering in a dance (Ginger).

Like many deconstructivist structures, the building contrasts sharply with its neighbor - an integral architectural complex of the turn of the XIX-XX centuries. The office center, which houses several international companies, is located in Prague 2, at the corner of Resslova Street and the embankment. On the rooftop there is a French restaurant overlooking Prague La Perle de Prague.

Forest spiral building

(Darmstadt, Germany)

Unique building german city Darmstadt was donated by the Austrian genius Friedensreich Hundertwasser in 2000. A magical house painted in different colors from a children's fairy tale with floating lines of a curved facade, it looks into the world with 1048 windows of non-repeating shapes, sizes and decor. Some of the windows have real trees.

This original structure in the shape of a horseshoe, spiraling upward, is called "an unusual house among the usual monotony." It was built in a "biomorphic" style, although, in fact, it is a real residential 12-storey complex, or rather, a kind of fabulous green village. It includes not only a house with 105 comfortable apartments, but also a quiet courtyard with artificial lakes, figured bridges and paths trodden right in the grass; artistically decorated playgrounds; closed parking lots; shops; pharmacy and other elements of developed infrastructure.

Upside Down House

(Szymbark, Poland)

The unique rooftop home is decorated in a 1970s socialist style. An overturned house creates a strange feeling: the entrance is on the roof, everyone enters through the window, and guests walk along the ceiling. The interior is decorated in the style of socialist realism: there is a recreation room with a TV and a chest of drawers. There is also a table made of the longest solid board in the world - 36.83 m. Of course, the Guinness Book of Records did not pass him by.

The construction of the building took longer and more money than it would have been for a conventional house of the same size. The foundation required 200 m³ of concrete. The author of the project was asked many times if his project was related to commercial purposes. The answer was always a stubborn no. However, the shape-shifting house turned into a commercial success.

Not only Poles, but also foreign tourists come to test their strength and look at an interesting structure. Through the attic window you can enter the house and, carefully maneuvering between the chandeliers, walk around the rooms. Some sources claim that the developer was going to use the new building as his own home. Whether this is so is unknown, but the overturned house in Szymbark never became residential.

However, there is nothing to complain about: the queue of tourists who want to walk inside does not dry out, so there would be no question of any quiet life. Several years ago, in the vicinity of the house, there was even a kind of gathering of local Santa Clauses, who not only discussed their problems, but also practiced getting inside the house through a pipe, since, fortunately, it rests on the ground.

Wat Rong Khun

(Chiang Rai, Thailand)

Wat Rong Khun, better known as the White Temple, is considered one of the most recognizable temples in Thailand and undoubtedly one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. The temple is located outside Chiang Rai city and attracts a large number of visitors, Thai and foreign. It is one of the most visited attractions in Chiang Rai and the most unusual Buddhist temple.

Wat Rong Khun looks like an ice house. Because of its color, the building is noticeable from afar, in addition, it sparkles in the sun thanks to the inclusion of pieces of glass in the plaster. White means the purity of Buddha, while glass symbolizes Buddha's wisdom and Dharma, Buddhist teachings. They say that the best time to visit the White Temple is at sunrise or sunset, when it is beautifully reflected in the sun.

The construction of the temple began in 1997 and continues to this day. It is being built by Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat using his own funds from the sale of paintings. The artist refused sponsors: he wants to make the temple the way only he wants.

Basket building

(Ohio, USA)

The basket building was built in 1997. The weight of the structure is approximately 8500 tons, the weight of the supporting supports is 150 tons. During the construction, almost 8000 m3 of reinforced concrete was used. The building has a usable area of \u200b\u200b180,000 square feet. The basket is located on an area of \u200b\u200babout 20,000 square feet (approximately 2200 m2) and completely copies one of its owner's brands.

When the architect of the project, Nikolina Georgievsha, found out about what lay ahead, she exclaimed: “Wow! I haven’t done this yet! ” Indeed, this building cannot be called standard. Unlike the rest of the buildings, it expands upward. This made it possible to significantly increase the working space of the offices: the building is designed for a staff of 500 employees. Not bad, considering that the building also houses a seven-story atrium with an area of \u200b\u200b3300 m2, around which the offices are located. In addition, the first floor is occupied by a theater-like auditorium with 142 seats. The building claims some pomp: the project takes into account two slabs attached to the building with the owner's trademark, covered with 23-carat gold.

(Sanji, Taiwan)

The weird and wondrous town of Sanji in Taiwan is an abandoned resort complex. The houses in it resembled a flying saucer in shape, so they were nicknamed UFO houses. The city was acquired as a resort for US military personnel serving in East Asia.

