Top 10 Cities to Be on Architecture Lovers’ Travel List

Architects, whether young or seasoned professionals, continue to seek inspiration to design masterpieces. Traveling to a city that demonstrates the highest levels of architecture can greatly inspire them. 

This world is the hub of some extraordinary architectural structures. Visiting those places can be great for the architects as they can learn as well as relax there. In this blog, let’s delve into the top cities one should not miss out on visiting as an architect.

Barcelona, Spain

An architect’s dream travel destination list cannot be completed without Barcelona. This city’s modernism and Gothic style fascinate architecture lovers. It is the canvas for the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, who has crafted captivating structures throughout the city.

The bizarre, Casa Batlló, the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia, and the sloped, mosaic-covered Park Güell are a testament to Gaudí’s excellence in architecture. Gaudí’s most noteworthy work is Sagrada Familia, which has redefined architecture with its grand facades, symbolic design elements, and use of biomimicry in architecture. Architects can gain critical insights into organic design principles through the brilliant works of Gaudí. Hence, it is a must to tick all the marvelous creations of Gaudi while visiting Barcelona.

Athens, Greece

Western architecture was discovered in Athens, Greece, and this city possesses a memorable architectural history. Thus, an architect cannot claim to have explored all types of architecture without looking at some of the finest historic structures in Athens. 

This city is adorned by one of the first built theatres ever – the Theatre of Dionysus, and also by the Parthenon, which exemplifies Doric architecture. Moreover, architects can grasp the fundamental concepts of classical architecture by visiting the Acropolis. The influence of these exquisite sites is visible in modern architectural design.

Athens is a city full of historic ruins, and modern structures have also emerged as time has progressed. It reflects the interaction between historical and modern architecture. Bustling areas of Monastiraki and Plaka illustrate various architectural styles, from neoclassical to modernist. 

Rome, Italy

Exploring Rome offers glimpses of all the styles of architecture. However, the Baroque attracts the architects most upon their visit as it is the most perfect hub for discovering the 17th-century Baroque architecture.

The Baroque influences the observer’s senses through emotions, overcoming rationality. It emphasizes that it is ideal to achieve faith through emotions, rather than reasoning. The greatest artists of the time joined hands to renovate Rome’s fountains, palaces, city centers, churches, squares, and many other buildings. 

Bernini’s St. Peter’s Square is the leading example of Baroque urban planning. Architects can visit this place to applaud this movement. Exquisite staircase of Praca de Espanha, the largest fountain in Italy – the Fontana di Trevi, and also Sant’lvo alla Sapienza’s church demonstrate the masterful works of architects in this city.

Lisbon, Portugal

The Gothic to Renaissance transition led the Pacos de Lisboa and Sintra to be overtaken by the Manueline style. Buildings such as Jerónimos or the Torre de Belém, which were built during the same era, followed the same style. Manueline style came into existence at the end of the 15th century. It is a unique art form, which got its name from King Manuel I.

Numerous monuments were built in this period. They showcase the pure Manueline style through the depth and dimension of the arches and twists, Christ’s cross, and Armillary Sphere adorning cornices, natural elements, marine shapes, facades, and vaults.

Torre de Belém is an architectural masterpiece that seeks the attention of the architects, and they can closely evaluate its minute details. This structure was built in honor of S. Vicente, a Lisbon saint. Its fabulous interiors depict classic mastery of armillary spheres, carved stone ornaments, natural elements, and the cross of the Order of Christ.

One cannot miss out on visiting Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon. It is another architectural gem that highlights the Manueline style, and D. Manuel I commissioned it himself. Heading east of Praça do Comércio takes the visitors to the Church of Conceição Velha, whose facade is a premier example of Manueline architecture. It has earned the recognition of a national monument since 1910.

Paris, France

Paris is a perfect destination for lovers of art and culture. This city also showcases its connection with Gothic architecture with the inclusion of a concave roof, in the form of ogives, and diagonal arches. It elevates the building in all directions authentically. They gave gigantic heights to the structures due to their principle, “The higher the temple, the closer man is to God.”

Paris is also home to Notre Dame Cathedral; it is a medieval building that speaks volumes about the Gothic style. The Basilica of Saint Denis is another project that inspired other structures in Paris. It is the first fully Gothic project of the city. 

