Buckminster Knows 035

The Walhalla Hall of Fame and Honor (1830-1842) is a neo-classical Germanic hall of fame located near Regensburg (Germany) and conceived by the architect/artist Leo von Klenze (1784-1864). Whereas the Valhalla of Norse mythology was home to those who gloriously died on the battlefields, Leo's Walhalla was intended not only for warriors and soldiers but also for Germanic scientists, writers and musicians. On the Walhalla's inauguration, there were 160 plaques and busts and only 31 have been added since for a total of 191 (of which only 12 are women). 

Located on top of a hill, the building has a mysterious monumentalism which clearly echoes the Parthenon in Athens and even though it is not really my cup architectural tea, it's a very relevant project which more or less marks the birth of Germany as a nation.

[image credits here here and here]

Buckminster Knows 028

This is my church, Arne Jacobsen's (1902-1971) Danish National Bank in Copenhagen (1966-1978).  In my opinion, the most remarkable feature of the structure is the delicacy with which Jacobsen handles the brutal stereometry, especially noticeable in the perfect (and I don't like to use this word) staircase in the massive central hall and also in the impressive control of light and masses.

Do not, I repeat, do not go to Copenhagen without visiting the National Bank! 

pictures found at e-architect.co.uk and at weareprivate.com

 

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The Porta Pia (1560-1565) by Michelangelo (1475-1564) was one of the gates in the Aurelian Walls and one of many contributions to Roman urbanism by Pope Pius VI, meant to serve as a replacement for the Porta Nomentana which was closed up at about the same time. 

Michelangelo's original design (which differs quite clearly from the existing structure ) can be seen on a commemorative plate on the façade.

pictures found here, here and here

Buckminster Knows 025

The great ziggurat of Ur (2200BC), located in present-day Iraq, is one of the most powerful structures ever built. This vast ziggurat was dedicated to Nanna, the Mesopotamian moon God, and was part of a temple complex which served as an administrative center for the city.

The upper stage of the impressive Great Ziggurat is over 30m high while its base measures 46m by 64m.

pictures here here and here

 

Buckminster Knows 006

Diocletian's Palace at Spalato (300-306 AD), probably one of the last great palaces of the pagan Empire, was built by Emperor Diocletian (244-311 AD; reigned 284-305 AD) in preparation for his retirement. 

The vast plan (180 x 216m) echoes that of the castrum, the traditional Roman camp (or fort) crossed by two streets at right angles.

The palace was virtually unknown until the publication by Neo-Classical architect Robert Adam (1728-1792) of Ruins of the Palace of the Emperor Diocletian at Spalatio in Dalmatia 

(London, 1764).     

pictures found here, here and here