2007-03-20 20:28:13 · 21 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Visual Arts ➔ Other - Visual Arts
Great architecture should, I suppose, combine state-of -the- art technology with great aesthetic beauty. In other words, it has to be more than just style.
The Parthenon, the great medieval cathedrals of (especially) France, the "Alhambra" in Granada, the great dome of St.Sophia, Istanbul.....even the modestly-sized medieval perfection of Patrington Church on Humberside.
From the 18th century came so many beautiful things in classical style....The Vatican, Florence, St.Paul's London etc etc.
Maybe the organ case of St.Bavo, Haarlem, in the Netherlands; easily the most beautiful-looking musical instrument in the world, which climbs almost 80ft vertically in a riot of polished metal and red-stained woodwork.
http://www.xs4all.nl/~twomusic/christine/bavo/source/01bavo_haarlem.htm
Coming up to date, there is the wonderful Chrysler Building in New York and the superb Sydney Opera House
But let's give credit where credit is due in today's world, and I would have to suggest the Millau Bridge in Southern France, which just blends sky, panorama and structure so perfectly, yet remains entirely functional. It is stunning!
2007-03-21 02:56:26 · answer #1 · answered by musonic 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It has to be the Great Wall in China, and the Forbidden City. When you see what they achieved, and where the Wall is built it takes your breath away. Also the tombs there.
Amazing.
I think some modern buildings are also stunning, but when you think architects now have the advantage of computer programmes to design, and even help build, plus the advantage of machinery to help move items into place. It will always be the older buidings, the fact that plans were drawn on paper, and stone was cut by hand, and put into place without the aid of machinery.
2007-03-21 03:45:24 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think the greatest piece of architiecture I have seen would either be St Pancras Station in London or the Millau bridge in south of France.
2007-03-21 03:53:20 · answer #3 · answered by Mad M 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
St. Pancras Station London is a sight to behold for a train station but the Great wall of China takes the biscuit for me, it can be seen from space and might be the one thing an alien spots from outer space whist whizzing past.
2007-03-21 10:40:29 · answer #4 · answered by inselaffe67 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Victoria and Albert museum in London - inside and out.
Museum of natural historys not bad either - Both in South Kensington, London.
Also agree with previous answer - Westminster Cathedral.
Actually London is full of great buildings - I couldn't pick one.
2007-03-21 03:47:47 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Big Banana, Coffs Harbour, Australia.
2007-03-21 03:49:51 · answer #6 · answered by llordlloyd 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For me it is the Sheraton Hotel in Nice, soooo romantic...It shows a beautiful woman statue, skyscraper high, held within the smooth walls of the building. There is something tragical and enchanting about her. I could not stop taking pictures. This building was unreal.
2007-03-23 15:52:39 · answer #7 · answered by Jutta 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I thnk it is a toss up between the farnsworth house by mies or falling water by frank lloyd write, I don't think the guerkin has anything on these, though I am partial to the fred and ginger building and most stuff by gehry
2007-03-21 03:45:55 · answer #8 · answered by H 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Definetely Sagrada Familia in Barcelona by Gaudi. No contest
2007-03-22 14:44:08 · answer #9 · answered by Will 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Opera House in Stockholm is breath-taking
2007-03-21 03:44:52 · answer #10 · answered by chillipope 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