The original idea of \u200b\u200bbuilding such houses belonged to the owner of the Sanjhih Township plastics company, Mr. Yu-Ko Chou. The first building license was issued in 1978. The design was developed by the architect from Finland Matti Suuronen. But construction was halted in 1980 when Yu-Chou filed for bankruptcy. All efforts to resume work have led nowhere. In addition, during the construction, several serious accidents occurred due to the allegedly disturbed spirit of the mythical Chinese dragon (as superstitious people claimed). Many believed the place was haunted. As a result, the village was abandoned and soon became known as a ghost town.

Stone house

(Fafe, Portugal)

Casa do Penedo in the mountains of Portugal, built between four boulders, resembles a Stone Age dwelling. The hut standing on the outskirts was built in 1974 by Vitor Rodriguez and was intended for relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The pursuit of simplicity did not make the members of the Rodriguez family hermits, but brought them closer to a natural lifestyle without excesses. The house was never supplied with electricity; candles are still used for lighting here. The room is heated with a fireplace, carved in one of the boulders. The stone walls serve as a continuation of the interior decoration: even the steps leading to the second floor are carved right into the stones.

The stone hut, reminiscent of the dwelling of the characters of the American animated series "The Flintstones", so organically blended into the surrounding landscape that it aroused great interest among architects and tourists. The curiosity of locals and travelers passing by forced the Rodriguez family to leave the house. Now no one lives in the hut, but the owners sometimes visit their unusual house. Only in this case there is a chance to see unusual interiors, at other times it is impossible to get inside Casa do Penedo.

central Library

(Kansas City, Missouri, USA)

Located in the heart of Kansas City, this is one of the first projects to restore the city and its historical and tourist value. Residents were asked to recall the most famous books that are somehow connected with the name of Kansas City, and they selected twenty fiction books for two years. The appearance of these publications has been incorporated into the innovative design of the City Central Library to encourage visits.

The library building looks like a bookshelf lined with giant books. Each of them reaches seven meters in height and about two meters in width. Now the library has at its disposal not only the most modern technologies and excellent quality of service, but also conference rooms, cafes, an observation room and much more. The Kansas City Public Library has a unique architecture that is mind-boggling. Today it is the pride of the residents of the city of Kansas. Its construction has become one of the most significant events in the transformation of a provincial town into a thriving metropolis. The library has ten branches, the main of which is the largest and has special funds. The library's arsenal is 2.5 million books, the attendance is more than 2.4 million clients per year.

The history of the library begins in 1873, when it opened its doors to readers and immediately became not only a source of resources for education, but also an excellent alternative to other entertainment establishments of that time. The public library has moved many times, and in 1999 it was moved to the former building of the First National Bank. The centenary building was a true masterpiece of craftsmanship: marble columns, bronze doors and walls, richly decorated with stucco. But all the same it required reconstruction. With the help of public-private cooperation, funds raised from the state and municipal budgets, as well as sponsorship, the door public library Kansas was opened in 2004 in the form in which it is now.

Solar oven

(Odelio, France)

A stunning furnace-like structure that is, in fact, one, the Solar Furnace in France is designed to generate and concentrate the high temperatures required for various processes. It does this by capturing the sun's rays and concentrating their energy in one place.

The structure is covered with curved mirrors, their radiance is so great that it is impossible to look at them. The structure was erected in 1970, the Eastern Pyrenees was chosen as the most suitable place. To this day, the oven remains the largest in the world. An array of mirrors is assigned the functions of a parabolic reflector, and a high temperature regime in the focus itself can reach 3500 ° C. You can adjust the temperature by changing the angles of the mirrors.

Using a natural resource such as sunlight, the Solar Oven is considered indispensable for generating high temperatures. And they, in turn, are used for a variety of processes. Thus, the production of hydrogen requires a temperature of 1400 ° C. Test modes of spacecraft and nuclear reactors provide for a temperature of 2500 ° C, and without a temperature of 3500 ° C it is impossible to create nanomaterials. In short, the Solar Oven is not just an amazing building, but also vital and efficient. At the same time, it is considered an environmentally friendly and relatively cheap way to get high temperatures.

Robert Ripley's House

(Niagara Falls, Canada)

"Ripley's House" in Orlando is an illustration on the theme not of a technical revolution, but of natural elements. This house was built in memory of the magnitude 8 earthquake that happened here in 1812.

Today, the allegedly cracked building is recognized as one of the most photographed in the world. "Believe it or not!" (Ripley "s Believe It or Not!) Is a patented network of so-called Ripley's Auditoriums (museums of strange and incredible things), of which there are more than 30 in the world.

