The capital city is called a modern monument. The capital city is called a monument of modern architecture. The ancient city of Kolomna - the keeper of Russian history

The top of the flooded old church is all that remains of the sunken Brazilian city of Petrolandia after the construction of a large hydroelectric power plant. This is the story of another city that was deliberately flooded and disappeared from the face of the earth for man-made reasons.

Heading to Copacabana? If you want to take a break from the usual hotels, check out this quirky little place called Hostal Las Olas Guesthouse. This is a complex of ten private villas, each of which has a different shape and unique interior (especially the sink stands out among them). Guest House Las Olas has an extravagant Gaudí style and a beautiful view. What else can you dream of while traveling?

Places such as Las Lajas Cathedral in Colombia attract not only pilgrims, deeply religious people, but also curious tourists, as well as simply lovers of beautiful nature and connoisseurs of incredible architecture. The Sanctuary of Las Lajas was built in the Gothic style and is one of the most interesting sights in Colombia. Such a beautiful architectural gem is located at an altitude of two and a half thousand meters above sea level - on a bridge leading through the abyss in the canyon of the Guatara River, not far from the border with Ecuador.

Each pilgrim carried a brick to the top of Montserrat to help build this historic sanctuary in Colombia. The Mount Sanctuary of Montserrat is a religious building visible from most of Bogotá. For people from the Colombian capital, the temple is the most sacred place, emblematic of the city. The history of the Montserrat temple dates back to 1640, when it was allowed to build a sanctuary on the mountain. A small chapel was dedicated to the Virgin Morena de Montserrat, and was built in honor of a similar sanctuary that still stands in the mountains outside of Barcelona.

The Botanical Garden of Curitiba is a unique attraction dedicated to the natural world. Built in 1991, the garden is reminiscent of the French royal gardens - the entire area is filled with luxurious elegance. Flowers line the paths to the garden, and each hedge is carefully thought out and resembles the gardens of the Versailles garden. The greenhouse itself is a garden highlight, gracefully set against the backdrop of the Curitiba skyline.

A stunning Catholic cathedral has been built in the newly created capital of Brazil. The Cathedral of Brasilia was designed by renowned Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer and is an almost hyperboloid structure that appears to be pressed to the ground. The exterior of the building, with its striking shape and magnificent glass ceiling, is as intriguing as its history.

The Ghat House in Chile features amazing design and breathtaking connection with nature. The architects have made every effort to harmoniously fit it into the coastal landscape. The mansion literally merges with the coastal slope, opening access to the beach. At the same time, it does not violate the integrity of the coastline, but rather complements it. This project has received many awards at prestigious international competitions.

Do you want to surprise your friends with a story about your vacation and numerous photos of the places you have visited? When planning a vacation, remember our story and you may want to visit these cities and learn a lot of new things.

No. 10 - Brasilia, Brazil

This city originated in the red desert and reached perfection in less than 4 years. It became the capital of the country, a living and breathing organism. This is Brasilia, number 10 on our list. Conceived and planned by the architect Lucio Costa in 1957, this city contains many buildings designed by the world-famous architect Oscar Niemeyer. From a bird's eye view, it looks like a cross, but to many it resembles a butterfly or an airplane in shape. Many criticized this layout, but UNESCO declared this city a World Heritage Site.

The main architectural masterpieces of this capital are considered to be the Palace of Aurora (the official residence of the President of the Republic is located here), the Republican Cultural Complex, the Cathedral, the Square of the Three Powers (all buildings on it are government buildings). In the design of the city, the ideas of Le Corbusier, a French architect who is rightfully considered the father of modern architecture, were of no small importance. Brasilia is an amazing capital, if only because it was erected in the shortest possible time.

No. 9 - Dubai, UAE

Are you faced with the question of where to get a crane for a construction project? Blame it on Dubai. It is estimated that about 25% of all cranes in the world are involved in the construction of this Arab city, and they work around the clock. Packed full of skyscrapers, Dubai is said to be the only capital city to have a seven-star hotel, the Burj Al Arab, the tallest hotel in the world. This amazing structure is shaped like a sail.

