Return to Uzone News Portal
Uzone.id – Architecture as the art and science of designing structural forms and spaces has produced several architectural creations that are not only a place of dwelling or working but also signify period, culture, and civilization. Below are five iconic architectural marvels that have stunned the world and set milestones for the upcoming architects.
1. Taj Mahal, India:
“There are no words enough to describe the beauty of the Taj Mahal. It is a symbol of eternal true love,” said Shah Jahan, the 5th Mughal Emperor.
The Taj Mahal, made by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, is one of the most popular wonders of the world today. The white façade dome, other lesser domes, and the majestic beautiful gardens are the epitome of the Islamic and Persian style architecture. Of course, the white marble of the Taj Mahal has been constructed and changes its color during the day bringing a magical effect.
2. Colosseum, Rome, Italy:
“The Colosseum is a silent witness to the splendor and cruelty of the Roman Empire,” quoted Edward Gibbon, a British Historian.
This is the largest amphitheater for instance in the Roman world of ancient times. This is a great architectural creation and it was designed for gladiatorial battle, hunting wild animals, and other shows and spectacles. This architectural design provided social amenities enabling thousands of people to have a clear view of the performances. Gibbon in his book The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire believed that the Colosseum represented the grandeur of the Roman Empire as well as its cruel nature.
3. Eiffel Tower, Paris, France:
“The Eiffel Tower is the eternal symbol of Paris and France,” said Gustave Eiffel, French Civil Engineer.
Originally, the tallest and ugly structure of the Eiffel Tower was constructed for the 1889 World’s Fair. However, after some time, it is considered to be one of the images of Paris and one of the most famous towers in the world. The structure of the Eiffel Tower, totally constructed with iron, possesses a very elegant structure. For instance, the very view of the tower must have been quite personal to Eiffel because of what he was – an engineer who designed the tower.
4. Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris, France: Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris, France:
“Notre Dame is one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in the world,” said Victor Hugo, a French Novelist.
Notre Dame Cathedral is a beautiful creation and is the perfect example of the Gothic style of architecture. This beautiful structure took hundreds of years to construct and became the spiritual and art landmark of Paris. As for me, the inside of the cathedral is rather dark and, due to the statues and stained glass windows, rather beautiful as well. Victor Hugo in his novel The Hunchback of Notre Dame presents the Cathedral with affection and turns it into the scene of a great story.
5. Petra, Jordan:
“Petra is a lost city rediscovered,” said William Burgon, English Explorer and Author.
Petra which is drawn into the pink rock is one of the most artistic architectural marvels of the world. It was an ancient city in Saudi Arabia that was established by Nabateans and used to be a major trading hub in the olden days. Petra is located amidst cliffs and this makes the place very unique. Burgon, who was one of the first Europeans to record his experience in Petra, was won over by its beauty and enigma.
The buildings above have certain characteristics which make them unique in the sight of the world. From the above building, several features can be described, the first being innovation concerning the use of materials and techniques in constructing the building that is considered advanced during its construction.
