Architecture is a mirror of the societal changes that occur over a specific period of time. Each place is recognized by a certain iconic building – from Eiffel Tower to the pyramids, and Architectural Styles Express The Architect’s Personality. But what if these iconic buildings were built at different times -hence different art and architecture trends- by different architects? Expedia asked that question and came up with redesigns of seven iconic buildings in architectural styles different from their original.
What are architectural styles?
An architectural style is a collection of features that differentiate buildings from each other. These features include form, construction method, and materials. Architecture styles emerge and change according to politics, beliefs, religions, and technologies.
What are the 12 architectural styles?
First of all, we need to revise the main most known architectural designs:
- Classic
- Romanesque
- Gothic
- Baroque
- Neoclassical
- Beaux-Arts
- Art Nouveau
- Art Deco
- Bauhaus
- Modern
- Postmodern
- Deconstructive
Redesigns of seven iconic buildings in other architectural styles
1. CN Tower in Ancient Egyptian style
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The first of these redesigns in different architectural styles is Toronto’s CN Tower. The tower took three years to be built and stands at a whopping 553 meters. It held the record as the tallest freestanding building in the world until 2007 when the 30 centimeters higher Burj Dubai snatched the title. Here it is reimagined as an Ancient Egyptian obelisk, erected to honor an event, an individual, or god.
2. Falling Water House in Classical style
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Deep in the forest of Southwestern Pennsylvania, lies one of America’s most famous houses, designed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. It opened to the public in 1964, and since then, more than five million visitors have come to see the architectural masterpiece. But what if it was built in Ancient Greece? In the Classical style, it’s all about symmetrical columns and the use of marble and stone.
3. Sydney Opera House in Tudor style
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The Opera House is one of Australia’s most photographed landmarks – and it’s not hard to see why. This architectural masterpiece changed the course of 20th-century architecture, and its striking shapes make it instantly recognizable. Though work finished in 1973, imagine if it was built in the 15th or 16th century? What might be the most interesting of these redesigns is this Tudor makeover of the famously modern opera house, with visible beams, steep gable roofing, masonry chimneys, and grouped windows that make this style so unique.
4. The Louvre in Brutalist style
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Home to thousands of masterpieces, the Louvre is one of the best art galleries in the world. But the building itself is special in its own right. Originally a medieval fortress, it became home to the royal family in the 14th century before opening as a public museum in 1793. By giving the museum a raw Brutalist remodeling, it is transformed into a monolithic concrete block that’s just as iconic as the original.
5. Petronas Towers in the Gothic style
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The world’s tallest twin towers and the most important landmark in Kuala Lumpur, the Petronas Towers rise an incredible 452 meters above the ground and serve as a highly visible symbol of the 21st-century city. Construction finished in 1997, but if architect César Pelli was around during the Middle Ages, the towers might look more like this Gothic redesign. It would have pointed arches, stained-glass window panels, and even a couple of gargoyles.
6. Buckingham Palace in Bauhaus style:
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Buckingham Palace has served as the official royal residence since 1837. In other words, it’s the Queen’s house. The giant palace has 775 rooms, including 52 bedrooms and 78 bathrooms. Founded in the early 20th century, Bauhaus merged style with functionality. Here is a Bauhaus-style makeover with its minimalist exterior, geometric forms, and smooth facades.
7. Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Niterói in Sustainable style
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The architect who dreamt up this unforgettable building says it looks like a flying saucer, but it’s actually a contemporary art museum. Located in the Brazilian town of Niterói, near Rio de Janeiro, this alien-looking building was completed in the mid-1990s. In the last of the redesigns, they went for an environmentally sound makeover, designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save energy and reduce waste.
Via Expedia
Also, see:
What Does Your Architectural Style Say About You?!
Senseless and Style-less – the new trend in Architecture