Architecture/Places

ALEXANDRA PALACE

This is a brilliant piece of architecture very close to home. Located in North London, Alexandra Palace (commonly known by us locals as 'Ally Pally') boasts one of the most amazing views of London. (unfortunetly the weather wasnt too great when i took these photos, but hopefully you get the idea!)

  

The Palace itself was built in 1873 as a recreational centre, but tragedy struck just sixteen days later and the building went down in flames.
Reconstruction soon started, and on the 1st of May 1875, the new, bigger and better palace was unveiled. Ally Pally is also famous for the first public television transmission in 1936 for the BBC up until 1956.

However, tragedy struck once more and in 1980, the palace caught fire again. Reconstruction began, and the palace that still stands today was finished in 1988. Some of the more superstitious people say the statue of an angel at the top of the dome watches over the palace now and will protect it from flames.

I love the fact that I live so close to the palace as its grounds are a great place to relax, picnic, sunbathe, dog walk etc. And inside the palace there is an ice rink, bar and large hall where raves and gigs have been hosted.
The architectural design itself is beautiful, the large dome and stained glass window make the building unique, and the BBC tower still stands tall. There are also firework displays hosted every year. All in all, its North London's most loved and well used building and grounds which is inspiring for the community.

There is also a recent car advert which shows the great hall and stained glass window which you can view here:



JESTED HOTEL TOWER, Czech Republic

Built in the 1960's, this piece of Space age optimism, described as a 'revolving hyperboloid' was created to show how communist technic

al know-how would bring about a bright socialist future.
Being Rocket shaped, the design was futuristic for its time, and is still a massive tourist attraction, making it similar to the likes of Paris' Eiffel Tower, and therefore becoming a national emblem.
The space theme is continued inside the hotel, with the rooms being described as 'over sized lunar capsules' and hallways containing decorative glass meteorites.
The restaurant within the hotel actually revolves, which inspired many American designers who have taken this idea to the States.
The fact that this hotel is so modern looking in the 21st century is inspiring, as it was created nearly fifty years ago.

ZAANDAM PRISON, Dome Sports hall

In 2006, the Dutch government called out for help from designers to create opportunities for more sport to be played in Prisons. Willem van der Sluis responded to this in a very imaginative and inspiring way.

"Our aim is to create a spacious structure that would capture the feeling of being outdoors instantly, since exercise time for prisone

rs is limited".
The dome structures can be constructed and dismantled easily, allowing them to be moved around, and the perforated domes let in sunlight, wind and rain, they also allow the prisoners to see out, without been seen. I think these functions are truly innovative and unique.
The dome are becoming very popular with other prisons and organisations around Holland, hopefully, the designs will soon become a global success!

MILLENNIUM BRIDGE

London is full of amazing architecture and engineering design. A recent and famous, or should I say infamous piece of architecture is Millennium Bridge. The bridge hit the headlines a couple of years ago when it was deemed unsafe after its opening, as the wind made the bridge sway from side to side above the river Thames! however, the problems were soon rectified and now the bridge is a big tourist attraction.

Visually, the bridge is very original and stylish. the fact that it leads up to the Tate Modern is also works in its favour as the bridge is seen as a piece of art work itself.

I find the design of the bridge Futuristic and inspiring as it is the only one like it in London. although it is surrounded by Tower Bridge and embankment, i feel Millennium stands out from the rest, and will hopefully mean a new breed of bridge design will appear as it has set a standard of stylish design, as well as practicality combined which I think is a very inspiring part of engineering design!

St. PAUL'S CATHEDRAL

My visit to the Tate Modern also lead me through the grounds of Saint Paul's Cathedral. This historic piece of architecture is truly inspiring. Originally built in 604AD, the cathedral has overlooked the city of London and signifies the spiritual side of life.

The Cathedral has been renovated a number of times. the current design is that of Sir Christopher Wren, built between 1675 and 1710. The fact that it is in brilliant condition to this day is very inspiring as it proves what good design can bring.

The detail is amazing, and the dome structure is a particularly favourite part for me, as i think it brings such character to buildings.

BURJ AL ARAB,

Dubai Hotel

This is one of the most inspiring pieces of Architecture and design in

my eyes. Designed by British Architect Tom Wright, the hotel is

meant to resemble the sail of a boat, as the building itself is located 280 meters off shore.

I feel it is an inspiring piece, as it has become an iconic statement of Dubai and has done wonders for tourism there.

The shape of the hotel is very ergonomic and original. It also symbolizes Dubai's urban transformation and development over the years.

The hotel is also brought to life at night with its beautiful lighting design which is very imaginative.

The Hotel has inspired latter architectural designs, such as London's Sir Norman Foster building, more commonly known as 'The Gherkin'.

The Gherkin is also lit up beautifully at night, and has become an iconic and easily

recognisable feature of London's skyline.