The idea belongs to Robert Ripley (1890–1949), an American cartoonist, entrepreneur and anthropologist. The first Ripley's Auditorium mobile collection was presented in Chicago in 1933 during the World's Fair. On an ongoing basis, the first museum "Believe it or not!" was opened after the death of Ripley, in 1950 in Florida, in the city of St. Augustine. The Canadian Museum of the same name was founded in 1963 in Niagara Falls (Niagara Falls, Ontario) and still has a reputation as the best museum in the city. The Auditorium building is built in the shape of the falling Empire State Building (New York) with King Kong on the roof.

House-boot

(Pennsylvania, USA)

The boot house in Pennsylvania (York County) was conceived by a very successful businessman, Colonel Mahlon N. Heinz. At that time he owned a thriving shoe company, which included about 40 shoe stores. At that time, Heinz was already 73 years old, but he adored his business so much that he commissioned an architect to create an unusual structure in the shape of a boot. This was in 1948. Already in 1949, the dream of a shoe businessman was realized, and the restless Mahlon N. Heinz was able not only to admire the extraordinary building, but also to settle there.

The length of this house is 12 m, height - 8. Its facade was made as follows: first, a wooden frame was created, which was then filled with cement. Surprisingly, even the letterbox of this house is made in the shape of a boot. There is a shoe in the bars on the windows and doors. There is a dog kennel near the house, which was also made in the form of a boot. And even the sign on the road has shoes. But in fact, the house-shoe has this orientation only from the outside. Inside, it is quite comfortable dwelling, quite cozy and spacious. An external staircase (most likely a fire) is mounted on the side of the house, allowing access to all five tiers of the unusual building.

Dome house

(Florida, USA)

After a series of devastating hurricanes and tropical storms in Florida (USA), as a result of which Mark and Valeria Sigler were left without a roof over their heads each time, they decided to build a house that could withstand the onslaught of the elements while still being beautiful and comfortable. The result of their work was a house with an unusually strong structure and unique design.

It is very important for people living in the coastal area that they have somewhere to return after a storm. Ordinary houses very often collapse to the ground, while the "Dome-House" can stand as if nothing had happened even under the wind rushing at a speed of 450 km / h. At the same time, the Sigler house fits perfectly into the surrounding landscape: the dome is the best fit for the environment of dunes, reservoirs and vegetation. The structure of the building is made of modern environmentally friendly materials that can last for several centuries.

Cubic buildings

(Rotterdam, Netherlands)

A number of unusual houses were built in Rotterdam and Helmond according to the innovative design of the architect Pete Blom in 1984. Blom's radical decision was that he turned the parallelepiped of the house 45 degrees and placed it at an angle on a hexagonal pylon. Rotterdam has 38 such houses and two more super-cubes, all of which are articulated with each other. From a bird's eye view, the complex has an intricate appearance, resembling an impossible triangle.

The houses consist of three floors:
● Ground floor - entrance.
● The first is a living room with a kitchen.
● Second - two bedrooms with bathroom.
● Upper - a small garden is sometimes set up here.

The walls and windows are inclined at an angle of 54.7 degrees in relation to the floor. The total area of \u200b\u200bthe apartment is about 100 m2, however about a quarter of the space is unusable due to the walls that are angled.

Burj Al Arab Hotel

(Dubai, United Arab Emirates)

A luxury hotel in Dubai, the largest city in the United Arab Emirates. The building stands in the sea at a distance of 280 m from the coast on an artificial island connected to the ground by a bridge. With a height of 321 m, the hotel was considered the tallest hotel in the world until another Dubai hotel, the Rose Tower, appeared with a height of 333 m, which opened in April 2008.

Construction of the hotel began in 1994 and opened to visitors on December 1, 1999. The hotel was built in the form of a sail dhow, an Arab ship. Closer to the top is the helipad, and on the other side is the El Muntaha restaurant (Arabic for "the highest"). Both are supported by cantilever beams.

Towers "Absolute"

Like any other booming suburb of North America, Mississauga is looking for a new architectural look. The Absolute Towers have become a new opportunity to meet the needs of an ever-expanding city, to create a residential landmark that will claim to be more than just efficient housing. They can create a permanent emotional connection with their hometown for residents. Such a structure can be safely included in the list of the most beautiful skyscrapers in the world.

Instead of the simple, functional logic of modernism, the design of the towers expresses the complex multiple needs of modern society. These buildings are much more than just a multifunctional machine. This is something beautiful, human and alive. The towers play an important role as gates to the city, located at the intersection of two main city streets.

