The post Ennis House: An Architectural Marvel That is Also a Film Icon appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Representing Mayan Revival
Built in 1924, the Ennis House boasts Mayan Revival architecture, standing as a prime example of Wright’s innovative approach. Rising gradually with over 27,000 concrete blocks, it’s a vertical marvel supported by a retaining wall. Wright’s use of concrete in the 1920s, a novel idea for home construction, showcased his belief in its potential for affordable housing.
Unique Design Blend
The concrete blocks, hand-cast from on-site gravel, granite, and sand, feature a unique woven pattern, both inside and out. The Greek key design, a nod to Charles Ennis’s Masonic affiliation, adds another unique touch to this architectural masterpiece.
Hollywood’s Favorite Backdrop
Beyond its architectural significance, the Ennis House is a true Hollywood superstar, gracing the scenes of Mulholland Drive, Rush Hour, and Blade Runner, to name a few. The house’s mysterious allure has made it a canvas for filmmakers and commercials alike.
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]]>The post Architectural Marvels of Gaudi, Barcelona’s Iconic Landscapes appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Sagrada Família
The Sagrada Família, Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece, is a testament to his visionary approach. This basilica, with its soaring spires and intricate facades, is a blend of Gothic and Art Nouveau styles. Its interiors, illuminated by colorful stained glass, create a surreal, otherworldly atmosphere that leaves visitors in awe.
Park Güell
Park Güell is another marvel, originally conceived as a residential estate but now a public park. Here, Gaudí’s playful use of shapes, colors, and organic forms is evident. The park is adorned with mosaic-covered sculptures, serpentine benches, and the famous salamander, “El Drac.”
La Pedrera
Casa Batlló and Casa Milà, also known as La Pedrera, showcase Gaudí’s unique residential designs. Casa Batlló, with its skeletal structure and colorful facade, is inspired by nature and legends. Casa Milà, with its undulating stone facade and iron balconies, breaks conventional architectural norms.
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]]>The post Breathtaking Bookstores for Literature Lovers Around the World appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>El Ateneo Grand Splendid, Argentina
This enchanting store in the heart of Buenos Aires is housed in a former theater still decorated with the ornate frescoes, velvet curtains, and golden balconies of its past life. Readers can immerse themselves in a novel or nonfiction work while sitting in the theater’s plush red seats to feel like they’re part of a literary performance.
Livraria Lello, Portugal
The Livrario Lello bookstore Porto, Portugal, is one of the oldest in the world and widely considered to be a neo-gothic masterpiece. The shop boasts a striking spiral staircase that ascends to meet an stained glass ceiling and intricately carved wooden shelves carrying books of all genres. Author J.K. Rowling has even shared that drew inspiration for the Harry Potter series from Livraria Lello while living in Porto.
Cărturești Carusel, Romania
Cărturești Carusel is a cozy, yet whimsical bookstore in the center of Bucharest, Romania. The shop is a treasure trove of books, gifts, and art set in a historic 19th-century building. On the top level, visitors can dive into their favorite books while enjoying a hot cup of coffee or tea in a small cafe.
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]]>The post Explore Italy Through its Art and Architecture appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Rome
Rome is home to some of the world’s most impressive architectural feats, such as the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Roman Forum. A visit to the Vatican is also a must, where you can see the stunning works of Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel, as well as the beautiful St. Peter’s Basilica.
Florence
Next up is Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. The city is home to countless art and architecture treasures, including the magnificent Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, also known as the Duomo, and the Uffizi Gallery, which is filled with masterpieces from artists like Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo.
Venice
Moving on to Venice, the city of canals, where art and architecture meet in a unique way. The city is filled with stunning examples of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, including the Basilica di San Marco, which is a feast for the eyes with its beautiful mosaics and domes. Venice is also home to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, which is a must-visit for any modern art lover.
