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
Very few people will leave Lisbon without falling in love. Beautiful and unexpected details such as a picturesque street, a magnificent viewpoint at the turn of a street and singular tiled façades will make you slowly fall in love. Its people, among the most friendly in Europe in my opinion, will make you feel at … Continue reading
When we have something precious to keep, we usually find a very precious container. We put it in a safe place and enjoy watching it from time to time. However, some of us end up appreciating the container more than what it contains, right? A museum is a space that conserves a collection of artifacts. Therefore, a museum is a container. Sometime ago, … Continue reading
Shanghai, 18.30. I had 30 minutes before the city became a neon light explosion. I entered the Hyatt’s lift up to the 92nd floor feeling kind of nervous. The same type of nervous when you wait for someone at the airport or when you concentrate on smelling the rain. My stomach felt like falling due to the … Continue reading
I had never been to China before this summer. I was very fortunate to have been awarded a full scholarship for Tongji’s summer program on sustainability and green practices and got the chance to visit Shanghai for the first time. I was deeply impressed by their culture, their philosophy and their construction methods. I had time to discover the … Continue reading
Experts predict that climate change will cause sea levels to rise 3 ft (0.9m) or more by 2100, putting hundreds of low-lying cities at risk of massive and permanent flooding. More and more frequently architecture is adapting to nature in order to overcome the upcoming climate conditions. Some weeks ago I published an article about … Continue reading
One of the most beautiful things about Istanbul is its unique skyline and architecture. Minarets still crown the city skies no matter in which direction you look, making it an interesting composition between new and old buildings. As much as I love Chicago‘s or San Francisco‘s skylines, I admit I was very impressed by Istanbul’s … Continue reading
Everyone agrees on Istanbul’s magical charm, which still has some grandeur of the Byzantine Empire. When I first visited this summer, I was very impressed by its architecture: mosques, hidden baths and its unique skyline. Anything interesting in terms of architecture is here. If you find any mistakes, or have any suggestions please let me know. My … Continue reading
Once you visit Spain, you’ll only want to return. Again and again. Let me ask you: Are you aware of all the amazing architecture of this country? Maybe you’re missing some of these amazing buildings. Maybe you’re missing them all. Here is Part II of “50+ Architectural Reasons to Visit Every Province in Spain (1/2)” … Continue reading
If you have a pair of sunglasses and a sketch book, you’ll need nothing else in Spain. In addition to the sunshine and its (amazing) food, Spain is also widely known for its architecture. Influenced by the Romans, the Visigoths and the Muslims among others, Spain has a beautiful mixture of architectural styles that have remained or have … Continue reading
Miami is an amazing North American city where you can find anything you want. If you want sun and sand, you’ll have it. But if you wanted a 12th-century monastery brought stone by stone from Spain you could have it too. Impressed? Continue reading… The clear blue water and the white sand beaches are a … Continue reading
Miami is the kind of city not many people visit for its architecture, unless you aren’t the average traveler. In that case you’ll be amazed by its colorful Art Deco buildings from the very first minute you step on Ocean Drive. This kind of architecture reminds us of better times in Cuba, when ladies wore … Continue reading
Architectural photography is one of the most beautiful types of art, and also my favourite. Its goal is to capture the philosophy and essence of a building into a single image- not an easy task at all. However, when done correctly, it looks as if no effort was needed. The greatness of some of the … Continue reading
London is one of the most interesting European cities in terms of architecture. Besides its history, some of the most relevant towers of the 21st century have been built recently, making it a beautiful city full of contrasts. Anything interesting in terms of architecture is here. If you find any mistakes, or have any suggestions … Continue reading
Among all types of infographics, maps are my favourite kind. It’s really fascinating how much information a well-designed map is able to communicate. And this makes subway maps both a challenge and a nightmare to designers. Long before cars became our primary means of transport, the use of interurban transit provided commuters a way of … Continue reading
