Faraway Places ~ Amazing Homes
You don’t have to be an Elvis Presley fan to enjoy visiting the rock star’s haunts. From Graceland Mansion in Memphis,Tennessee to his mid-century modern Honeymoon Hideaway in Palm Springs, California, an “Elvis tour” will take you to some grand (some might say ostentatious) homes, with stops at humble structures like this Mississippi shotgun style house where Elvis was born.
The best modern architecture in London is temporary. Every summer since 2000, Serpentine Gallery has commissioned world-famous architects to design pavilions on the grounds near the Gallery building. At the end of the season, patrons can purchase the structures for their own use.
You can explore these temporary structures every summer at Serpentine Gallery—for free.
Join us for a year-by-year photo tour of all the Serpentine Gallery pavilions >>
Winner of the AIA’s highest honor—the Gold Medal—architect Moshe Safdie has designed landmark structures around the world. His Yad Vashem Holocaust History Museum in Jerusalem is a must-see destination for tourists and heads of state alike.
What’s known as the Chicago School is not a school at all, but a small group of architects who creatively and competitively solved problems of building and design. This new multi-page article looks at Chicago architecture that changed the face of modern commercial buildings.
In 2006, architect Jean Nouvel used color to dramatize the diverse collection housed in the Quai Branly Museum in Paris, France. He also played architectural tricks with glass walls, shifting ceiling heights, spiral staircases, and concealed lights.
Some people say Jamestown, Virginia is America’s oldest town. Some say St. Augustine, Florida. Why can’t people agree?
Here’s the discussion > What Is the Oldest Town in the USA?
The Great Fire of June 6, 1889 devastated most of Seattle, Washington. Flames began around 2:30 pm when a woodworker mishandled some glue. For the next 18 hours, the inferno engulfed the business district down to the waterfront. When Seattle rebuilt, the land of timber frames turned to modern masonry and a new construction material called steel.
Read more > See the Best Architecture in Seattle, Washington
Some people go to Disney World for the rides. I go for the architecture. Crazy sculptures! Outrageous fountains! History re-imagined! The restaurants, hotels, and attractions are all designed to entertain.
But architecture isn’t all fun and games at at Florida’s Walt Disney World Resort. Some of the country’s top designers have contributed to the imaginary kingdoms, fanciful hotels, and the nearby Celebration village. Next time you visit, take time out from Cinderella’s Castle to look for whimsical yet sophisticated buildings by Michael Graves, Cesar Pelli, Robert A.M. Stern, Philip Johnson, and other famous architects.
Start here: Disney Architects >
[Photo above: Enormous swans and shells perch on the roof of the Swan Hotel at Disney World. Swan & Dolphin Media]