Despite the special status of these towers as a significant landmark, the emphasis in the project was by no means their height, as is the case with most of the tallest buildings in the world. Thanks to design features, continuous balconies surround the entire building, eliminating the vertical barriers traditionally used in high-rise architecture. The Absolute Towers rotate in different projections at different levels, blending with the surrounding landscapes. The goal of the designers was to provide a good 360-degree view from any point of the building, as well as to provide residents with contact with natural elements, awakening in them a reverent attitude towards nature. The height of tower A with 56 floors is 170 m, and tower B with a height of 50 floors is 150 m.

Pabellon de Aragon

(Zaragoza, Spain)

A wicker basket-like building appeared in Zaragoza in 2008. Construction was timed to coincide with the full-scale exhibition "Expo-2008" dedicated to the problems of water scarcity on the planet. The pavilion of Aragon, literally woven of glass and steel, is crowned with strange-looking structures placed on the roof.

As conceived by its creators, the structure reflects the deep mark that five ancient civilizations left on the territory of Zaragoza. In addition, inside the building you can learn about the history of water and how humans learned to manage water resources on the planet.

(Graz, Austria)

This museum-gallery of contemporary art was opened as part of the program “ Cultural capital Europe "in 2003. The concept of the building was developed by London architects Peter Cook and Colin Fournier. The facade of the museum was made by realities: united using BIX technology as a media installation with an area of \u200b\u200b900 m2, consisting of luminous elements, which can be programmed with a computer. It allows the museum to connect with the surrounding urban space.

The installation has won several awards. The BIX façade was conceived when the rest of the building was being worked out. In addition to the late dates, it was difficult to integrate into the concept of other authors. In addition, the façade undoubtedly became the dominant element of the architectural image. The architects adopted the facade design because it was based on their original ideas for a large luminous surface.

Concert hall

(Canary Islands, Spain)

One of the most famous and recognizable buildings in Spain, a symbol of the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, one of the most significant works of modern architecture and one of the main attractions Canary Islands... The opera was designed by Santiago Calatrava in 2003.

The Auditorio de Tenerife building is located in the city center, close to the Cesar Manrique Marine Park, the city's port and the Torres de Santa Cruz Twin Towers. There is a tram station nearby. You can enter the opera hall from both sides of the building. Auditorio de Tenerife has two terraces overlooking the sea.

Coin building

(Guangzhou, China)

IN chinese city Guangzhou is a unique building in the form of a huge disc with a hole inside. It will house the Guangdong Plastics Exchange. The final cosmetic work is underway here.

The coin building, 33 stories high and 138 m high, has an opening with a diameter of almost 50 m, which has a functional, not just a design value. The main shopping area will be located around it. The fact that the building has already become one of the main attractions of Guangdong province is obvious. However, opinions were divided over its symbolic meaning.

The Italian company that developed the project claims that the shape is based on jade discs owned by ancient Chinese rulers and nobles. They symbolized the high moral qualities of a person. In addition, together with its reflection in the Pearl River, on which the building stands, it forms the number 8. According to the Chinese, it brings good luck. However, many citizens of Guangzhou saw in this building a Chinese coin, symbolizing the desire for material wealth, and the people have already called this building "the disc of the profligate rich." When the building will be open to visitors has not yet been announced.

"Stone Cave"

(Barcelona, \u200b\u200bSpain)

Construction began in 1906, and in 1910 the five-story building had already become one of the most famous buildings in Barcelona. Locals christened it "La Pedrera" - a stone cave. Indeed, the house looked like a real cave. When creating it, Gaudi basically abandoned straight lines. The five-story residential building was erected without a single corner. The architect made the supporting structures not walls, but columns and vaults, which gave him unlimited space in the layout of rooms, the height of the ceilings in which is different.

In order for a sufficient amount of light to penetrate into each room with such a complex layout, Gaudi had to make several courtyards with light ovals. These many ovals, windows and undulating balconies make the house look like a block of solidified lava. Or on a rock with caves.

Music building

(Huainan, China)

The Piano House consists of two parts, depicting two instruments: a transparent violin rests on a translucent piano. The unique building was built for music lovers, but has nothing to do with music. There is an escalator in the violin, and in the piano - exhibition complex, in which the attention of visitors is presented to the plans of streets and districts of the city. The object was created at the suggestion of local authorities.

The unusual building seeks to attract the attention of Chinese residents and numerous tourists to the new developing area, which has become the most iconic site. Thanks to the continuous glazing of the facades with transparent and tinted glass, the premises of the complex receive the maximum possible natural light. And in the dark, the body of the object hides in the dark, leaving visible only the neon outlines of the silhouettes of giant "instruments". Despite its popularity, the building is often criticized as a kind of postmodern kitsch and a typical student project, in which shocking is much more than art and functionality.