Despite the use of color in architecture throughout history, modern constructions seem to be a bit skeptical of this design aspect. Contemporary architecture tends to avoid color in general and there are only a few buildings who manage to use tones in the right way. Architects don’t want their buildings to look like a kindergarten … Continue reading
Some weeks ago I published 10 Sites To Take The Best Skyline Pictures in Chicago and immediately thought of San Francisco. Its hilly landscape hides potential views like no other big city in North America. So to speak, you’ll have to be fit to reach many of these spots- but the views will pay off … Continue reading
Winter 1970, Madrid If you love concrete you’ll love this piece, built between 1960-1990. The Spanish cultural heritage building, “Instituto del Patrimonio Cultural” is the most unusual concrete building in Madrid. Building: Instituto del Patrimonio Cultural de España Architects: Fernando Higueras (1930-2008), Rafael Moneo (1937- ), Antonio Miró (1931-2011) Year built: 1960-1990 Location: Calle del … Continue reading
A few days ago, while updating the The Free Architecture Guide of Rome, something drew my attention, there were barely no new buildings after the 1960s. So I went through every single building of the map to check my suspicion and that was it, no major constructions in nearly 40 years! I wondered if it had to … Continue reading
Some time ago I published 5 Skyline Photographs of Chicago and 5 Skyline Photographs of Madrid, now is time for Zürich. If you are trying to get that unique angle of Zürich’s amazing architecture, maybe this compilation was give you some ideas. Guess where these pictures were taken! Click on images to make them larger. Year: 2014 … 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
Let’s face the truth: Chicago is the best city in the world but not in winter. The temperature is about 4ºF (-16ºC) and believe me, you don’t want to be outside. However, during snowy days, chances of taking the best skyline pictures increase. So get ready, take your camera and discover some of Chicago’s best … Continue reading
About one year ago, while I was living in Chicago, I started creating these architecture maps so I could remember all the awesome places I wanted to visit. One day a non architect friend asked me where was this amazing building I was always talking about – The Poetry Foundation. He was unable to find … Continue reading
Is there anything more fascinating than seeing the construction process of a building? If you love architecture, from the initial concept through its construction, you’ll find this collection really beautiful. Check this photographs of great buildings on their construction process. Click on images to make them larger. 1. Rolex Learning Center Architect: SANAA Year: 2010 … Continue reading
Chicago, 11.30 am on a Saturday. They call it the windy city but there is no wind today, as you walk through Michigan Avenue. The sun is softly hitting you in the face and, although it’s cold, you have a warm feeling. There is a bunch of people on the street today but it’s not … Continue reading
Some weeks ago I published another photography challenge: 10 Images of New York now is time for Berlin. How how much attention do you pay to details? Would you be able to identify all of these spots in Berlin? Some of these aren’t easy at all so you’ll have to stretch your memory for the … Continue reading
Two weeks ago I visited Berlin for the first time. Despite having heard it was amazing, it turned out to be even better than I thought. Berlin is a strange mixture of past and present full of architectural contrasts. One of the most interesting cities I’ve ever visited, that’s for sure. Along with North Rhine-Westphalia, … Continue reading
Holocaust Memorial, Berlin 2013 One of my biggest passions besides architecture is traveling, as you can see in this blog. One day I decided to start my first architecture map, New York. A while later I did one of the city in which I was currently living: Chicago. Soon after a map of the city … Continue reading
At the beginning of summer I published Top 11 Rooftops of Madrid and it seems rooftops are gaining popularity among Europe. Since there aren’t many skyscrapers yet, any building with more than 10 stories often hide a potentially interesting spot on its top floor. Last week I traveled to Berlin so I was curious and visited the best … Continue reading
Many of us have been in New York but even if we hadn’t we would still be able to recognize some of the city’s icons. However, how much attention do you pay to details? Would you be able to identify all of these spots in New York? Some of these aren’t easy at all so … Continue reading
Virginia Duran 