Humans have an appreciation of beauty, and there’s something about creating beautiful buildings that we love. Not only does it impact this generation, but the seven famous architectural landmarks that we are about to talk about and hundreds of others have impacted generations for hundreds, some for thousands, of years.
Neenan Archistruction® is an architectural firm based in Fort Collins, Colorado, that specializes in commercial, education, government, and healthcare facilities. We are a comprehensive design/build firm that completes building design and construction projects nationwide. Our Collaborative Design Process ensures our customers are involved in their commercial construction project from beginning to end. Below, we’ll take a look at seven famous architectural landmarks that we love, admire, and that have impacted our design/build firm and architectural design process. Contact us to get started today!
Its official name is the Basilica of the Holy Family, La Sagrada Familia is a huge, unfinished basilica in Barcelona, Spain. It was begun in 1882 under the architect Franciso de Paula del Villar. However, famed architect Antoni Gaudi took over when he resigned, transforming this basilica using Gothic and curvilinear Art Nouveau forms into something that is truly a must-see, unique temple. You’ll also see elements of Catalan Modernism and Spanish Late Gothic influences. The church is full of Christian symbolism at every turn, and it’s truly an incredibly unique experience to see a building of this magnitude being constructed right before your eyes. You can tour this architectural wonder, and it is well worth it to do so.
Perhaps the most famous mausoleum in the world (and few would argue the most beautiful), the Taj Mahal is an architectural dream. Built by Shah Jahan for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal who died in childbirth, the Taj Mahal was completed in 1653. It is known for its use of white marble that gleams in the sun, allowing this mausoleum to be seen for miles around. Not only is this building stunningly beautiful in its design and construction, but because of the love story behind it, there is a special mystique and attraction that the structure contains, which can be felt by visitors. Using Indo-Islamic and Mughal architecture, this mausoleum has a marble dome over the tombs surrounded by four minarets, which frame the tomb. The Taj Mahal is one of the most visited sites in the world, attracting 6 million people a year.
Most people in the world are familiar with the Colosseum in Rome, and given the fact over half of it remains standing in its original form speaks to its superb architectural design and construction. Built using travertine limestone, volcanic rock, and concrete, the Colosseum was built for use of public spectacles, including gladiatorial contests (of which it is most famous), executions, reenactments of famous beatles, dramas, sea battles, and more. The Colosseum was built in AD 80 and has survived centuries of wars, environmental damage, fires, earthquakes, and stone robbers looking for souvenirs. It was built to incorporate all of the predominant architectural styles of the Romans, including Tuscan (a Roman twist on Greek Doric), Ionic, and Corinithian. This architectural delight is definitely a must-see for anyone interested in architectural design and construction.
If one word could describe the architecture of the Sydney Opera House it would be distinctive. There is truly no other building on earth that looks like this iconic architectural design wonder. Considered a masterpiece of 20th century architecture, it was completed in 1973 and designed by a Danish architect, Jorn Utzon, who won an international design contest. Built in a modern expressionist design using precast concrete shells, the Sydney Opera House is a concert hall that is absolutely stunning. The precast concrete shells of which it is famous for had to undergo several redesigns due to their weight and the support structures. What you see today is a testament to the Collaborative Design Process that Neenan Archistruction® exposes, with architects, engineers, design/build firms, and commercial construction companies coming together to create a beautiful work of art.
It’s safe to say that the architectural design that the Leaning Tower of Pisa is most famous for (its lean) was not intended. It is also famous for Gaileo’s experiment to determine gravity. Begun in 1173, the tower was not completed until 1372, partly due to its unstable ground. The original architect is debated in history, but it’s built in the Romanesque style that was popular during the medieval times of its construction. It is made from solid white marble. Eight stories tall, each story features beautiful columns that make it look like a cake. Located in Pisa, Italy, it has been supported to the point its tilt is just under four degrees. A truly magnificent architectural wonder, especially when you consider it was built with the lean in place!
If you are looking for one of the quintessential architectural works of the late Roman era, you can’t beat the Hagia Sophia. It was built in 537, and was the largest Christian church of the eastern Roman Empire and of the eastern Orthodox Church. However, when the Ottoman Turks conquered Constantinople in 1453, it was converted to a mosque, which it is to this day. Its design is incredibly unique with a longitudinal basilica and a huge main dope that is supported on pendentives (which are triangular segments of a spherical surface), as well as two semi-domes. The arcade around the dome is unbroken with an amazing 40 arched windows. This is one of the most important examples of Byzantine architecture, and it features influences of both Christianity and Islam.
Almost everyone is familiar with the Eiffel Tower in Paris. It is architecturally unique, as it is made from wrought-iron lattice and built for the 1889 World’s Fair. It is named for Gustave Eiffel whose company designed and constructed it. It remains the tallest structure in Paris with an average of almost seven million visitors a year. The Eiffel Tower is considered a masterpiece of modern architecture, being one of the first to use iron in an aesthetically appealing way. It was also one of the first structures of its magnitude built with no real purpose. Plus, it was meant to be dismantled 20 years after the World’s Fair, but no one wanted to see it go. It still stands as one of the most recognizable pieces of architectural design in the world.
Our design-build firm approaches each project with an eye for function and beauty. We want your building design to fit your needs, but also appeal to the senses and be pleasant for use by others. With our Collaborative Design Process, we work closely with you, our customer, in order to ensure your commercial building design is what you envision. Our building design and construction company keeps you in the loop at all times during construction, and if you see something you need tweaked, don’t hesitate to ask. In addition, we use target costing in order to ensure you have transparent costing every step of the way. If you are interested in partnering with our commercial architectural design firm, contact us today!
