The Loire Valley – and France in general – is full of historical and picturesque castles. Some of these monumental structures date as far back as the 12th century and are well-known and easily accessible. Others will require thorough research and a detour. After doing exhaustive mapping, and visiting many of them with a half … Continue reading
Earlier this year, my friend and photographer Philipp Heer and I, explored Ljubljana for the first time. We were positively surprised by the vast number of green areas, elaborate bridges and lively atmosphere. We arrived on a Friday. Our trip, however, didn’t begin with a building visit as usual, it began with dinner. So, we … Continue reading
On Saturday 27th of August 2022, Charlie and I tied the knot after being engaged for more than 2 years. What we lived that day – and the week leading to it – were some of the most magical days of our lives. Charlie is English and I am Spanish, so the first question was … Continue reading
Munich – Bavaria’s capital since 1506 – is a city with layers and layers of history. Its many years as a rising architectural epicentre have left an interesting and unique mix of buildings. From Middle Age churches and cathedrals to contemporary synagogues. From skyscrapers to small pavilions. Brutalism to Art Nouveau. Munich’s architecture is truly extensive … Continue reading
The architect who gave the capital of Slovenia its modern identity was idealistic, successful and highly empathic ▴ Žale Cemetery by Jože Plečnik (1940) Jože Plečnik (1872–1957) had the career that the 20th century inflicted on Communist Europe. A visionary of the same generation in Slavic-speaking lands, Ivan Vurnik, would invite Plečnik to found the Ljubljana … Continue reading
Earlier this year, my friend and photographer Philipp Heer and I explored Munich. We were fascinated by its museums, contemporary religious architecture and U-Bahn stations – to name a few. Simply Munich had invited us to spend a couple of days exploring and capturing the city from its many angles, and thanks to the brilliant … Continue reading
Staircases, a functional aspect of a building which moves us from one level to the next, can actually be the centerpiece of the architectural concept. And it’s a delight when there is time (and money) dedicated to this unique space, and they become the most special area of the building. We explored some stunning staircases during our trip – big, small, old, new – and left a couple more for our next adventure in the Hanseatic city. What this selection has in common is that they are some of the most special ones; because of their design, history, materials and architects. Continue reading
A free architecture guide featuring Ljubljana’s hottest Instagram spots including the city’s most beloved buildings, interiors and restaurants. Continue reading
Between the joys of summer, and the excitement of Christmas, there’s a little thing called autumn. There are few things more refreshing than a weekend in Europe. Check this list for inspiration! Continue reading
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Virginia Duran 