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50 Times Architects And Designers Got It Right
Home & DesignOCT 26, 2024

50 Times Architects And Designers Got It Right

Indrė Lukošiūtė
Robyn Smith
Indrė Lukošiūtė and Robyn Smith
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From the Taj Mahal, to the Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum and the Pyramids of Giza, there’s no shortage of awe-inspiring architecture and design on our planet. Some people are even willing to travel halfway around the world just to feast their eyes on famous structures.
France’s Eiffel Tower, for example, has attracted close to 300 million visitors since it opened in 1889. It’s been photographed enough times to make it instantly recognizable even to those who’ve never set foot in Paris. It’s one of those masterpieces that don’t have to be visited to be known.
But I’m sure we can agree that a building doesn’t have to be iconic to be Instagram-worthy. If you’re a lover of beautiful architecture and design, you might want to check out the official Architecture & Design Insta page. It's clocked up over 7.4 million followers, and we aren't really surprised. The account showcases incredible man-made beauty from around the world. Bored Panda has put together a list of our favorites for you to scroll through while you dream of booking your next sight-seeing trip overseas. We also spoke to interior designer and content creator, Eric Dillman about his top destinations when it comes to architectural beauty.

#1

50 Times Architects And Designers Got It Right
Edinburgh's architecture is a captivating fusion of the old and the new, showcasing a rich tapestry of styles and influences. The city's historic core, the Old Town, transports you back in time with its medieval charm. Narrow cobblestone streets wind their way through a maze of centuries-old buildings, adorned with intricate stone facades and ornate detailing. The iconic Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock, dominates the skyline, showcasing a blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance architectural elements.
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151points

Some of the photographs on this list are so beautiful, you'd be forgiven for immediately checking the prices of flights and accommodation for a few of the destinations featured here. But we have just one request: if you’re going to be spending time, effort and money to see any of these beauties in real life, please take a camera along. Or at the very least, your phone. So that you too can keep photographic receipts of your time in paradise.

One person who loves traveling for the pure pleasure of taking in design delights is Eric Dillman. He's a qualified interior designer who also spends a good portion of his time creating content about all things design and architecture. He has several social media channels and a podcast that showcases the best the industry has to offer. Dillman kindly agreed to chat to us in between some of his recordings. We began by asking what his top three buildings are, and why...

#2

50 Times Architects And Designers Got It Right
Spring has sprung!
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142points

#3

50 Times Architects And Designers Got It Right
Exploring the narrow streets of the endless charming towns in Italy!
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122points

“I feel like this changes on the daily,” said Dillman during our interview. “Every new place I go to I’m always finding myself looking at the architecture of all the buildings. The older the building, the more I am fascinated by it. It’s crazy how these buildings were built over 100 years ago without a lot of the construction technology we have today.”

Dillman believes that what makes a building a beautiful space is when it is properly designed and functional for whoever mainly uses the building. He also says it helps when the natural elements around it are showcased, and when designers don't "overdo it".

#4

50 Times Architects And Designers Got It Right
Istanbul is home to over 300,000 stray cats, which are a common sight throughout the city. They lounge around landmarks like Hagia Sophia, play in parks, and beg for scraps from street vendors. Locals provide food, water, and temporary shelter, treating them as part of daily life. The cats have adapted to urban living, often knowing where to find food and even checking traffic before crossing roads. Many residents also spay, neuter, and vaccinate them against diseases
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121points

#5

50 Times Architects And Designers Got It Right
The Tulip Stairs are the first centrally unsupported stairs in London, England, copying a Venetian model. The stone treads lock perfectly into each other and the wall, requring no central structure and creating the famous upwards view. The striking wrought-iron rail has been restored to it’s original smalt blue. It has long been described as showing tulips but they are probably lilies, the royal flower of France, in compliment to Henrietta Maria.
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116points

#6

50 Times Architects And Designers Got It Right
Did you know that Istanbul, with a population of over 16 million, is the largest city in Europe?
Its architecture is a mesmerizing blend of ancient Byzantine, Ottoman, and modern influences, creating a unique skyline where historic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque stand alongside contemporary structures, reflecting its rich cultural heritage and dynamic present.
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115points

If you're feeling inspired by this list and are considering renovating your own space, Dillman's key advice is not follow any trends purely because you see them on social media or television. "Follow your heart and do what makes you feel at home," he suggests. "Never chase a trend. Chasing a trend will outdate your space real fast. They’re created because companies need to sell more products. They create new so that you want new."

#7

50 Times Architects And Designers Got It Right
In autumn, Amsterdam becomes a beautiful mix of orange and gold. The trees along the canals drop their golden leaves, covering the streets and parks in warm colors. The crisp air smells of fallen leaves and fresh coffee from nearby cafés. The dark brick houses reflect in the water, while boats glide slowly along the canals. The soft afternoon light makes the canals even more magical, creating a peaceful and serene atmosphere throughout the city.
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106points

#8

50 Times Architects And Designers Got It Right
This building in Fatih, Istanbul, is an excellent example of architectural style stratification over the centuries. It incorporates elements from three empires and one republic that have ruled the city during different time periods. Each layer is built upon the previous ones.
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104points

#9

50 Times Architects And Designers Got It Right
Eva Pacheco, a local crochet teacher in the town of Alhaurin de la Torre in Malaga, Spain, used her and her students' skills to make colorful sunshades for the town.
Southern Spain is accustomed to extreme heat and has historically used plastic awnings to shade walkways. The City Council's Department of the Environment recently implemented a plastic-free order.
To accommodate the eco-friendly endeavor, Pacheco and a dozen other women used recycled fabric to crochet awnings in place of the plastic. Since the Council's decision three years ago, the sunshades are rolled out each summer. This year they comprise roughly 500 square meters of recycled fabric. While they provide refuge from the sun, the sunshades also add a pop of color to the Spanish streets.
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101points

We were curious to know where Dillman would book a flight to, purely to devour the architecture. And we weren't too surprised by his answer. "I think France," replied the content creator. "France has so much iconic architecture. It's crazy how here in the States we see a building that's 100 years old and that’s old but their old is thousands of years old. I love seeing and hearing about these buildings were created during their time period."

#10

50 Times Architects And Designers Got It Right
Cologne Cathedral, located in Cologne, Germany. A Gothic masterpiece and one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. Construction began in 1248 and continued for 632 years, with the final touches completed in 1880. The cathedral’s architectural style is predominantly Gothic, characterized by pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses, reflecting the medieval craftsmanship and design principles of the time. The cathedral houses numerous religious artifacts and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
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95points

#11

50 Times Architects And Designers Got It Right
Some of the most beautiful villages in England.
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95points

#12

50 Times Architects And Designers Got It Right
Bosco Verticale, meaning “Vertical Forest” in Italian, is a remarkable architectural project situated in Milan, Italy. It consists of two residential towers. Completed in 2014, the towers are characterized by their striking façades entirely covered in greenery, featuring trees, shrubs, and plants.
The purpose of Bosco Verticale is to bring nature back into the urban environment, counteracting the loss of green spaces in cities and promoting sustainability. The presence of over 20,000 plants within the complex contributes to improved air quality by filtering pollutants, reducing carbon dioxide levels, and generating oxygen. Additionally, the vegetation acts as a natural sound barrier and helps regulate the temperature, mitigating the heat island effect.
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94points

Dillman is certainly not the only one to rate France as a top destination for design and architecture. It's received an average of 77.8 million international visitors each year since 2010. It's rated as the most visited country in the world. In 2019, just before Covid, 90.9 million people set foot in France.

While Disneyland Paris is the country’s top attraction, that’s not the only thing people are flocking to see. France is also home to fashion, fine dining, wine, and history. The Louvre is the second most-visited attraction in the country, with Versailles Palace and the Eiffel Tower coming in next.

#13

50 Times Architects And Designers Got It Right
Did you know that Barcelona is the only city to receive the Royal Gold Medal for architecture?
In 1999, Barcelona became the only city to be awarded the prestigious Gold Medal for Architecture by the RIBA. The honor has typically been awarded to individual architects or groups of architects since 1848. This recognition may be due to the significant Art Nouveau movement, which took place between 1880 and 1920 and is evident when walking through the Eixample neighborhood.
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94points

#14

50 Times Architects And Designers Got It Right
Lupaia, a romantic country estate in Tuscany, offers a tranquil escape amidst the rolling hills of Val d’Orcia. Dating back to 1622, this intimate hideaway, managed by an Austrian family, provides splendid views of medieval villages, vineyards, and olive groves. The unique rooms and suites are located in five ancient farmhouse buildings, each offering enchanting views of the countryside and gardens.
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92points

#15

50 Times Architects And Designers Got It Right
The angel guardian of Madrassa Bou Inania!
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89points

#16

50 Times Architects And Designers Got It Right
@Akbar_Mehrinezhad captures the incredible sight of cats freely exploring the surroundings of Azadi Tower in Tehran, Iran
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88points

#17

50 Times Architects And Designers Got It Right
Petra, a hidden gem in the deserts of Jordan, is an ancient city of extraordinary beauty and historical significance. Carved into rose-hued cliffs, it features intricate rock-cut architecture, notably the iconic Treasury. As the capital of the Nabatean Kingdom, Petra thrived as a center of trade and culture around 300 BCE. Visitors can explore its ancient tombs, temples, and water channels, all set within a breathtaking natural landscape. Petra’s rich history and architectural wonders make it a captivating destination for adventurers and history enthusiasts
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83points

#18

50 Times Architects And Designers Got It Right
Barcelona's streets are a delightful fusion of history and contemporary charm. Wandering through the labyrinthine alleys of the Gothic Quarter reveals hidden treasures from centuries past, while the elegant boulevards, like Passeig de Gràcia, showcase the city's modern allure.
At every corner, you'll encounter surprises – from cozy tapas bars serving delectable Catalan cuisine to the architectural wonders of Antoni Gaudi. The city's streets and corners invite exploration, promising a rich tapestry of experiences in this captivating metropolis.
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78points

#19

50 Times Architects And Designers Got It Right
Balat is a historic neighborhood in Istanbul, Turkey, known for its vibrant atmosphere, colorful houses, and rich cultural heritage. Once a thriving Jewish quarter, it now attracts visitors with its picturesque streets, Ottoman-era architecture, and culinary delights. Balat offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and a lively ambiance, making it a must-visit destination in Istanbul.
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76points

#20

50 Times Architects And Designers Got It Right
The Prague Astronomical Clock, also known as the Orloj, is a medieval marvel located on the southern wall of the Old Town Hall in Prague. Installed in 1410, it is one of the world’s oldest working astronomical clocks. The Orloj features a complex mechanism that displays the positions of the sun, moon, and zodiac signs. Every hour, a procession of the Twelve Apostles and other figures appears, drawing visitors from around the world.
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74points
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