Unusual Structures |
Who says architecture has to be serious? Here's our round-up of buildings that are weird, silly, or
just for fun. |
|
Dancing House
A building that should really get your attention when walking pass it. The Dancing House is considered as one of the more real controversial buildings in Prague. The DH was actually designed by a great architect from California, which only proves that he had done some type of hallucinogen while designing it.
|
|
Ripley’s Building
If you saw this picture for the first time, you’d probably thought that it was hit by a massive earthquake. But in true fashion of the Ripley Legacy, it was built to reflect the odd 1812 earthquake that measured 8.0 on the rick. The building has now become one of the most photographed in the world because of it.
|
|
Upside Downer
Take a journey into the unknown with a building called Wonder Works. Its central Florida’s only upside down attraction and an amusement park for your mind. This odd building has over 100 wacky interactive exhibits for your entire family to experience.
|
|
Crooked House
The Crooked House was built in 2004 as an addition at a popular shopping center, and is a major tourist attraction in Sopot, Poland.
|
|
135 Degree Angle
This bizarre house really doesn’t have an official name. Unfortunately, the only info we have about this house is that it was built in China or Japan. And that it has a silly pink roof. And if you look real close, you’ll notice that its on a 135 degree angle.
|
Architectural terms |
|
Bay Window
A window that projects out from a wall, in a semicircular, rectangular, or polygonal design. Used frequently in Gothic and Victorian designs.
|
|
Beam
The principal horizontal members of a roof, often attached to girders or a main beam which would be larger
|
|
Belvedere
Belle vedere means beautiful view in Italian. A belvedere is an architectural feature on a roof, in a garden, or on a terrace, that affords a beautiful view.
|
Architectural Styles |
|
Mission Revival (1890s – 1920s)
Historic mission churches built by Spanish colonists inspired the turn-of-the-century house style known as Mission, Spanish Mission, or California Mission. Some resemble old Spanish mission churches with bell towers and elaborate arches.
Read More |
Famous Architects |
|
Walter Gropius (1883 – 1969)
Walter Gropius was a German architect and art educator who founded the Bauhaus school of design, which became a dominant force in architecture and the applied arts in the 20th century.
Read More |
Celebrity Homes |
|
Graceland Mansion (1939)
The Colonial Revival Graceland Mansion was home to rock star Elvis Presley from 1957 until his death on August 16, 1977. Today it is a National Historic Landmark and the most popular tourist attraction in Memphis, Tennessee.
Read More |
Ortner Design Newsletter -
Issue 8 - November 29, 2010 |
