Round Buildings, Square Buildings, And Buildings That Wiggle Like Fish

Architecture has always fascinated us with its diversity and ingenuity. From ancient temples to modern skyscrapers, every building tells a unique story. Some structures stand out not only for their functional design but also for their unconventional shapes. In this article, we explore the fascinating world of round buildings, square buildings, and even buildings that wiggle like fish.

Round Buildings: Embracing Curves

Round buildings have been around for centuries and can be found in various cultures worldwide. These structures defy traditional angular designs and embrace curves. One famous example is the Pantheon in Rome, which dates back to 126 AD. Its perfectly spherical shape still amazes visitors today. Round structures often represent a sense of harmony and balance, creating a unique atmosphere within their walls.

Moving forward in time, another iconic round building is the Guggenheim Museum in New York City. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, its spiraling structure creates a continuous flowing space for visitors to explore. It revolutionized museum architecture, breaking away from the traditional rectangular box-like structures.

Round Buildings, Square Buildings, and Buildings that Wiggle Like a Fish

by Philip M. Isaacson(Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	99144 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	128 pages

FREE

Square Buildings: Symbolizing Stability

While round buildings represent fluidity, square buildings symbolize stability and strength. The Great Pyramids of Giza, built around 2580–2560 BC, showcase the power and precision of ancient Egyptian architecture. These monumental structures have stood the test of time, illustrating the enduring nature of square buildings.

Many modern skyscrapers also adopt square or rectangular designs. The Empire State Building in New York City, constructed in 1931, demonstrates the elegance of a symmetrical structure. Its art-deco style has become an iconic representation of the city's skyline, evoking a sense of grandeur and stability.

Buildings That Wiggle Like Fish: Pushing Boundaries

As architecture evolves, some architects push the boundaries of design by creating buildings that seem to defy gravity. One such example is the Dancing House in Prague, Czech Republic. Designed by Vlado Milunić and Frank Gehry, this unconventional structure appears to twist and sway like dancers in motion. It challenges our perception of what a building should look like.

The Gherkin in London is another remarkable building that stands out with its unique shape. Designed by Foster and Partners, its cylindrical form tapers towards the top, resembling the curve of a gherkin cucumber. This futuristic tower has become an icon of London's contemporary architecture.

Round buildings, square buildings, and buildings that wiggle like fish demonstrate the endless possibilities within architectural design. Whether it's embracing curves, embodying stability, or pushing the boundaries, each structure captures our imagination and leaves a lasting impression. As you explore the world of architecture, take a moment to appreciate these extraordinary feats of human creativity that shape the world we live in.

Round Buildings, Square Buildings, and Buildings that Wiggle Like a Fish

by Philip M. Isaacson(Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	99144 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	128 pages

FREE

What do we see when we look at a building? From the classical Parthenon in Greece to the simple fisherman's shacks in New England to the post-modernist Pompidou Center in France, Philip Isaacson explores what gives buildings their character. From the materials, form, color, ornamentation, placement in the landscape and the way the light strikes them, there are so many elements that contribute to shaping architecture into art. This is a perfect to the complexities and wonders of architecture for children and adults.
 
"This wonderful book will change the way you see buildings forever." –New York Newsday

"The photographs are marvelous and the text clear and interesting."—The New Yorker

"Isaacson's book could be the beginning of a lifelong love of architecture."—The Chicago Tribune

A Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Book: Nonfiction, a Notable 1988 Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies, and winner of the Scientific American Young Readers Award