I decided to separate the ancient wonders from the modern wonders for a few reasons. First it gave me more options to post about, yet second is the significant difference between the structures. By the 1700-1800s mankind had underwent a scientific-industrial revolution that completely changed the practice of architecture. Basic construction thus evolved from stone and bricks to steel and metals. While nothing should be taken away from the brilliance of the ancient wonders, these modern ones are the defining potential of architectural genius. They have each become cultural icons embedded into our society as a wondrous sight to behold.
My Top Ten Favorite Modern Wonders
10. Sydney Opera House
Culture: Australian
Date of Construction: 1959-1973
Designed by: Jorn Utzon
Location: Sydney, Australia
Purpose: To serve as a musical venue
Significance: It is a modern design that incorporates an expressionist style of architecture. The building serves as an entrance to the city of Sydney as it overlooks the harbor with great splendor. It houses numerous indoor venues for theater and concerts. This original structure has become one of the iconic symbols of Australia. From a far it looks like a futuristic boat sailing on the harbor.
9. Golden Gate Bridge
Culture: American
Date of Construction: 1937
Designed by: Joseph Strauss
Location: San Francisco, CA
Purpose: Links the city of San Francisco into Marin County over the San Francisco Bay
Significance: It is named the golden gate, because it's location on the Pacific Ocean serves as an entry way into the western coast of the United States. At 4200 feet, it was the longest suspension bridge for over 20 years, until it was surpassed in 1964. One of it's most identifiable characteristics is it's rich red color that is maintained on a regular basis.
8. Brandenburg Gate
Culture: German
Date of Construction: 1788
Comissioned by: King Frederick William II of Prussia
Designed by: Carl Gotthard Langhans
Location: Berlin, Germany
Purpose: It marked the start of the road from Berlin to the town of Brandenburg
Significance: The neoclassical structure is a remarkable sight to behold with it's large stone columns and it's Quadriga statue at the top. The gate was meant to symbolize peace with the Goddess Eirene drawing the chariot. It has become an iconic structure of German history and identity.
7. US Capitol Building
Culture: American
Date of Construction: 1800
Commissioned by: US Congress
Location: Washington, DC
Purpose: It was built as the home US Congress
Significance: This neo-classical building has become one of the iconic symbols of the American government. It's defining features are it's white pillars, it's dome, and the 365 steps to reach the doorway. It sits on top of a hill facing the Washington Monument and the White House.
6. Brooklyn Bridge
Culture: American
Date of Construction: 1883
Designed by: John Augustus Roebling
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Purpose: Connects the boroughs of Manhattan and Brookyln over the East River in New York
Significance: It was the first steel-wire suspension bridge ever constructed. Stretching at 1595 feet long it instantly became a monumental construction to behold. It is perhaps one of the most famous bridges ever constructed and has become an icon of New York City.
5. Palace of Westminster
Culture: British
Date of Construction: 1840
Commissioned by: British Parliament
Designed by: Charles Barry
Location: London, England
Purpose: Serves as the house of the British Parliament
Significance: After the 1st House of Parliament was destroyed in the London fire of 1834, a second one was built in it's place. Architect Charles Barry came up with a definite Gothic style, that served as a homage to old British Gothic castles from the middle ages. The building has today become an icon of British culture. It's Big Ben tower clock is one of the most recognizable features of the structure.
4. Neushwanstein Castle
Culture: German
Date of Construction: 1869
Comissioned by: King Ludwig II of Bavaria
Location: Hohenschwangau, Germany
Purpose: It was built as a retreat for the king as well as a homage to Richard Wagner
Significance: The site is the epitome of a classic fantasy, a castle sitting high up on the mountaintops. The King was a fond admirer of Wagner's music and wanted to create something in the likes of his sensational music. This castle is the embodiment of the romantic era, like a dream palace sitting at the top of the world. It has served as the inspiration behind Walt Disney's iconic logo and it's fairy tale stories.
3. Taj Mahal
Culture: Indian
Date of Construction: 1632- 1643 (11 years)
Comissioned by: Mughal emperor Shah Jahan
Style: Mughal Architecture
Location: Agra, India
Purpose: It was built as a mausoleum for the Mughal emperor's wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
Significance: It is considered the crowning jewel of Indian culture and architecture. It consists of a 42 acre complex with a mosque, guest house, and series of gardens. It's top point stands at 240 feet.
