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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Summer is coming. And Game of Thrones should be one of the many reasons why you decide to visit Croatia, a country with an adventurous past, delicious food and glorious sunny days. Which happens to be even more amazing in Summer. There are two main starting points in Croatia: Dubrovnik and Split. Today I … Continue reading
Barcelona is one of the most exciting cities in the world. Since hosting the Olympic Games of 1992 its growth has skyrocketed and new architecture, parks and refurbishment projects have been happening non stop. If you are planning a trip to Barcelona soon, you may find this compilation useful. This guide covers everything interesting in terms of … Continue reading
Instagram has become a major source of inspiration for my work as well as a tool to find new locations for my guides. I am constantly trying to discover new accounts and meeting the bright photographers behind them – always interesting people. If you are looking for architectural inspiration and enjoy buildings as much as … Continue reading
One of the most beautiful things about traveling is matching an experience with a personal moment of our lives. A connection between our current state and a place that we are likely to remember forever. I recommend this trip if you are looking for perspective, adrenaline and mental stimulation. Turkey, with its varied landscape, architecture … Continue reading
Last week I visited Turkey as part of a month of birthday celebrations. I took the chance to visit new buildings as well as to revisit some of my favourite locations of Istanbul. And eat lots of baklavas in the meantime. Oh God, I am obsessed with baklava. Istanbul is one of the most interesting … 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
If you are planning a trip to Northern Africa soon, you may consider Tunisia as a potential candidate. No matter if you are a fan of Star Wars or simply enjoy architecture, these locations are worth a visit. As an architect, I am fascinated by how these constructions previously existed and were accommodated in the … Continue reading
I must admit it, I am completely addicted to Instagram. I’m always looking for new inspiring accounts and love following travel and architecture feeds, they brighten my mornings. Here is a list of my favorite accounts on this topic, make sure you follow number 25 😉 What are your favorite accounts on Instagram? Leave a … Continue reading
Virginia Duran 