CCTV headquarters

(Beijing, PRC)

CCTV headquarters is a skyscraper in Beijing. The building will house the headquarters of China Central Television. Construction work began on September 22, 2004 and was completed in 2009. The architects of the building are Rem Koolhaas and Ole Scheeren (OMA).

The skyscraper is 234 m high and has 44 floors. The main building is constructed in an unusual style and is a ring-shaped structure of five horizontal and vertical sections that form an irregular grid on the facade of the building with an empty center. The total floor area is 473,000 m².

The construction of the building was considered a daunting task, especially given its location in an earthquake-prone area. Due to its unusual shape, it has already acquired the nickname "pants". The second building, the Television Cultural Center, will house the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, a visitor center, a large public theater and exhibition space.

Ferrari World amusement park

(Yas Island, Abu Dhabi)

The Ferrari Theme Park is housed under a 200,000 m² roof and is the world's largest indoor theme park. Ferrari World officially opened on November 4, 2010. It is also home to the world's fastest pneumatic roller coaster, Formula Rossa.

Ferrari World's emblematic roof was designed by Benoy Architects. It was designed based on the Ferrari GT profile. Ramboll provided structure design, integrated planning and urban design, engineering geology and building façade design. The total roof area is 200,000 m² with a perimeter of 2,200 m² and the park area is 86,000 m², making it the largest theme park in the world.

The roof of the building is adorned with the Ferrari logo measuring 65 by 48.5 meters. This is the largest company logo ever created. 12,370 tons of steel were used to support the roof. In its center there is a one-hundred-meter glazed funnel.

Innovative residential complex Reversible-Destiny Lofts

(Tokyo, Japan)

As conceived by the architect, the apartments in the complex he created are designed in such a way that their inhabitants are always on the alert. Uneven multi-level floors, concave and convex walls, doors that can only be entered by bending over, rosettes on the ceiling - in a word, not life, but a continuous adventure. It will not be possible to relax in such conditions.

A person is constantly struggling with the environment, so there is simply no time to mope or think about sores. It is not yet clear whether this is shock therapy or joyful play. But the restrained and subordinate to traditions and taste, the Japanese are ready to pay twice as much for uncomfortable apartments as for comfortable and familiar ones located in the same area. It is interesting that all "apartments" are rented, they are not sold as property. Moreover, 83-year-old Buddhist nun and popular writer Jakute Setouchi, who was the first to settle in the new house, claims that since the moment of moving she began to feel younger and much better.

"Thin House"

(London, Great Britain)

The unusual apartment building, also known as the "Thin House", is located near the Natural History Museum in South Kensington, London. This house became famous all over the world due to its wedge-shaped shape, or rather, the width of one of the sides of the building - a little more than a meter.

At first glance, the incredibly narrow structure of the building is just an optical illusion. Despite this, "Thin House" has become very popular with Londoners and tourists. The reason for this architectural idea is not accidental. South Kensington Metro Station rail line is directly behind the house.

Due to the unusual design of the house, the apartments do not have a standard rectangular shape, but a trapezoid shape. For narrow rooms, it is necessary to select non-standard furniture. In any case, despite a number of shortcomings, apartments in a "thin" structure are very popular among those wishing to acquire new housing.

Air Force Academy Chapel

(Colorado, USA)

The striking appearance of the Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel in Colorado Springs caused some controversy when it was completed in 1963, but is now considered one of the finest examples of modern American architecture.

Made of steel, aluminum and glass, the Cadet Chapel has 17 pointed spiers resembling jet fightersflying up into the sky. Inside there are two main levels and one basement. There is a 1200-seat Protestant chapel, a 500-seat Catholic chapel and a 100-seat Jewish chapel. Each chapel has a separate entrance, so sermons can be held simultaneously without interfering with each other.

The Protestant chapel on the upper level has stained-glass windows between the four-sided walls. The colors of the windows range from dark to light, representing God coming from darkness into light. The altar is made of a smooth marble slab 15 feet long, shaped like a vessel to represent the church. The pews are designed in such a way that the end of each pew resembles the propeller of a WWI plane. Their backs are topped with a strip of aluminum like the leading edge of a fighter wing. The walls of the chapel are decorated with paintings, which are divided into three groups: brotherhood, flight (in honor of the Air Force) and justice.

The lower level houses the multiverse rooms, designated as places of worship for cadets from other religious groups. They are left without religious symbolism so that they can be used by many people.

