oleh admin | Okt 26, 2024 | architecture, buildings, home and property, mansions, tourist attractions
In Newport, within the U.S. state of Rhode Island, stands an opulent abode that belonged to the Vanderbilt dynasty—a grand testament to industrial-era America towards the close of the 19th century. Join us as we explore this magnificent Gilded Age estate!
Upon reaching Newport Island,
New England
In Rhode Island, the striking outline of The Breakers stands out prominently. Perched atop a cliff with views of the Atlantic Ocean, this grand mansion was constructed from 1893 to 1895. It exemplifies the extreme opulence characteristic of America’s industrial elite during the Gilded Age—the prosperous era marking the end of the 19th century.
th
century in the United States.
The Breakers, an immense undertaking by Richard Morris Hunt
Constructed within just two years, this extensive estate belonged to Cornelius Vanderbilt II, who was the grandson of the railroad tycoon. In 1893, the inheritor of America’s wealthiest family took ownership of this residence.
United States
Commissioned Richard Morris Hunt, renowned for designing the facade of the
Metropolitan Museum of Art
and the base of the
Statue of Liberty
In New York, he aimed to construct his second home. The task was straightforward: to develop a dwelling on the petite island of Newport, situated between
Boston
and
New York
, which could compete with Europe’s finest estates. Back then, the island served as an exclusive summer retreat for America’s elite socialites, including the Vanderbilt clan, who were among numerous wealthy individuals from the East Coast seeking refuge there during summertime. This ambitious undertaking mirrors the immense fortune possessed by the family; they commissioned a sprawling mansion spanning 1,200 square meters across five stories, complete with 70 chambers. Its design draws inspiration from Italian architecture, specifically echoing elements seen in Florence and Rome during the Renaissance era.
Within The Breakers, indulge in unparalleled opulence.
Primarily constructed using marble obtained from top-tier quarries in Italy and France, the residence was built without regard for cost. Renowned artisans were enlisted to create intricate sculptures, paintings, and decorations throughout the home. Each ceiling boasts elaborate frescoes, complemented by meticulously crafted mosaic floors and silk-clad walls that enhance the dramatic ambiance of every chamber.
The entryway stands as an impressive showcase of architecture. Spanning three stories, it features marble Corinthian pillars and a coffered ceiling decorated with frescoes reminiscent of those found in Venetian palaces. Abundant natural light pours in from large windows facing the sea, illuminating the grandeur of the area.
The other rooms also exude magnificence. Within the ballroom, where the Vanderbilt clan hosted lavish gatherings, every element was designed to awe: exquisite wooden floors, opulent French crystal chandeliers, and elegant Italian marble mantelpieces. Moving on to the dining area, it has ample space for about forty diners at an expansive table illuminated by gilded chandeliers casting a warm glow. Another noteworthy chamber is the library. Its intricately crafted mahogany shelves hold a selection of vintage spellbooks, offering a serene ambiance that stands out against the splendor of the rest of the residence. It was here that Cornelius Vanderbilt II often engaged in commerce and socialized with prominent individuals.
A stunning natural backdrop overlooking the Atlantic Ocean
Beyond its extravagant design, what truly distinguishes The Breakers from other Newport mansions is its prime location. Situated on the southernmost part of the island, atop a cliff, the mansion provides unobstructed ocean vistas. The grounds feature meticulously maintained gardens laid out in a formal style reminiscent of classic French designs, complete with pathways made of white gravel bordered by well-groomed shrubs. As you approach the lawn’s perimeter, stone stairs lead down to rocky coastal areas where crashing waves perpetually pound against the shore—a sight that gave rise to the estate’s evocative name.
Here’s what you should know before heading to The Breakers.
Since opening to visitors in 1948, The Breakers has become a premier attraction in Newport. Various guided tours offer insights into the Vanderbilt family’s life. A traditional tour leads you through key areas such as the Grand Salon and the Billiard Room. An additional exploration reveals hidden passageways used by the staff for maintaining daily operations unseen by guests. These subterranean spaces resemble an intricate network beneath the estate, featuring advanced systems including electricity, plumbing, and elevators that were innovative at the time. Lastly, take leisurely walks around meticulously maintained gardens offering stunning vistas overlooking both Narragansett Bay and the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean.