But even it pales in comparison with other buildings that loom on the horizon. These are Hydropolis - the world's first underwater hotel, Burj Dubai - the tallest building in the world, API World Tower, which will become the world's tallest hotel in the future, Dubailand - a Disneyland-style amusement park, which is expected to surpass Walt's creation Disney in scope and beauty. Want to take a peek into the future? See here.

No. 8 - Athens, Greece

Acropolis, the heart of ancient Greek civilization. It is here that architects of the 21st century draw their inspiration. Perhaps the Acropolis gives the whole city an amazing solidity and power. Here you will see the classical Greco-Roman columns that once supported the Parthenon, the most significant of the ancient monuments of Athens, you will see intricate patterns and intricate carvings on their tops. Some people might want to stay here, but if you're craving something new, look no further than the Academy of Athens building - a modern take on the classic Greco-Roman style. There is also the recently reconstructed Athens Olympic Stadium. But is there any doubt that it is the ancient architecture, something that has been tested for centuries, that attracts many tourists here. That is why we have included Athens in the list of the most architecturally interesting capitals.

No. 7 - Florence, Italy

Many consider this city to be the cradle and center of the Italian Renaissance. And, of course, the architecture of most buildings in Florence reflects the style of the Renaissance. This is the world-famous Palazzo Vecchio (Old Palace), which houses the city hall, the Academy of Arts - it is here that you can see David, the greatest work of Michelangelo, the Uffizi Gallery - one of the oldest museums in the world, the main museum of Florence, the exposition of which is masterpieces of the Renaissance. These are also majestic and, as if airy, cathedrals, among which Santa Maria del Fiore is the largest cathedral in Europe, as well as the Basilica of the Holy Cross, a rather large church. A unique landmark of Florence is Ponte Vecchio - the Old Bridge - a medieval building with small shops and workshops on both sides.

No. 6 - Rome, Italy

Like Athens, Rome is the cradle of Western civilization, and this is primarily evidenced by its rich architecture. This is a true classic: the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Roman Forum, the Temple of Venus in Rome. Later buildings can compete with them in beauty - St. Peter's Square in the Vatican, the Sistine Chapel, the National Monument to Victor Emmanuel II. There are not so many modern buildings here, a fabulous abundance of ancient ones built in the style of classicism and the Renaissance is enough. It is thanks to the magnificent architecture that Rome was included in our list of the most beautiful capitals.

No. 5 - Shanghai, China

Today China is actively developing its industry, and Shanghai is one of the main projects, it is an unconditional evidence of its rapid growth. At the current scale, decisions on the construction of certain buildings are made in a matter of hours, and the development of a project takes no more than a week (in the West, this will take months and years). The Pudong New Area, the international business center of Shanghai, is rapidly developing, with the most beautiful and tallest buildings, including the Jin Mao Tower and the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, which house a shopping center, a hotel and an observation deck.

Traveling along the river, you can also see the past of the city - there are many buildings built in the colonial style, but they are gradually being replaced by modern buildings like the Shanghai Grand Theatre. Nearby is the construction of what in the near future may become the tallest building in the world - this is the building of the World Financial Center. You still do not understand what course China is moving? Then look.

No. 4 - Berlin, Germany

Since 1989, since the fall of the Wall, Berlin has been actively engaged in the restoration and transformation of its buildings. The most notable and famous are, of course, the Reichstag, which once housed the Nazi parliament. Today it is covered by a new glass dome; the area of ​​Potsdamer Platz - formerly abandoned, but now renovated, here stands the impressive size of the Sony Center and the headquarters of the DaimlerChrysler concern, built over the past five years. Among the newest are also the building of the new British Embassy, ​​the Jewish Museum, designed by American architect Daniel Libeskind.

There are also many examples of classical architecture and neoclassical buildings - the Old Museum, the preserved building of the Bode Museum, and the Red Town Hall (the old mayor's residence).

No. 3 - Chicago, Illinois

This is not just a city of delicious hot dogs and hot sports fans, here, in the Windy City, the Chicago school of architecture was born and developed - the source of modern American architecture. After a devastating fire in 1871 that destroyed over 2,000 acres of various buildings, Chicago was rebuilt. The current Chicago arose through the work of architects, there are many memorable buildings here, which the whole world knows about. To understand what this city is today, it is worth remembering that the very word "skyscraper" first appeared here.

The main attractions of the city are called: Sears Building - the tallest tower in the United States, Wrigley Building - a triangular office building, the headquarters of a chewing gum company, and Marina City - a complex of buildings, quite aptly called "corn cob" - his photo adorned the album cover of the rock band Wilco called Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. Moreover, the greatest American architect Frank Lloyd Wright lived and worked here, a lot of houses built according to his designs have been preserved in the city, another equally famous architect Frank Gehry designed the city center and presented it with a huge Millennium Park.

No. 2 - Paris, France

Walking around this city, you catch yourself thinking that you are in the halls of a huge art museum. Here you can find the architecture of the Middle Ages, Renaissance, neoclassicism and art nouveau, there are a lot of ultra-modern buildings that fit perfectly into the overall picture of the city and remind you that this is not a museum after all. In fact, ex-President of France Mitterrand was so taken with the idea of ​​urban renewal that he authorized the implementation of an architectural project called “Grands Travaux” (it was started in the 80s and its goal was to update the classic style of the city). As a result, a glass pyramid appeared at the entrance to the Louvre, as well as a number of new interesting architectural structures.

The 2008 Pritzker Architecture Prize (equivalent in the circle of architects to the Nobel Prize) went to the Parisian architect Jean Nouvel, whose works include museums, in particular, the Musee du quai Branly, conference rooms, office buildings and residential buildings. If you are a passionate lover of the classics, then in Paris you will be able to appreciate it: the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Musee d'Orsay... To see everything, you will need to come back here again.

No. 1 - Barcelona, ​​Spain

Can your camera capture happiness? If yes, then you should buy a new memory card and come to Barcelona. The greatest architects of the world, gone and living today, created this city and gave it a regal appearance. Start with St. Paul's Hospital and the Palace of Catalan Music, the creations of Luis Domenech and Montaner. These buildings are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

You can admire the art of another famous Catalan architect - Antoni Gaudí. Among his masterpieces are Casa Mila, Parc Güell and Sagrada Familia - Sagrada Familia. Next, you can see the work of Santiago Calatrava - his Montjuic Communications tower, as well as the masterpiece of the already mentioned Frank Gehry "Fish", which is located in the Olympic Port, the water gate of the city. Finally, walk along La Rambla, the market street in the Gothic Quarter, and marvel at the abundance of ancient buildings. No wonder Barcelona, ​​the center of classical and modern architecture, crowns our ranking of the most beautiful capitals in the world.

The Fuerte de Samaipata Complex (Samaipata Fortress), also known as El Fuerte, is an archaeological site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Bolivia in the Department of Santa Cruz, Florida Province. It lies in the eastern foothills of the Bolivian Andes and is a popular tourist destination for Bolivians and foreigners alike. The complex was not a military fortification and, according to historians, was a pre-Columbian religious site built by the Chane people, a pre-Inca large ethnic group composed of the Arawaks. Here are the ruins of the Inca city, built next to the complex during the expansion of the Incas to the southeast. The Incas and Chans were periodically raided by Guarani warriors who occasionally invaded the region. As a result, the Guarani conquered the plains and valleys of Santa Cruz and destroyed Samaipata. The Guarani also dominated the region during the Spanish colonization. Next to the temple complex, the Spaniards built a small settlement, in which the remains of buildings of typical Arab Andalusian architecture are now found. Over time, the Spaniards left the settlement and moved to the neighboring valley, where the city of Samaipata is currently located.

Tiwanaku or Taipikala (sometimes Tiwanaku, Tiwanaku, Tiwanaku, from the aim. Tiwanaku) is an ancient city, the spiritual and political center of the Andean civilization of the same name. It is located 15 km from the southern shore of Lake Titicaca in Bolivia. Since 2000 it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Most of the local population speaks Aymara (one of the three languages ​​of the Indians, vaguely reminiscent of the Quechua language), a minority of Uru (Uru) or similar Chipaya (Chipaya). Previously, the Pukin language, which has now disappeared, was widespread. Alan Kolata believed that all of these languages ​​were important in Tiwanaku. The name of the area in the Aymara language was consonant with Taypikala (Taypikala, Taipikala), which means "stone in the center", since the area was, in their opinion, near the center of the world. There is an opinion that before that there was a name in the Pukin language. It is believed that in pre-colonial Bolivia already in the II-IX centuries. Tiwanaku was the largest city in the Central Andes region and the center of the state of Pukin. At that time, the city occupied about 6 km² and had 40 thousand inhabitants. Around 1180, the city was abandoned by the inhabitants after the defeat of Pukin by the Kolya (Aymara) tribes.