Milan
Another must-see city for art and architecture lovers is Milan, where you can find the iconic Gothic cathedral, the Duomo di Milano, which is one of the largest churches in the world. Milan is also home to the famous La Scala Opera House and the Pinacoteca di Brera art museum, which houses an impressive collection of Italian Renaissance art.
Pisa
Last but not least, a trip to Italy wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the stunning city of Pisa, known for its famous leaning tower. The Piazza dei Miracoli, or Square of Miracles, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, and the Baptistery of St. John.
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]]>The post Architectural Marvels: Exploring the Grandeur of Historic Churches appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Notre-Dame Cathedral, Paris, France
Its Gothic architecture and iconic rose windows have made it an enduring symbol of the city. As you enter, be prepared to be awestruck by the grandeur of the interior, with its high vaulted ceilings and majestic stained glass windows. Climb to the top of the towers for a panoramic view of the city that will take your breath away.
Duomo di Milano, Milan
This Gothic masterpiece dominates the city’s skyline with its towering spires and intricate façade. Step inside to discover a treasure trove of art and craftsmanship, from the stunning stained glass windows to the intricately carved statues. Don’t forget to visit the rooftop terrace for a close-up view of the magnificent architecture and a breathtaking panorama of the city.
Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain
his masterpiece by renowned architect Antoni Gaudí is a unique blend of Gothic and Art Nouveau styles. The church’s intricate façade and towering spires are a testament to Gaudí’s genius and his dedication to creating a truly awe-inspiring structure. Inside, the interplay of light and color through the stained glass windows creates a spiritual ambiance that is truly captivating.
Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, St. Petersburg, Russia
With its colorful onion domes and intricate mosaics, this church is a feast for the eyes. The interior is adorned with over 7,500 square meters of mosaics depicting biblical scenes, creating a mesmerizing and spiritual atmosphere.
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]]>The post A Guide to the Most Beautiful European Universities appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Rostock, Germany
One of the oldest universities in Germany, Rostock is home to a whole gamut of beautiful gothic architecture. It also has one of the most breathtaking chapels you can find.
Bologne, Italy
Bologne is the oldest continuous university in the world. Established in 1088, it is made up of a series of beautiful squares built of orange stone. The geometry of the buildings is stunningly graceful.
Oxford, England
Perhaps the most famous university in the world, Oxford is home to a staggering variety of collections, books, lecture halls, and gorgeous colleges. A feature of the Oxford landscape is its immaculately manicured lawns.
Glasgow, Scotland
This magnificent university is built in the gothic revivalist style and stands on a hill, dominating the cityscape. Founded in 1451, the university offers self-guiding tours around the grounds.
Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
The most established university in Ireland, Trinity College Dublin is home to a stunning array of architectural styles. It has a museum in the Venetian Byzantine style and an epic library that looks like something out of the Harry Potter books.
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]]>The post Check Out Frank Lloyd Wright’s Pennsylvania Architectural Masterpieces appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Fallingwater
90 miles east of Pittsburgh in Mills Run is arguably the most famous of all of Wright’s works: Fallingwater. Built in 1939, this house was ahead of its time and incorporates the rushing water of the stream upon which it sits into its design. Interior and exterior tours are offered.
Beth Sholom Synagogue
Elkins Park outside of Philadelphia is the home of one of Wright’s last projects, the Beth Sholom Synagogue which was built and designed to evoke a modern twist on ancient temples. Designated as a National Historic Site, tours can be arranged and booked online.
Kentuck Knob
Another home located in the highlands of southwestern Pennsylvania, Kentuck Knob has a hexagon floor plan and appears to blend into the mountain itself upon which it is built. Part of Wright’s “Usonian” series, this was meant to be a model for a home that an average American could live in in the 1930s.
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]]>The post 3 New Buildings We Loved in 2020 appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Jiunvfeng Study on Mount Tai (China)
Jiunvfeng Study was carefully designed to fit into the sacred space that surrounds it. It’s shaped like a cloud and sits on the lowest peak of Mount Tai. The building’s design makes it easy to forget you’re sitting in a modern building, because it respects and works with nature around it.