Visiting Sainte Chapelle is a classic example of Gothic architecture. It is the home to the Relics of the Passion of Christ. The building has a stained glass window, which is a key element of the Gothic style.

Berlin, Germany

A walk through Berlin is a must for the architects to gain valuable insights into the architecture of this city. The fall of the Berlin Wall led the local buildings to illustrate memorials, political power, and propaganda. 

Berlin’s structures offer the glimpses of Communism, Capitalism, and Nazism. This city has been the canvas for renowned modern architects such as Walter Gropius, Le Corbusier, Mies van der Rohe, and Frank Gehry. Philharmonie is one of the most extraordinary buildings, which was built in 1963, thus, it is an unmissable place. The Berlin Philharmonie Orchestra performs here.

Tokyo, Japan

Neon-lit skyscrapers, creative modern architecture, old historic temples, and gardens are at the core of Tokyo’s beauty. This city’s vast architectural landscape makes it an ideal place to visit for architects. 

Japan’s architectural history is defined by the traditional wooden homes in areas such as Yanaka province. Architects can get a window into modern architecture through places such as the National Art Center and Tokyo International Forum. 

Tokyo Skytree and Old Meiji Shrine are symbols of Japanese culture and depict how this country has harmoniously blended tradition and innovation. A walk through the streets of Tokyo is enough to make one realize that it has the best architecture in the world.

Chicago, USA

Chicago is considered the birthplace of skyscrapers, and its skyline studded with modern architecture is a testament to the same. Architects can wander around this city to witness some of the first steel-frame buildings designed by Louis Sullivan. Evolution of technology in architecture has made it possible.

Frank Lloyd Wright has also left his mark on the city with an architectural wonder such as Robie House. Visitors can also see the influence of his work in Oak Park. Willis Tower, also known as Sears Tower, is situated in Chicago and is renowned as one of the tallest buildings across the globe. A visit to the Chicago Architectural Foundation can also assist the visitors in learning more about the city’s architecture. 

Dubai, UAE

Dubai’s skyline has experienced an extraordinary transformation over the years. It is home to the world’s tallest building – Burj Khalifa, which is an ideal example of curved architecture. It has many other luxurious structures. This city is the habitat of modern architecture today. 

Unique buildings such as Burj Al Arab and Palm Jumeirah defy convention in design and engineering terms. Burj Al Arab has a sail-inspired design and serves the city as a luxury hotel. Dubai Mall, which is one of the largest shopping centers in the world, follows the idea of creative and immersive architecture. Architects can conduct a real-world case study of urban design and sustainability in architecture while visiting Dubai. 

Brasilia, Brazil

Brasilia is the idea of Juscelino Kubitschek, who became Brazil’s President in 1956. He envisioned a capital city in the barren land in the center of the country. The president handed over the responsibility of the same to the architect Oscar Niemeyer. He came up with the designs of government, commercial, and residential buildings for the new city.

Presidential residence, the National Congress of Brazil, the Cathedral of Brasilia, and the Attorney General’s office are some of the premier structures, which were designed in that period. Brasilia gained an aesthetic look with the use of futurism style, which features dynamic lines, use of sharp contrasts, and materials such as glass and concrete.

Final Thoughts

An architect must embark on an architectural journey to grasp the various building styles that different cities illustrate. Whether it is a historical city or a modern one, each of them inspires the designers to design with a fresh approach when they return from their visits. 

Visiting these cities and many others unlocks out-of-the-box thinking among the architects. Hence, choose the best city to start the journey and learn while trotting the globe.

FAQs

Q 1: Which city in India has the best architecture?

Ans: Here are the places with the best architecture in India:

• Jaipur.
• Delhi.
• Mumbai.
• Agra.
• Kolkata.
• Orrisa.
• Thanjavur.

Q 2: Where do architects get paid the most?

Ans: Find the highest-paying countries for architects below:

• Switzerland.
• Luxembourg.
• United States.
• Denmark.
• Ireland.
• Belgium.
• Germany.
• Australia.
• Norway.
• Netherlands.

Q 3: What type of architect is the highest paid in India?

Ans: The architects working in the fields of urban planning and design are the highest paid in India. Creating master plans for cities and towns is their premier responsibility, and it is highly valued. As per PayScale, urban planners in India can earn around 1,500,000 annually.

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