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A couple of you have asked, so here are my ten favourite buildings. In no particular order:
1. Masjid Negara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Completed in 1965, Malaysia's National Mosque is a refined modernist interpretation of the region's traditional pyramidally roofed mosques.
1. Masjid Negara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Completed in 1965, Malaysia's National Mosque is a refined modernist interpretation of the region's traditional pyramidally roofed mosques.
2. Sainte-Chapelle, Paris, France
In my view, this is the crowning architectural achievement of the thirteenth century. This jewel box of a building really is more window than wall, a high point of Gothic architecture.
In my view, this is the crowning architectural achievement of the thirteenth century. This jewel box of a building really is more window than wall, a high point of Gothic architecture.
3. Dule-si (獨樂寺, Temple of Solitary Joy), Ji County, Tianjin China
A supremely refined example of Liao Dynasty architecture. The temple, completed in the mid 900s CE, features some striking sculptures, ancient frescos, and a giant statue of Guanyin in its main hall.
A supremely refined example of Liao Dynasty architecture. The temple, completed in the mid 900s CE, features some striking sculptures, ancient frescos, and a giant statue of Guanyin in its main hall.
4. Manchester Unity Building, Melbourne, Australia
Clearly riffing on Chicago's Tribune Tower, the Manchester Unity Building takes the Gothic revival skyscraper typology and gives it Art Deco flair. Easily the sexiest lift lobby in Melbourne.
Clearly riffing on Chicago's Tribune Tower, the Manchester Unity Building takes the Gothic revival skyscraper typology and gives it Art Deco flair. Easily the sexiest lift lobby in Melbourne.
5. Itsukushima Shrine (厳島神社), Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan
It can be hard to see such an iconic building with fresh eyes. But this shrine, a series of pavilions resting lightly on the water on an island in Japan's Inland Sea, is even more ethereal in person.
It can be hard to see such an iconic building with fresh eyes. But this shrine, a series of pavilions resting lightly on the water on an island in Japan's Inland Sea, is even more ethereal in person.
6. Robie House, Chicago, USA.
This house exemplifies so much of what made Frank Lloyd Wright and his Prairie style great. Rich textural interest and exceptional attention to detail make this building, which hugs the ground, a real joy to experience.
This house exemplifies so much of what made Frank Lloyd Wright and his Prairie style great. Rich textural interest and exceptional attention to detail make this building, which hugs the ground, a real joy to experience.
7. St Pancras Station & Midland Grand Hotel, London, England
This building encapsulates everything I love about Victorian architecture. Sheer delight in historical detail, applied lavishly, paired with genuine excitement and enthusiasm about the possibilities of new technology.
This building encapsulates everything I love about Victorian architecture. Sheer delight in historical detail, applied lavishly, paired with genuine excitement and enthusiasm about the possibilities of new technology.
8. Singapore Improvement Trust Flats, Tiong Bahru, Singapore
The precursor to Singapore's HDB estates, the SIT flats are a stylish example of modern public housing. On the site of a former graveyard and 'evil-smelling swamp', the SIT flats provided modern, hygienic homes.
The precursor to Singapore's HDB estates, the SIT flats are a stylish example of modern public housing. On the site of a former graveyard and 'evil-smelling swamp', the SIT flats provided modern, hygienic homes.
9. Santa Maria della Salute, Venice, Italy
Bubbling up from a narrow corner of Dorsoduro, the domes of Longhena's votive church feel like something wrested from the depths of the lagoon. No wonder it's been a favourite subject of painters from Arthur Streeton to Claude Monet.
Bubbling up from a narrow corner of Dorsoduro, the domes of Longhena's votive church feel like something wrested from the depths of the lagoon. No wonder it's been a favourite subject of painters from Arthur Streeton to Claude Monet.
10. THREE WAY TIE: Flinders Street Station, Melbourne / Kuala Lumpur Railway Station / Tanjong Pagar Railway Station, Singapore
I simply cannot choose between the grandest train stations of my adopted home, my hometown, and a city I've spent so much time in. They all rock.
I simply cannot choose between the grandest train stations of my adopted home, my hometown, and a city I've spent so much time in. They all rock.
