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?
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Architecture in Seattle After the Fire
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
Disney World Architecture
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]
Inside the Rookery
A whirlwind tour of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Chicago is likely to take you to the majestic Rookery Building on LaSalle Street, in the center of the financial district. With steel frame engineering, elaborate ironwork, and a grand oriel staircase, the building conveys elegance and solidity. But, how much of the design belongs to Wright?
The Lobby details added in 1905 are Wright’s, but the building itself grew from the genius of two earlier masters, John Wellborn Root and Daniel H. Burnham.
Begin your journey: Inside the 1888 Rookery Building >
Photo copyright Steve Estes / all rights reserved
See History Mirrored at Versailles
A trip to Paris is not complete without a day at the Palace of Versailles, just 20 minutes from the City via the RER C local train line.
The lavish Hall of Mirrors shown here defined the French Baroque style with large curved forms, twisted columns, and trompe l’oeil paintings. But, perhaps even more fascinating than its architecture is the complicated history that took place within the gilded walls.
See:
The Power of Place – Architecture, War, and Memory – Americans at Versailles Palace
Photo: La Grande Galerie des Glaces (Hall of Mirrors), Chateau de Versailles. Image by Myrabella (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons