With the ongoing pandemic, it’s been a while since we were able to travel! Too bad it can’t stop us from dreaming about where to go next when the world opens up. We read an older article, “The World’s 20 Best Cities for Architecture Lovers” written by Benita Hussain and Caitlin Morton. While everyone knows cities like NYC and Chicago, we thought about some cities that are less talked about who needs some love too!
The 20 Cities and Architecture Influence in a Snapshot!
- St. Petersburg, Russia – Rococo
- Brasilia, Brazil – Futurism
- Athens, Greece – Classical
- Budapest, Hungary – Art Nouveau
- Rome, Italy – Baroque
- Hanoi, Vietnam – French Colonial
- Miami, Florida – Art Deco
- Mason City, Iowa – Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie School
- Tel Aviv, Israel – Bauhaus
- Barcelona, Spain – Catalan Modernism
- Seattle, Washington – American Arts & Crafts
- Chandigarh, India – Mid-Century Modernism
- Florence, Italy – Renaissance
- Istanbul, Turkey – Byzantine/Ottoman
- Columbus, Indiana – Modernism and Post-Modernism
- Ditmas Park, Brooklyn, New York – Victorian
- Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Contemporary
- Marrakech, Morocco – Moorish Architecture
- Oxford, England – Gothic Revival
- Portland, Oregon – Green Architecture
I’m not sure about you, but reading that list made me sad because I only been to 5 out 20 of those cities. I definitely will be saving money to travel in the future. Head over to the original article for more in-depth statements about those cities!
But these are the 5 cities that we want to add to this list!
1. Basel, Switzerland
Known as Switzerland’s architecture capital, this city holds a collection of architecture unlike any other in the world! This city allows the old and new to not only co-exist but truly strengthen each other! I remember visiting this city during my Fall travel program; one second I’m in a church with beautiful stained glass designed by Karl Moser then the Modern Congress Center designed by Herzog & de Meuron.
Here’s one of the photos I took in the church! Although it’s dark, I wanted to focus on the beautiful tones and patterns of the stained glass.
Your trip to Basel will not be complete without visiting the Vitra Campus; just hop across the border to the German town, Weil am Rhein! The campus consists of projects from some of the biggest names in architecture like Frank Gehry, Zaha Hadid, Tadao Ando, and many more! There is a good amount of walking on the campus, but definitely worth it!
2. Naoshima, Japan
While not bustling like Tokyo or Osaka, Naoshima is home to numerous museums, modern architecture, and public artwork! It is here that you can find some of Tadao Ando’s finest work, such as the Chichu Art Museum and the Lee Ufan Museum. The sandy beaches and sun don’t hurt either so make sure to grab your bathing suit with your sketchbooks! Here’s a travel guide for Naoshima!
Fun fact: Tadao Ando never attended architecture school.
3. Toronto, Canada
You can find just about everything in this non-stop Canadian city! From Georgian, Victorian, Industrial to Post-Modern style, you won’t be disappointed by all the architectural goodies. Don’t miss works such as the Art Gallery of Ontario designed by Toronto native Frank Gehry, OCAD Sharp Center for Design, and the Toronto Reference Library.
4. Mexico City, Mexico
An energetic city further south, Mexico City features a mix of modern, pre-Hispanic, and classical styles. Noteworthy architecture from Mexico City includes Luis Barragán, who is known for his playful use of color, light, and shadow. This is truly encompassed in Casa Barragán, the painter and architect’s residence.
My alma mater, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University had a great summer program in Mexico City. Hosted by Steven and Cathi House, students lived and breathed the city while dissecting the architecture scene. I’m not sure if this available for students outside of Virginia Tech, but it couldn’t hurt for those still in school to reach out!
5. Toledo, Spain
Another stop in my fall travel program! I only stayed for a few hours, but it could easily take days to unpack this place! An easy day trip out of Madrid, Toledo is for heritage and religious architecture enthusiasts. Inside this fortified city, exquisite examples of Christian, Muslim, and Jewish architecture can be found. Getting the tourist bracelet will allow you access to sites such as the Iglesia de Santo Tome and Sinagoga de Santa Maria la Blanca!
I know that Valencia is the capital of paella, but there are hidden gems here with delicious options! Another photo of mine captured one of the bridges leading into Toledo.
As you know the list of cities can go on! Make sure to leave a comment here or on our Instagram post to share other cities that weren’t listed! We hope that you would consider these cities once it is viable to travel! Stay safe and continue dreaming of these magnificent cities!