It is generally accepted that the Ancient World is a set of civilizations that existed on earth from prehistoric times to the beginning of the Middle Ages. The framework is very conditional - for they are their own, for America - their own (the beginning of the colonization of the continent by Europeans).

Amazing legacy

In this time period, there were several civilizations with their own culture. Famous buildings and buildings of antiquity have survived to this day. There are not so few of them, but the most striking heritage sites of the past include such as the "City in the Sky" or Machu Picchu in Peru, the Baalbek Temple of Jupiter in Lebanon, the famous pyramids of Egypt Giza, a suburb of Cairo. The list of antiquities includes the aqueducts of the Roman Empire, the glass windows of Alexandria that arose in the first century AD, the remains of Greek temples, the Jervan aqueduct in Iraq, and the concrete domes of Roman temples.

Civilizations close to us

There are always ancient sites on every continent. But for the inhabitants of Europe (in the geographical sense of the word), the ancient world is associated primarily with Greece and Rome, with the Egyptian Cleopatra, since both Julius Caesar and Antony loved her.

In addition, they and other ancient Roman emperors dreamed of enslaving Egypt. Russian literature and art up to the beginning of the 20th century are associated with the myths of Greece and Rome. And the Mediterranean civilizations are considered the cradle of humanity. Therefore, to consider in more detail the famous buildings and buildings of antiquity, you need to start with Greece and Rome.

Acropolis - a pearl of world architecture

In Greece there are a lot of monuments from prehistoric times, and the whole country is dotted with the ruins of ancient Greek palaces and places of worship. It is rather difficult to count them, but there are objects that are considered symbols of the Ancient World. The most important of them is the Acropolis, located in the continental part of the country in the city of Athens. This is a kind of fortress, standing on a hill, the height of which reaches 156 meters in height, in width it is equal to 300 m, in length - 170. It is well fortified upper towntowering over the unprotected bottom. The Acropolis was the place where the temples of the gods, the patrons of the city, were located, in which residents could hide during the war. Majestic athenian Acropolis its history is well studied.

Parthenon - the dominant of the Acropolis

It should be noted that sculptures and statues from this Acropolis are in many museums around the world. It houses 21 objects, the most significant of which is the Parthenon - a visiting card not only of Greece, but of the entire Ancient World.

Included in the list of "The Greatest Temples in the World", it was built on the foundations of an older temple in the 5th century BC by the architects Kallikrates and Iktin. He dominates the entire area. It is an ideal, harmonious structure rich in unique features. But dozens of books have been written about each of its smallest details. The only thing that can be noted is that it is surrounded by columns all along the perimeter (this form is called peripter). This is what makes the temple irresistibly beautiful.

Athens - a treasure trove of ancient architecture

Other structures Ancient Greece on the territory of the sacred center of the Acropolis are represented by such temples as the Erechtheion, dedicated to the legendary Athenian king Erechtheus, the Areopagus (authority), the temple of Athena-Nike. On the territory of the entire capital there are ruins of many other temples, since all Greece is a museum of ancient culture under open air... These are the temples of Olympian Zeus, Niki Aptera, Apollo at Delphi, Poseidon at Cape Sounion, Hera on the Peloponnese peninsula, Demeter at Eleusis. These are the most famous buildings and structures of antiquity, created in Greece.

Priority of places of worship

In a later period, one of the first meteorological structures was built in Athens - the Tower of the Winds, 12 meters high, with a base diameter of 8 meters. The parameters of these ancient museums are perfect, they underlie all architecture and are studied by all architects of the world.

Of all the above objects of antiquity, only the Areopagus is an administrative building, all the rest are religious buildings. Largest sanctuary is Olympia, which is located on the Peloponnese peninsula. The cult of Zeus reigned in it.

The main business card of Rome

The Great Roman Empire is the oldest civilization in the Mediterranean, originating from Ancient Greece. According to legend, the direct descendants of Aeneas, the hero of the Trojan War, brothers Rem and Romulus, fed by a she-wolf, founded Rome and the greatest empire that gave the world a great culture.

The structures of ancient Rome in this article are represented by 10 of the greatest architectural examples, with which many inhabitants of the Earth, even those far from scholarship, are familiar. Who doesn't know the Colosseum - the main symbol of Rome? A half-ruined outer three-tiered wall surrounds an oval arena. In ancient times, the total number of arches on the wall was 240, 80 of them are in the lower tier. In the arches of the first and second floors there were sculptures - the work of the best masters of Rome.

The brightest and most characteristic

The Appian Way is also familiar to many, because they know about the sad death of Spartak's companions, chained alive to the pillars along it, from school. And the final shots of the cult American film touched film lovers around the world.