Chan Chan is the former center of Chimu culture and the capital of Chimor State Education. Located on the Pacific coast in northern Peru, west of the city of Trujillo in the La Libertad region. The city arose around 1300 and to this day covers an area of ​​​​about 28 km². It was probably the largest city of its time on the South American continent and one of the largest adobe cities in the world. During the period of its greatest prosperity, about 60 thousand people lived in it, and gold, silver and ceramics were stored in large quantities in the city. The Chimu capital originally consisted of nine autonomous regions, each of which was ruled by a separate ruler who showed valor in battle. These rulers were revered as kings. Each district had its own burial sites with rich investments in precious stones, pottery and dozens of skeletons of young women.

The ghost town of Humberstone in the Atacama Desert originated in the Atacama Desert in 1872 as an industrial city. Local residents worked in the mines of James Thomas Humberstone for the extraction of saltpeter. The demand for nitrogen fertilizers was great, the city grew rich. There were schools, a theater, restaurants, churches, and its own customs. But over time, the reserves of sodium nitrate were depleted. In 1958, the Humberstone plant was closed and 3,000 people were left unemployed. In a short time the city was empty. Residents left in a hurry, leaving their property here. Now Humberstone is an open-air museum. It is visited by tourists, every November a festival is held in the city, which attracts people who once lived here. Since 2005, the city has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
For more than half a century, no one has lived in the city of Humberstone. But many tourists come here. There are guided tours, and once a year - a festival.

Ciudad Perdida, or Buritaca-200, is an archaeological site representing the ruins of the city of the Tayrona culture in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia. The city is supposed to have been founded around 800 AD. e., that is, 650 years earlier than Machu Picchu. The area is also known as Buritaka, and the local Indians call it Teyuna. The city was accidentally discovered in 1972 by local grave robbers. They found a group of stone steps going up the mountain, and following these stairs, they came to an abandoned city, which they called the "green hell". After gold figurines and ceramic urns from the city began to appear in the local market, the authorities investigated and discovered the city in 1975. According to representatives of the local tribes - Aruako, Kogi and Arsario - they visited the city long before it was discovered by the authorities, but kept its location secret. They called the city Teyuna and believed that their ancestors lived here - the bearers of the Tayrona culture. Ciudad Perdida was, apparently, a regional political and industrial center on the Buritaka River, from 2 to 8 thousand people could live here. The city was abandoned, apparently during the Spanish conquest.

The architecture of a modern city develops in tune with the constant development of urban culture, industry, and the growth of society. Social and technological progress accelerate and stimulate the further development of old cities and the emergence of new ones.

Architecture of the city: some general information

Urban construction is designed to expand the infrastructure and living space of a person, to create new architectural complexes. Its other, no less important role is to preserve the historical appearance of the city, maintaining its original atmosphere.

The architecture of the modern city includes landscaping. Its goal is to create and improve living conditions for citizens, to preserve natural resources within a certain territory.

Many post-Soviet cities were built according to standard designs and therefore are still largely similar to each other. Monotonous Soviet buildings can be found in every CIS country, be it Kazakhstan, Armenia or Russia. But there is one city, with whose most unique appearance thousands and thousands of people all over the world dream to get acquainted - this is Moscow.

Architecture of the city of Moscow

Moscow is the "center of the world", attracting many thousands of tourists every year. Moscow architecture can be called a kind of historical chronicle that captures victories and defeats, sorrows and joys throughout the long life of the capital.

Metropolitan architecture is characterized by trends and images that have been taking place over the centuries. All the events taking place on the historical stage of the country, one way or another reflected in the appearance of our city. The 15th century imprinted itself for a long time with the stone architecture of the Assumption Cathedral and the Kremlin. The reign of Catherine the Great was remembered for the birth of classicism - the Senate, the Bolshoi Theater, the Pashkov House and the Tsaritsyno Travel Palace.

