North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany’s largest urban area, includes well known cities like Düsseldorf, Cologne and Essen. But this exciting region is also home to smaller yet beautiful locations. Continue reading
Author Archives: Virginia Duran
The Free Architecture Guide of North Rhine-Westphalia NRW (PDF)
North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany’s largest urban area, is full of architectural secrets. In this guide you’ll find from contemporary to medieval architecture, from Doms to synagogues and everything in between. Continue reading
Beautifully Random Staircases Around Europe (Part 1/3)
Let’s talk about a wonderful architectural delight: staircases. They are one of the few architectural endeavors that exist to connect two different points in space. It’s purpose is both functional and symbolic. And this is why architects have developed the concept beyond the structural element. Nowadays, some staircases are on the level of poetry. Maybe … Continue reading
Stockholm Metro Art: 6 Beautiful Metro Stations To Visit
Travelling – remember that? An archaic PC (Pre-Covid) ritual where individuals went from one place to another, typically over a distance bigger than someone’s living room. I know, I know, dear globetrotter, you’re itching for the day you can travel again. With the days getting colder and the nights getting longer, leaving the house looks a lot … Continue reading
23 Spots You Shouldn’t Miss in Basel If You Love Architecture
There have long been grounds upon which to find Switzerland attractive – mountains and chocolate yes, buildings and culture double yes. But now it emerges that its notoriously famous architecture – think of Zürich, Basel and Geneva – might be reason enough to visit the great Helvetia. According to a study by Thomson Reuters, Switzerland experienced a … Continue reading
The Free Architecture Guide of Basel (PDF)
Basel is Switzerland’s little secret. Located where the Swiss, French and German borders meet, Basel is a mecca for architects. Traditionally, the city has had an ancient kind of allure – Medieval Gates, grand cathedrals and historical palaces – but nowadays, contemporary architecture can be found everywhere. Special thanks to Basel Tourismus and my friend … Continue reading
12 Colourful Buildings Brightening Up London
We’ve been isolated for over two months now. The lockdown in response to the current Coronavirus crisis in the UK – and in many other areas around the world – is taking its toll on us all, albeit in very different ways. While some are working more than ever, others are struggling to be out … Continue reading
10 of The Prettiest Places in Basel
Basel is Switzerland’s little secret. Located where the Swiss, French and German borders meet, Basel is a mecca for architects. One week before the world lockdown, I was gifted with the last chance to travel – not that anybody knew then what was coming, or the time it was going last. This week, Switzerland announced … Continue reading
The Free Architecture Guide of Oslo (PDF)
Oslo, hidden amongst mountains, is one of the least explored cities in Scandinavia – and also one of the most beautiful. From the new Opera House to Lambda Museum, one can find multiple architectural gems to delight the expert traveller. In recent years, some of the most popular studios in Europe – MVRDV, Renzo Piano and … Continue reading
London crowds – a sketch
London – always vibrant, beautiful and irresistible – has attracted the crowds since its beginning as a Roman city in AD 43. Almost 2,000 years later, its popularity is still on the rise. ▴ London’s busy riverfront Four years ago I made London my home. Like many immigrants, I came with a dream in a suitcase, … Continue reading
23 Spots You Shouldn’t Miss in Madrid If You Love Architecture
Madrid, with its cobblestone streets, vibrant parks and classical buildings, is a most delightful city. However, its past reveals tumultuous fights and intense history that, luckily for us, has resulted in positive urban measures and constant architectural renewal. Its interesting past is reflected in the old façades, open public spaces and religious institutions, but also … Continue reading
5 Gorgeous Cotswold Towns and Villages
The Cotswolds, a delightful area in England, is where I recently spent my birthday. Fast-forward two weeks later, a world pandemic struck, making those couple of days seem like a dream buried in the past. The picturesque, honey-coloured towns and villages of the Cotswolds look as if they have strayed into the 21st century from … Continue reading
The Free Architecture Guide of Prague (PDF)
Prague, one of the most enchanting European cities, is brimming with stunning architecture, charming markets and hilltop views. If you’re planning a trip to Europe soon, make sure to include this little gem of a city. In a city where old Bohemia meets the modern world, beauty is never lacking. From the historical landmarks of the old town … Continue reading
7 Charming European Destinations to Visit This Spring
Anyone excited about Spring? Trees are slowly getting ready to bloom, Europe’s cultural agenda is aligning art and film festivals and we are happy to start planning some weekend adventures. In March, April, and especially May, some cities in Europe offer the best options: pleasant weather, manageable crowds, and reasonable rates. With softer temperatures, blooming … Continue reading
17 Architecturally Amazing Spas in Europe
Architecture should be used for the well-being and happiness of its occupants, and even more so when we speak about spas. Spas have existed since the classical times, meaning that we have more experience creating wellness centres than, let’s say, Catholic churches. Spa therapies are a popular means to treat illnesses, resulting in physical and spiritual purification. … Continue reading
10 of The Prettiest Places in Lisbon