The famous buildings and structures of antiquity, located in the ancient capital, are worthy of being represented by the Roman Forum, which already during the reign of Tarquicius the Proud became the center of the political, cultural and religious life of the Roman Empire. Here are the temples of Vesta, Vespasian and Saturn. Tragic or happy pages are associated with each of them. ancient history... The well-preserved Trajan Column dates back to the beginning of the 2nd century AD. 185 internal steps open onto observation decklocated at the 38th height. The sculptor Apollodorus of Damascus erected it in 114. It symbolizes the victory over the Dacians.

Next on the list

The Roman Pantheon is unique - the temple of all the gods. Built in 126 AD, it dominates the Piazza della Rotonda.

You can find out what the famous buildings and buildings of antiquity looked like by looking at the marble Arch of Titus. This oldest building was erected in 81 in honor of the capture of Jerusalem. An arch rises above Via Sacra. Single-span, it has a height of 15.4 meters, a width of 13.5 meters, a span depth of about 5 meters, and its width is 5.33 meters. Any chariot, including a quadriga, could enter such a gate. Preserved bas-reliefs depicting Titus with trophies. The Jewish temple was completely destroyed by him, and the victors got his main shrine - the minor. All this can be seen on the bas-relief.

Famous Roman Baths and Unique Temples

The list of the masterpieces of ancient Roman architecture continues. Where did this name come from? Caracalla is the nickname of a person who lived in the 3rd century AD. Ancient Roman baths are a special world where the elite of society enjoyed themselves, played sports, waged intellectual disputes, and concluded contracts. The entourage corresponded: the walls and the font itself were made of the best grades of marble, there were sculptures everywhere, including the statue of Apollo Belvedere.

The seventh line in the list of "Architectural structures of Ancient Rome" is occupied by a composition of two temples of different configurations - rectangular and round. These temples were erected in honor of Portun (patron saint of ports) and Hercules. They are located on the left bank of the Tiber, in the very place where ships used to dock.

Mausoleum and catacombs

The eighth number is the Field of Mars - the left-bank part of Rome. Behind him is the Mausoleum of Hadrian - an architectural monument-tomb for the imperial family. On a square pedestal with a side equal to 84 meters, there is a cylinder with a diameter of 64 meters, crowned with a statue of the emperor in the image of the sun god, driving a quadriga (team of 4 horses). This huge structure was not used for its intended purpose, it became a strategic facility.

The last in the list of the most important architectural masterpieces of the Roman Empire are the famous Catacombs. It is a network of structures (60 of them in total), interconnected and intended for burials (about 750,000 burials), with a total length of 170 km. Most of them stretch along the Appian Way.

Masterpieces of the East

The greats of the world are worthy of complementing another grandiose monument. This is the Great Wall of China, the length of which is 21,196 kilometers from edge to edge. Erected by one fifth (exactly one million) of the country's population in the III century BC, it clearly fixed the borders of the state and made China impregnable. This is a unique monument of antiquity. And what about pagodas and Buddhist monasteries in India? These are also monuments of the ancient past.

The first Russian architectural gems

All of the above, like the structures of Ancient Russia, belongs to the great world heritage. Only our civilization is young in comparison with others. The most ancient architecture in our country is considered the architecture of Novgorod, Pskov and Kiev, in which from 989 to 996 the Church of the Tithes was erected, destroyed by Batu.

The next most ancient by our standards architectural monument of Kievan Rus is the Transfiguration Cathedral in Chernigov, well preserved even now, then the St. Sophia Cathedral in Kiev. The first cross-domed structures were always based on a cross, and the temple was crowned with a dome. Such churches are the main type of ancient religious buildings in Russia.

Byzantine masters and their offspring

The first stone churches were built by masters invited from Byzantium. Russian religious buildings did not blindly repeat Byzantine architecture. Our churches have a strong personality. Yaroslav the Wise actively and on a grand scale took up construction. He, concerned that a huge country had just adopted a new religion, wanted to approve it with the grandiose construction of temples. The largest, which at that time had no analogues anywhere, even in Byzantium, was the 5-nave 13-domed one, laid down in 1017.

Triumph of Orthodoxy

It was followed by the Cathedrals of Sofia in Novgorod (1045-1050) and Polotsk (1060). They were also considered 5-aisled, although most Russian churches are 3-naves. The dome was supported by internal pillars - hence the names: 4-, 6-, or even 8-pillars.

The Assumption Cathedral of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra was built by specially invited Greeks in 1073-1079. This temple, called the "Great Church", has become a model for the buildings under construction throughout. Such religious buildings as the Vydubetsky monastery in Kiev (1070-1081), Spas-na-Berest (1113-1125) belong to a new type of cathedrals, since they all had an extension (narthex) with a staircase. The most ancient temples had no vestibules at all.

