This building was designed and built in 1996. It is consider one of Zumthor’s best works. It is characterized by the use of noble materials, clean lines, and a deep sense of serenity which makes it a perfect place to go for a retreat. If we pay attention to the background, it is interesting how the design fits perfectly with the nature around. The color of the building creates a magical and peaceful contrast with the forest around.

I enjoy all the pictures of the interior of the building and also the energy it shares, definitely a place I would love to visit.

Therme Vals is located on 7132, Vals, Graubünden.

These man-made islands off the southeast coast of Bahrain hold residential houses, along with a commercial luxury resort that began being built in 2004. There is an 18-hole golf course, 12 bridges, and a marina. The outer ring called atolls each hold 172 villas with its own private beach or mooring. Bridges link the atolls to an inner ring of the five-leaf-shaped island that provides community amenities and share beach of white sands. The crescent-shaped peninsulas with shops, cafes, leisure facilities, and 2,000 apartments, all with far-reaching sea views across the development. Villas rent for $500-700 a night, while a 4-bedroom apartment can rent for $5000 a month.

I can recognize this pier instantly and from any angle. Growing up in Hungton Beach this is an extension of downtowns Main Street that millions of memories have been made. It is the location of the annual US Open surf completion. But for me, it was a babysitter in the summer and a local hangout. We spent our days laying around a lifeguard tower and surfing the pier. The famous Ruby’s Diner was located at the end, known for its milkshakes and burgers but was not able to survive Covid and has since shut down. It was built in 1909 and extends 1000 feet into the ocean. It’s a beautiful place to meet people, walk around, fish from, surf under, and even illegally jump off of on a dare.

Tom Wright who is a founding partner of WKK Architects Ltd located in the United Kingdom helped to design the latest generation ship for the Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines creating the Quantum of the Seas. Concentrating on the exterior of the ship and providing designing details that provide for guest’s one-of-a-kind interactions he designed a multi-function Seaplex, which can convert from a full-size basketball court, a roller disco, and a bumper car arena. The most amazing piece of newly designed ship is the “NorthStar Viewing Pod” it takes guests out over the water 300 feet above sea level to give them a one-of-a-kind panoramic view of their surroundings. The Arm rotates 250 degrees starting one side of the ship over the enclosed pool deck to the other side allowing guests a bird’s eye view of the natural wonders around them.

.

With the intent of this building to be inclined unlike the Tower of Pisa, Capital Gate has been recognized by the Guinness World Record with an 18-degree inclination. That is almost four times higher than that of the Tower of Pisa. An innovative process makes it possible with the world’s first known use of a ‘pre-curved core ‘, which contains more than 15,000 cubic meters of reinforced concrete reinforced with 10,000 tons of steel. Capital Gate is also kept upright by 490 pillars which are drilled over 30 meters deep. Inside you will find 15 floors of luxury offices, four restaurants and bars, and a Hyatt Hotel. Where rooms start around $100 a night and a luxury suite for under $400 a night.

The Burj Al Arab Hotel (Tower of the Arabs) was designed by Tom Wright in October 1993 and completed in November 1999. Mr. Wright set out to design something that was an icon for Dubai, a statement landmark that will forever be associated with the region. Adding an ode to the past he designed the building in the shape of the sail of an Arabian water vessel known as a dhow. The sail-shaped hotel stands 321 meters high on a man-made island in the Arabian Gulf. Rooms run on average $24,000 a night, with over 200 luxurious suites sitting above one of the world’s tallest atriums.

This building is designed after the Hanshin earthquake in 1995. it is a 4 story building with 4×4  dimensions. house is encased in concrete. The bedrooms are located on the middle floors, and the kitchen and living room are located on the top floor. It is placed in this order not without meaning. It could be said it is an example of Jataku houses. The design of the last floor is a 4×4 cube that is off-centered by 1 meter towards the water. After the first one is built the neighbor asked Ando to build one for him, so Ando designed the same house but it is made with different materials.

I really like how the house looks like it has a modern feel and same time it feels like there is not a lot of room. I would like to visit the building if I have a chance and look out into the ocean from the top floor. 

I visited this beautiful place in 2011, was able to witness the changing of the guards. My unit was in Poland training Polish Soldiers and Officers before we left for a mission to the border of Turkey and Syria. We were able to get a day off and bus to downtown Warsaw. The Architecture there was amazing but what made the place even more unique was some of the old buildings still showed damage from the bombings of WWII. It was like being able to see the past right in front of you.

The tomb itself is no bigger than approximately 30X50 and guarded at all times. Watching the Guards move about the space with perfection and completely in step. For any military person spending time with the remains of someone who never made it home is always emotional, and for them to never be identified makes it that much harder. It was an emotional visit but worth every second I got to stand next to this monument.

Located in Nada-Ku Kobe, Japan, The museum was built to commemorate the city that was destroyed by the earthquake Tadao Ando wanted to show the city’s relationship with the sea, and the museum is designed with durability in mind. Tadao wanted a durable design because of the earthquake that happened prior, which isn’t like his usual project prior to this. The museum is built on a white polished granite platform with three glass box each encasing a box of concrete. The space between each concrete box is a place to look out to see the scenery. In between, one of the boxes is a circular staircase that goes down and allowing natural light in. The interior has a minimalist design. With a small variety of materials, Tadao uses the material and light to make sure the art is in a perfect setting.