Museum of Contemporary Art Helga de Alvear (Spain)
The Helga de Alevar Foundation headquarters is located in the city of Cáceres, Spain. The building is not new; it was first built in 1913—and it was now restored and extended to match the surroundings in the most beautiful way.
Cycle Through the Trees in Bosland (Belgium)
There’s a new cycling path in Bosland, Belgium that offers a unique chance to cycle through the trees. The path is perfectly comfortable for cyclers of all ages, and it goes in a circle, which means you have an opportunity to ride and enjoy the view for as long as you want.
Op het virtuele Visit Limburg congres werd zopas bekend gemaakt dat de kaap van 400.000 fietsers op Fietsen door de Bomen bereikt werd. Op iets meer dan 1 jaar… indrukwekkend! #altijdlimburg #visitlimburgThe post 3 New Buildings We Loved in 2020 appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post 3 Stunning Bookstores in Asia to Check Out appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Zhongshuge Bookstores (China)
The first Zhongshuge bookstore was opened in 2019, and there are already over 20 of them all over China. Designed by fantastic X+Living architecture studio, the bookstores are unique for their glass ceilings that make everything reflect, and some locations even have black glass floors.
(Zhongshuge Bookstore – Chongqing, China) #libriamo #libro #libri #book #booklover #libridaleggere #bookstagram #bookshelf #libridelcuore #libriconsigliati #china #zhongshugebookstoreWuguan Books (Taiwan)
This fantastic bookstore focuses on the private experience of the reader. The books are carefully staged, and thanks to clever lighting they look like they’re floating.
是不是大家走到無關就會想要壁咚一下另一半？ 如果是這麼浪漫的原因那我們也認了，只是壁咚完幫我們打卡一下好嘛，畢竟你們都走到這了。 #無關實驗書店 #wuguanbooks #高雄景點 #高雄書店YJY Maike Centre Flagship Bookstore (China)
YJY Maike Centre is a flagship bookstore located in the capital of the hi-tech industry of China, XiAn. The designers wanted to create a place where the whole world can meet through books, thinking about different people, cultures, and literature. The place will take your breath away!
..⠀ .⠀ .⠀ #YJYMaikecentre#Library#China#Vendredilecture#Bookstore#edilivre #maisondedition#livre #book #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #instabook #livrestagram #reading #books #roman #booklover #bookaddict #read #bookworm #livres #lire #instalivre #lecturedumoment #bibliotheque #bibliophile #photography #bookish #picoftheday #lectureThe post 3 Stunning Bookstores in Asia to Check Out appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post French Architect Discovered a Passion For Color During a Trip to Japan appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>“When I was in France, I was not conscious at all about color,” admitted Moureaux in an interview with Design Boom. “Tokyo gave me this passion. I think in Europe, and in Japan too, in the field of architecture or interior design, color is often considered as a minor element, like a finishing touch. Usually, architects decide colors at the end of the design process. for example, when the space is created they have to choose the colors of the walls and floor, so it is like a finish.”
Instead of treating color as a finishing touch, Moureaux puts it at the forefront, using it as a tool to divide space. She terms her technique “shikiri,” a japanese word which means partition or screen. “‘Shikiri’ is japanese word which means partition or screen,” says Moureaux. “For example, it is used to define the traditional Japanese sliding paper screen. I was very interested in the traditional shikiri partition, because it is a very beautiful element in Japanese architecture.”
Her representative works include the architectural design for Sugamo Shinkin Bank, “100 colors” art installation series, space design for ABC Cooking Studio, art installations for UNIQLO and ISSEY MIYAKE, and stick chair. But you can also follow her work on Instagram. If you’re thinking of visiting Tokyo (when traveling is permitted, that is), Moureaux’s installations provide a colorful reference point.
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