The Breakers
44 Ochre Point Avenue
Newport, RI 02840
The Breakers
oleh admin | Jul 19, 2024 | architectural design, architecture, beautiful places, buildings, skyscrapers
Across cities from Dubai to Shanghai, towering skyscrapers are reshaping the urban landscapes around the globe. These architectural marvels stand as emblems of financial strength, defying gravitational limits with their steel and glass structures.
Ever since the completion of the Home Insurance Building in Chicago in 1885—the inaugural skyscraper—vertical construction has continually expanded the boundaries of architectural possibility. These towering structures do more than just serve their main purpose; they vie with each other in terms of daring design and visual appeal. Below are some of the most striking skyscrapers that nearly kiss the clouds above ultramodern urban centers.
Burj Khalifa, the desert spear
When discussing skyscrapers, one cannot avoid mentioning the tallest among them. Standing at 828 meters high,
this Dubai landmark
intrigues with its breathtaking grace. Conceived by the architectural studio Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the Burj Khalifa features 163 stories housing offices, upscale apartments, and the planet’s premier Armani Hotel. The tower’s sleek profile, drawing inspiration from a desert blossom known as the spider lily, embodies the grand aspirations of this modest emirate, which serves as its de facto capital.
bling
At night, its sparkling exterior stands out as a luminous landmark in this city rising from the sands.
Shanghai Tower, glass dragon
The Shanghai Tower, with its distinctive spiral form, resembles a dragon poised for flight, emphasizing both its groundbreaking architectural style and its deep connection to Chinese cultural symbols. Standing at 632 meters tall, this structure isn’t just visually striking; it represents cutting-edge concepts in modern city planning. Its dual-layered glass exterior, built-in wind generators, internal garden levels, and water recycling systems make it an exemplar of eco-friendly construction. Additionally, within its 128 floors resides the planet’s loftiest open-air observation deck, bringing visitors tantalizingly close to the heavens.
One World Trade Center, located in New York, rises like a phoenix.
A symbol of resilience, the One World Trade Center rises majestically at the location where the September 11, 2001 attacks took place in Lower Manhattan.
New York
Its eight-sided design, prism-like exterior walls, and towering 124-meter steeple render it both restrained and impressive. Standing at an imposing height of 541 meters (or 1,776 feet, echoing the year of America’s Declaration of Independence), it has emerged as a prominent symbol in the Manhattan skyline.
skyline
.
Taiwan Tower 101, bridging tradition and modernity
Standing at 508 meters tall, Taipei 101 held the title of the world’s tallest skyscraper until it was surpassed by the Burj Khalifa in 2009. The architects from C.Y. Lee & Partners drew inspiration from the form of a bamboo stalk, which signifies progress in Chinese tradition when designing this iconic tower. Its jade green hue and architectural elements reminiscent of ancient pagodas exemplify modern interpretations within an Asian aesthetic framework. Additionally, Taipei 101 gained recognition for incorporating a massive harmonizing pendulum—a 660-tonne steel sphere—that helps stabilize the edifice during storms or seismic activities.
The Shard, Crystal palace
Created by renowned Italian architect Renzo Piano, The Shard looms over the London landscape at an impressive 309.6 meters tall. This towering structure’s sleek pyramidal form and entirely glass exterior resemble a massive piece of breaking glass along the Thames River. Comprising 11,000 glass panes, its facade mirrors London’s evolving cityscape, transforming this skyscraper into what seems like an adaptable urban chameleon. It stands as an awe-inspiring work of architecture that has reshaped modern design.
British capital’s skyline
.
The Petronas Twin Towers stand tall as Kuala Lumpur’s iconic pair.
Symbols of modern
Malaysia
The appeal of the Petronas Twin Towers stems from their connection to Malay culture and Islamic artistic elements. These sleek structures, reminiscent of minarets, feature a gleaming façade made of stainless steel and glass that reflects sunlight like “multifaceted diamonds,” as described by architect César Pelli. A notable landmark for tourists is the see-through skybridge connecting the twin buildings at the 41st level, which continues to be both a fascination and a test for those with acrophobia.
oleh admin | Jul 11, 2024 | architectural design, architecture, buildings, culture, tourist attractions
Simply mentioning his name evokes visions of remarkable modern structures featuring distinctively avant-garde designs: Frank Gehry stands as a legend in the architectural realm. His creations—and he remains actively involved in designing new ones—possess a bold identity that consistently leaves people amazed.
