For architecture lovers, Hamburg should undoubtedly be on the top of your list of must-visit cities. This German metropolis, renowned for its dynamic cultural scene, picturesque waterfront and staircases, boasts an impressive collection of architectural treasures that are sure to captivate and inspire. Spanning a wide range of styles and periods, from venerable historic landmarks … Continue reading
Zurich, one of the world’s most exciting cities in terms of architecture, has been busy at work and new exciting buildings, squares and public parks have bloomed across the city. Despite its new concrete additions, Zurich remains a historical nucleus and medieval houses, narrow lanes and guild and town halls still coexist with respect and … Continue reading
Hamburg, Germany’s largest port and commercial centre, is renowned for its stunning architecture, including its 19th-century red-brick warehouses, detailed staircases and the iconic Elbphilharmonie concert hall. With its rich history and diverse architectural styles, Hamburg is a fascinating destination for architecture enthusiasts. Earlier this year, my friend Philipp and I visited Hamburg on the occasion … Continue reading
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Again, I find myself longing for travel. My adventurous moments, the ones I lived mixed with the ones I am living right now, come in a strange way of nostalgia that I experience in the present. The lovely paradox of travel is that we can often feel more the experience of what happened when we … Continue reading
The most meaningful trips I’ve done in my life have always been birthday trips. When I turned 27 I jumped out of a plane. That was a meaningful trip. And a scary one too. To me, birthdays are the real beginning of the year and I always try to block some quality time for myself. … Continue reading
Winter is coming. But that means Eastern Europe starts its fairytale season where colours slowly turn from brown, red and yellow to white. If summertime sadness is leaving you hungry of more travels and you are keen to choose Prague as your next destination, I have some ideas for you. The old land of Bohemia … Continue reading
Yesterday I came back from a small road trip to the Golden Stone city: Salamanca. London’s nonexistent summer combined to the homesickness that I recently started to feel made the fact that I had to go even more pleasing. The real reason behind such a treat was that Spain’s best printers (and tapas) are located … Continue reading
Neoclassical architecture proudly standing next to Communist buildings. Massive governmental structures which have been finished in the wrong period. Long avenues, vintage cafés and buildings with high risk for a collapse. A lot of personality within an emerging city of which I have high hopes. Anything interesting in terms of architecture is here. If you find … Continue reading
We love London. Its pretty victorian houses, the flowers everywhere and its overwhelming architecture. There’s a spot on every corner to have a cup of tea with a view, an iconic red bus which will bring you anywhere and the sun shines bright more often than people think. No wonder why London makes the perfect … Continue reading
Almost two years ago I visited Bucharest for the first time and the more I walked its decadent streets, the more I liked it. The honesty of this city is brutal as the contrast is perceptible in every single area. You will find old and new, poor and rich and captivating and ill-flavored coexisting so … Continue reading
London is one of the most vibrant cities in the world, if not the most. Every corner hides a story to be discovered. Every new building is a challenge for a city which has evolved organically. And there’s so much history embedded within its walls that the fun facts are uncountable. With so much going … Continue reading
Among the many reasons you could choose to visit Vienna tomorrow, its architecture should be on top of the list. With a rich past and truly remarkable legacy, it comes as no surprise the variety of buildings one can find in the Austrian capital. Brand new buildings compete with decadent structures which get more beautiful … Continue reading
Are you planning to visit Amsterdam soon? If so, continue reading. Amsterdam is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Its origins lie in the 12th century, when fishermen living along the banks of the River Amstel built a bridge across the waterway near the IJ, then a large saltwater inlet. Most of the city’s territory is … Continue reading
Updated 2019 Paris, the city that was born on the banks of the Seine, grew from being a small island – Île de la Cité – to the vast metropolis that nowadays extends beyond Ménilmontant, the vingtième arrondisement. The French capital has so much to offer. Centuries of history have left behind meaningful structures which also have … Continue reading
I started writing this post about one year ago. I was heartbroken and had just returned from a long Summer in China. I quickly bought flights to London, as a way to stay away from my architecture thesis a bit longer. Being an architecture student is no easy task. That day was sunny- thanks for … Continue reading
Lisbon is a breathtakingly beautiful city. It might be old and shabby but perhaps its 3,000 years of history and the series of earthquakes that occurred will do that, still the shabbiness adds immeasurably to its charm in my opinion – and the same happens to Porto. The tiny winding streets always lead to magnificent viewing points, and … Continue reading
Virginia Duran 