After the Patriotic War of 1812, the capital was rebuilt. Historical Museum, have become a monument of those times. In the 20th century, Art Nouveau appeared, its examples are the National, Metropol, Yaroslavl Station hotels. The 21st century has given birth to cutting-edge architecture, with its skyscrapers, shopping malls, and high-rise offices, which in their own way decorate and complement the multifaceted

Modern architecture as art

The architecture of the modern city is engaged in the formation of the external living space of people through the construction of new and the maintenance of old buildings. This art includes three main aspects:

• Urban planning - the creation and reconstruction of buildings.
• Volumetric architecture - design of residential and industrial enterprises.
• Landscape architecture - arrangement of squares, park areas, public gardens.

In addition, the architectural environment has a strong emotional impact on the inhabitants. Along with other factors, it contributes to the development of patriotic feeling.

Directions of modern architecture

In different countries, the architecture of a modern city is called differently. We call it “modern”, in Germany “art nouveau”, in France “art nouveau”. Art Nouveau, as an architectural trend, was formed in the late 19th - early 20th century. It is characterized by a protest against the established, archaic appearance of buildings. During the construction in this style, steel, concrete, glass, and later plastic and other technological materials began to be used for the first time. This style is distinguished not only by external aesthetics and thoughtful functionality. The next after modernity, in the 20s of the 20th century, constructivism was formed, which absorbed the "soul" of the victorious proletariat. Its main task is to serve the new production. During the construction, reinforced concrete was mainly used. According to the designs of the constructivists, not only plants and factories were created, but also residential buildings, schools, hospitals, and clubs.

The end of the 1940s was marked by the emergence of a minimalist trend in architecture, which reached its peak by the 1960s. The creed of the minimalists is "Nothing more!". The buildings of this time are laconic, they do not have decor and other excesses. The main idea of ​​minimalist designers is the search for the ideal proportion, a combination of comfort and functionality, in the understanding of that time. The development of modern architecture did not stop there. Minimalism soon became obsolete, and it was replaced by the modern hi-tech style, which for many years was entrenched in urban architecture.

Hi-tech - modern city architecture

The formation of this idea was influenced by new technologies that accompany Metal, glass, cutting-edge materials and structures, monolithic forms, power and strength embodied in buildings - this is the high-tech style. It includes three sub-directions: industrial, bionic and geometric high-tech.

The industrial direction is characterized by a peculiar frankness of design. It flaunts all communications, connections, overlaps, creating decorative and functional structures on their basis.

Geometric hi-tech is a variety of geometric shapes, a combination and interweaving of the most unexpected and unusual configurations.

Bionic hi-tech is characterized by imitation of the appearance of wildlife, harmonization of the appearance of buildings and dwellings with the help of smooth transitions and lines characteristic of those common in nature.

While people involved in construction and design are celebrating their professional holiday - World Architecture Day, we will present the most interesting and unusual works of modern architects and their predecessors.

Blocks Habitat-67, Montreal

The unique residential complex was built in 1967 for the Expo. The 354 interconnected houses are not arranged randomly, but in such a way that all apartments receive maximum sunlight. The style of this object - brutalism, by the way, became popular in the USSR.

Projects by Friedensreich Hundertwasser

It is very difficult to choose any one work of this iconic architect, because they are all amazing in their own way. His "fabulous" style does not fall under any of the classical concepts - the great Austrian designed "good" and even "kind" houses. Here, for example, is an ordinary residential, which everyone simply calls the Hundertwasser house. It is not surprising that the author of such architecture has always fundamentally worn different socks.

Ideal Palace, France

The unremarkable town of Hauterives glorified the local postman at the beginning of the 20th century. Ferdinand Cheval spent 33 years building his own palace from improvised materials - stones that he collected while working. Ferdinand had absolutely no understanding of the canons of architecture and used every style he could see. Therefore, in the "Ideal Palace", as the author himself called it, there are elements from the Ancient to Gaudi.