Only a select few architects possess such global recognition that simply mentioning their names evokes vivid mental pictures of groundbreaking design. Among these luminaries, Frank Gehry stands out unequivocally. For more than six decades, he has consistently pushed boundaries with each new creation, proving that although architecture is a solemn profession, it can still embrace whimsy and creativity without losing its gravity.
Who is Frank Gehry, the architect?
Frank Gehry, born in Toronto in 1929, pursued his studies in architecture at Los Angeles in 1947. Afterward, he embarked on his professional journey with several companies initially focusing on residential and commercial designs. By the 1960s, when he established his independent practice—now recognized as Gehry Partners LLP—he transitioned towards handling more extensive undertakings.
His career took a significant turn with the renovation of his personal residence in 1978, known as the Gehry Residence in Santa Monica. For this project, Frank Gehry opted for unconventional building materials like plywood, metal, and corrugated steel. This endeavor is frequently considered an architectural manifesto by the designer.
In 1989, he received the esteemed award
Pritzker Prize
– akin to a Nobel Prize for architects – and proceeded to secure various accolades over his career recognizing his contributions to modern architecture.
Aside from his notable accomplishments in architecture, Frank Gehry is deeply committed to education and has shared his knowledge as an instructor at various renowned institutions such as Yale University and UCLA.
What characterizes Frank Gehry’s approach to architecture?
Frank Gehry, an innovative architect known for his unorthodox design methods, is renowned for utilizing irregular shapes, distinctive materials, and an artistic style that emphasizes sculptural elements. His works are frequently categorized under the deconstructivist movement.
His designs are distinguished by their smooth contours, flowing surfaces, and daring application of reflective elements like titanium, stainless steel, and glass. He conceived these structures as complete works of art meant for habitation, seamlessly blending with the surrounding landscape and reflecting the cultural ambitions of nearby communities.
Five must-see masterworks by Frank Gehry that you should visit
The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao in Spain
Launched in 1997, this museum of modern art, featuring its flowing designs and striking materials, has dramatically reshaped the landscape.
Bilbao
has even single-handedly revitalized the city’s economy—a phenomenon now widely referred to as the “Bilbao effect” or the “Guggenheim effect.”
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
Abandoibarra Etorb., 2, Abando,
48009 Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain
+34 944 35 90 80
guggenheim-bilbao.eus/en
The Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles
The building, which opened in 2003, houses the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra. It features a facade made of stainless steel and an acoustically superior interior design, showcasing Frank Gehry’s exceptional architecture.
Walt Disney Concert Hall
111 S Grand Ave
Los Angeles, California 90012, United States
+1 323-850-2000
laphil.com/about/our-venues/about-the-walt-disney-concert-hall
The Louis Vuitton Foundation in Paris
Like a ship moored incongruously in the middle of the Bois de Boulogne, the
Fondation Louis Vuitton
Captivates us with its contemporary, lyrical design. The edifice, opened in 2014, consists of twelve glass sails held aloft by a steel skeleton, hovering over the primary structure. A sight to behold.
Fondation Louis Vuitton
8 Avenue du Mahatma Gandhi
75116 Paris
+33 (0) 1 40 69 96 00
fondationlouisvuitton.fr/en
The Museum of Popular Culture (MoPOP) located in Seattle, Washington
Known as the
Experience Music Project
|
Science Fiction Museum
(EMP|SFM) Up until 2016, the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) was renowned for its vibrant, irregular design featuring striking curved forms that evoke a disassembled electric guitar.
Museum of Pop Culture
325 5th Ave N
Seattle, WA 98109, United States
+1 206-770-2700
mopop.org/
The Dance House in Prague
Created in partnership with Czech architect Vlado Milunić, the design incorporates his expertise.
Dancing House
has emerged as a symbolic structure in
Prague
, readily identifiable due to its undulating, meandering outline, which appears to depict a couple of dancers. Actually, Frank Gehry initially referred to it as
Ginger and Fred
with regard to the renowned 20
th
dancers from the century Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.
Dancing House
Jiráskovo nám. 1981/6
120 00 Nové Mě sto, Czech Republic