Since the construction boom launched by Yaroslav the Wise, all the Grand Dukes have been actively involved in urban planning. In addition to architectural monuments, masterpieces of applied art and literature remained for descendants. The Tale of Bygone Years was first mentioned in 852.

The buildings are among the most impressive works of art. After spending countless sums on construction, you can walk through the completed projects and even live inside. Insider has collected 30 structures that are amazing.

The oldest surviving building on Earth is Göbekli Tepe in Turkey. Its age is estimated to be at least the ninth millennium BC. Archaeologists are not sure about the purpose of Göbekli Tepe. Most likely, the building had a religious significance.

Since then, mankind has managed to build many cool structures. For example, in the last year alone, the futuristic Fulton Center in New York has opened ...

... and Penley and Essendon Grammar School in Melbourne, Australia.

The amazing Golden Temple in Amritsar, India seems to have sprung directly from the waters of the Amritsar River.

The Sikh religious center looks amazing at night.

The Church of Las Lajas in Nariño, Colombia is puzzling at first, as the structure seems to defy gravity.

Modernist architect Antoni Gaudí did not live to see the completion of the Sagrada Familia - in fact, its construction continues to this day. Outside, the temple resembles houses from the Chronicles of Narnia ...

... and its interior is even more surreal.

The Flatiron Building was one of the first skyscrapers in New York ...

... like the Woolworth Building, the tallest building in the world from 1913 to 1930.

In Onomichi, Japan, young couples often hold wedding ceremonies at the Ribbon Chapel.

In Seoul, surrounded by greenery, stands the Light of Life Church.

Inside, it looks completely different.

The design of the Marina City skyscrapers in Chicago is, to put it mildly, unique. Built in 1964, they were among the first mixed-use buildings. For the first time in the USA, a high-rise crane was used during construction.

But not all buildings aim at the sky. Temppeliaukio Church, Helsinki, Finland, is carved into the rock underground, while receiving enough sunlight.

The Church of St. George in Lalibela, Ethiopia, was hewn from a single boulder in the 12th century.

Some of the most beautiful buildings are part of the landscape. Turninn in Reykjavik reflects Iceland's wild beauty.

Modernist Ludwig Mies van der Rohe used facets and open space to create masterpieces that seem to float in the air - like the New National Gallery in Berlin, built in the 1960s.

In addition, Berlin is home to an electronic music mecca - the brutal Berghain nightclub.

Unity with the environment is one of the oldest concepts in architecture. The ancient Japanese capital of Kyoto is home to the spectacular Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji) ...

... and the equally stunning Silver.

The Jenne Great Mosque in Mali is the largest mud structure in the world. It can accommodate 3 thousand believers.

The whimsical Center Pompidou in Paris is a postmodern masterpiece.

Built around 1200, Chartres Cathedral in northern France is an excellent example of Gothic architecture. Pay attention to the richly decorated "portals" leading to the building ...

... and an amazing organ inside.

Perhaps the only religious building that can match its grandeur is the Blue Mosque in Istanbul. Its construction was completed at the beginning of the 17th century and coincided with the heyday of the Ottoman Empire.

More than 20 thousand handmade tiles are used for interior decoration.

It is believed that Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria inspired Walt Disney to create Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Trinity College is the crown jewel of the University of Dublin.

It is known for its library, the most stunning hall of which has the characteristic name "Long Room".

The Imperial Palace - aka the Forbidden City - is the highest form of Chinese architecture.

In the period from 1420 to 1912, the palace served as the seat of the government.

Its interior is truly impressive ...

... as well as attention to detail.

Today, the most exotic examples of modern architecture can be seen in Beijing. For example, CCTV Tower, also known as Pants.

With the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the late Zaha Hadid did what only she could - she turned the rigid, clean lines of modernism into something organic.

High in the Peruvian Andes, Machu Picchu is the finest example of Inca architecture.

Archaeologists believe the city was built around 1450.

More detailed photo of the residential area.

In 2007 Parque Biblioteca España opened in Medellin, Colombia. Its design was designed by Colombian architect Giancarlo Mazzanti. The three buildings should look like stones.

The library, located in the Santo Domingo Savio area, overlooks Medellin itself, lying in a valley surrounded by the Andes.

The Sydney Opera House is considered to be the iconic representative of Australian architecture.

Designed by Danish architect Jorn Utzon and opened in 1973, the theater has become a literal canvas of public expression.

Its interior is also amazing.