Lotus Temple, India

In 1986, one of the most unusual buildings in the world was built in New Delhi. Giant marble lotus leaves seem to be about to bloom. They even created almost natural conditions for the flower - the temple, like a real lotus, rises from the water. Although this is a religious building, there are no icons, no frescoes, no murals inside: these attributes are not important in the Bahá'í teachings.

Cologne Cathedral, Germany

The canonical example of Gothic, known far beyond the "architectural circles". Of course, we will not describe the numerous details of the huge building. Let's limit ourselves to one fact: in 1880, when the next stage of construction was completed, the cathedral became the tallest building on the planet for four years - 157 meters. But even today, surrounded by low-rise buildings in the center of Cologne, the cathedral still looks impressive.

Burj Khalifa, UAE

In recent decades, the title of the tallest building in the world has been literally a passing banner: then Taipei, then Kuala Lumpur. Of course, the emirates could not pass by such a competition and decided to set their own record. Along the way, "" won more than ten nominations, for example, as the owner of the fastest elevator and the highest located nightclub (on the 144th floor).)

Temple of the Dancing God, India

The famous Indian temple of Brihadeshvara, which recently celebrated its millennium, is dedicated to Shiva. In total, there are 250 statues of this god inside the temple, and they all depict different poses of magical dance. Previously, the temple was also a fortress, therefore, in addition to graceful statues, there are also serious defensive structures. The moats and walls guard the legendary riches that pilgrims carried to Shiva for centuries.

Bird's Nest Stadium, Beijing

The Olympic Games for architects is a great chance to make their dreams come true: the authorities do not skimp on bold and expensive projects. From the 2008 Olympics, we got a stadium for 80,000 people of a completely unusual shape. Although not even the form is remarkable, but the execution of giant iron beams - the airy translucent structure can withstand an eight-magnitude earthquake.

Chrysler Building, New York

One of the best examples of Art Deco and the tallest skyscraper in the middle of the 20th century was built by order of the Chrysler automobile company. It became the tallest thanks to the irreconcilable rivalry of the two architects: the author of this building at the last moment before the completion of construction agreed on the installation of a 40-meter spire, thereby overtaking the new Trump Building. And unusual arcs on the facades of the upper floors imitate car wheels.

Capsule House, Japan

The combination of Japanese minimalism and love for new technologies gave the world a unique project - a capsule residential building. All modules (apartments and offices) in this building are completely replaceable and are attached to the metal base with just four bolts. Despite the visual fragility of such a system, there have been no accidents since its construction in 1974.

Ring houses, China

Unusual round houses-fortresses appeared a long time ago, and they stopped building only in the 1960s. Prior to this, dwellings on the principle of a closed system were erected in many areas. The lack of land and the ability to defend together pushed people to settle in communes in several such houses. And the microclimate inside protected from heat and cold.

Southernmost Orthodox Church

This building differs not in design or size, but only in the place where it is located. Not far from the Russian Antarctic station Bellingshausen in 2004, the wooden church of the Holy Trinity was consecrated. And the logs for the church have probably come the longest way in the history of building materials logistics: Gorny Altai-Kaliningrad-Antarctica.

The most secret office building, USA

The most inaccessible office building in the world is also the largest. This is the famous Pentagon - the building of the Ministry of Defense. In a huge pentagonal building - 28 km of corridors, and the area of ​​​​all five floors - 604,000 sq.m. This giant was built in the 1940s, so there was a small incident: the toilets in the building were twice as large as necessary - separately for blacks, separately for whites. True, by the end of construction, the old order was canceled and they did not even have time to hang signs.

Pool in the sky, Singapore

The three towers of the Marina Bay Sands high-rise hotel support a truly unique architectural structure - a huge platform shaped like a ship. On the "deck" is a living garden and a giant swimming pool. By the way, the entire design of the hotel is officially approved by Feng Shui experts.

City on a rock, Sri Lanka

A real fortress city was erected by ancient architects on a sheer 300-meter rock of Sigiriya. King Kasapa I ordered to build his residence at such a height for protection, but did not forget about comfort. Covered terraces, benches, trees, and even an artificial pond made Sigiriya a luxury retreat. In addition to official historical monuments, the tradition so loved by our compatriots is also interesting: starting from the 7th century, guests of the palace left inscriptions on the rocks like “Vasya was here, 879”, only in verse.