Lisbon is full of gorgeous, and sometimes secret, Instagram-worthy spots. I’ve picked out the 10 prettiest and most photogenic places to visit in town. Planning a trip to Lisbon soon? Great news, I have some sights to delight your eyes. All of them are special, pretty and even romantic and if you love architecture, you’ll … Continue reading
The Free Architecture Guide of Porto (PDF)
Porto, the second-largest city in Portugal after Lisbon, has a vast and interesting history; and its Roman, Celtic and Muslim influences have left behind a rich architectural legacy. This beautiful area of the Douro River has a surprising mix of buildings: Medieval religious architecture, contemporary structures by starchitects Siza and Soto de Moura and the … Continue reading
The 5 Best North American Cities to Travel for Architecture
I hope 2020 has started well for you and that amongst the many things that this decade will bring you, travel is between them. If you happen to be planning a trip around America – North America more specifically – this information below might be of interest. In 1609 Henry Hudson became the first European … Continue reading
23 Contemporary Buildings You Shouldn’t Miss in Bangkok
In 1782 Bangkok became the capital of Siam – as Thailand was previously known. Its strategic position within the protective curve of Chao Phraya River to the West and the vast, swampy delta of the Sea of Mud that secured the city to the East was key. King Rama I modelled the new city on what had … Continue reading
10 of The Prettiest Places in Zürich
As summer slowly waves good bye and temperatures drop down, Zürich becomes ready for the next season. However, two weeks before October, I was gifted with the last kiss of good weather and the happiness that goes with it. Visit Zürich and my friend Philipp Heer organised a short trip to this delightful area of Switzerland … Continue reading
The Free Architecture Guide of Stockholm (PDF)
Stockholm is vast and its history is softly infused in the landmarks that stretch across the Baltic Sea. The capital’s architecture – and art – is brimming with significance. From Vaxholm Fortress, built by Russian prisoners (and used as the filming location of Pippi) to the royal palaces of Kungliga Slottet and Drottningholms Slott. From the … Continue reading
10 Picture-Perfect Cities in Europe to Visit This Autumn
As Autumn slowly makes its way in, the cultural calendar picks up steam at the same time cities turn vivid ochre and old gold. Europe is always a good idea for a trip during this season as besides the undeniable charm, there is an interesting and educational program going on. Cities are at their most … Continue reading
Modern Religious Architecture: 10 Stunning Constructions Of The Past 10 Years
What’s the role of religion nowadays? In an increasingly stressful and individualistic world, worship places around the world are doing their best at providing peaceful spaces where a community of people can thrive together, as a group. One might think that such a building typology is declining. On the contrary, investment from several institutions (government, … Continue reading
Scandinavia: A Photo Diary
Northern Europe, with its cold lakes, steep mountains and insane natural features is a feast to the traveler who has seen it all. One wouldn’t easily expect the beauty that seemingly changes with every season. Scandinavia is one of a kind. Harsh climate conditions leave these northern countries buried in snow most of the year. … Continue reading
The Free Architecture Guide of Split (PDF)
Anybody exploring Croatia soon? Whilst planning my trip to this historical city, I was interested in a lot more than architecture, which is normally my main focus. Split’s proximity to other islands and exciting culinary scene made my research to go beyond the buildings. In a attempt to share with you all the documentation relevant … Continue reading
Traveling back in time: Aboard the luxurious Belmond British Pullman train
Those who have read Agatha Christie’s novel Murder on the Orient Express (1934), will have a vivid mental image of the train I am about to describe: Art deco cabins with shiny polished wood, brass luggage racks, staff members in elegant hats, champagne bar, high-end cutlery and crockery for sophisticated dining. These original Pullman coaches, … Continue reading
23 Spots You Shouldn’t Miss in Barcelona If You Love Architecture
Nobody can resist the charm of Barcelona. Especially us architects. In Barcelona, the cradle of contemporary urbanism, the landscape is enriched with endless layers of history. Since its first settlers, Roman colonists, generation after generation built here, one on top of another. Romans, Visigoths and a brief Islamic period are still embedded within the city’s … Continue reading
Top 15 Prettiest Places You Should Visit In New York
New York is full of gorgeous, and sometimes secret, Instagram-worthy spots. I’ve picked out the 15 prettiest and most photogenic places to visit in town. Planning a trip to New York soon? Great news, I have some sights to delight your eyes. All of them are special, pretty and even romantic. If you love architecture, … Continue reading
The Free Architecture Guide of Malta (PDF)
With its rich architectural history (dating back to the Bronze age), tumultuous past and key strategic point in the Mediterranean, Malta has a lot to offer, if one knows where to look. This guide covers everything interesting in terms of architecture. If you find any mistakes, or have any suggestions please let me know in the comments. … Continue reading
5 Travel Books I am Reading (and Loving) Right Now
Reading is one of life’s best pleasures. And an expression of self-love. Finding time to devour a book can be quite challenging. But finding a good book can be even trickier. Occasionally, I’ve come across really good books. Books about architecture, travel and history – which are my personal favourites. After a while, however, I’ve … Continue reading
Virginia Duran 