2. Christ the Redeemer Statue
Culture: Brazilian
Date of Construction: 1931
Commissioned by: Paul Landowski and Heitor da Silva Costa
Location: Rio de Janiero, Brazil
Purpose: A monumental symbol of Christianity
Significance: This behemoth sculpture of Jesus Christ is one of the most iconic symbols of Brasil as well as Latin American Christian culture. With his outstretched arms he is welcoming, blessing, and embracing all he look upon him. Standing 98 feet tall on a mountain top, the statue overlooks the incredible Rio de Janiero bay. It is made of concrete and soapstone and has become a modern monument of architectural sculpting.
1. Eifel Tower
Culture: French
Date of Construction: 1889
Designed by: Gustave Eiffel and Stephen Sauvestre
Location: Paris, France
Purpose: It was constructed as a monumental entrance for the 1889 World's Fair
Significance: It has become one of the most iconic structures in the world synonymous with French culture. At a resounding 1063 feet tall it stood as the highest man-mad structure for 41 years until it was surpassed by the Chrysler Building. To this day it is the most visited momentum in the world. I admire this structure the most for its simplicity yet also the complexity of it's construction.
My Top Ten Favorite Modern Wonders
10. Sydney Opera HouseCulture: Australian
Date of Construction: 1959-1973
Designed by: Jorn Utzon
Location: Sydney, Australia
Purpose: To serve as a musical venue
Significance: It is a modern design that incorporates an expressionist style of architecture. The building serves as an entrance to the city of Sydney as it overlooks the harbor with great splendor. It houses numerous indoor venues for theater and concerts. This original structure has become one of the iconic symbols of Australia. From a far it looks like a futuristic boat sailing on the harbor.
9. Golden Gate Bridge
Culture: American
Date of Construction: 1937Designed by: Joseph Strauss
Location: San Francisco, CA
Purpose: Links the city of San Francisco into Marin County over the San Francisco Bay
Significance: It is named the golden gate, because it's location on the Pacific Ocean serves as an entry way into the western coast of the United States. At 4200 feet, it was the longest suspension bridge for over 20 years, until it was surpassed in 1964. One of it's most identifiable characteristics is it's rich red color that is maintained on a regular basis.
8. Brandenburg Gate
Culture: German
Date of Construction: 1788
Comissioned by: King Frederick William II of Prussia
Designed by: Carl Gotthard Langhans
Location: Berlin, Germany
Purpose: It marked the start of the road from Berlin to the town of Brandenburg
Significance: The neoclassical structure is a remarkable sight to behold with it's large stone columns and it's Quadriga statue at the top. The gate was meant to symbolize peace with the Goddess Eirene drawing the chariot. It has become an iconic structure of German history and identity.
7. US Capitol Building
Culture: AmericanDate of Construction: 1800
Commissioned by: US Congress
Location: Washington, DC
Purpose: It was built as the home US Congress
Significance: This neo-classical building has become one of the iconic symbols of the American government. It's defining features are it's white pillars, it's dome, and the 365 steps to reach the doorway. It sits on top of a hill facing the Washington Monument and the White House.
6. Brooklyn Bridge
Culture: American
Date of Construction: 1883
Designed by: John Augustus Roebling
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Purpose: Connects the boroughs of Manhattan and Brookyln over the East River in New York
Significance: It was the first steel-wire suspension bridge ever constructed. Stretching at 1595 feet long it instantly became a monumental construction to behold. It is perhaps one of the most famous bridges ever constructed and has become an icon of New York City.
5. Palace of Westminster
Culture: British
Date of Construction: 1840
Commissioned by: British Parliament
Designed by: Charles Barry
Location: London, England
Purpose: Serves as the house of the British Parliament
Significance: After the 1st House of Parliament was destroyed in the London fire of 1834, a second one was built in it's place. Architect Charles Barry came up with a definite Gothic style, that served as a homage to old British Gothic castles from the middle ages. The building has today become an icon of British culture. It's Big Ben tower clock is one of the most recognizable features of the structure.
4. Neushwanstein Castle
Culture: German
Date of Construction: 1869
Comissioned by: King Ludwig II of Bavaria
Location: Hohenschwangau, Germany
Purpose: It was built as a retreat for the king as well as a homage to Richard Wagner
Significance: The site is the epitome of a classic fantasy, a castle sitting high up on the mountaintops. The King was a fond admirer of Wagner's music and wanted to create something in the likes of his sensational music. This castle is the embodiment of the romantic era, like a dream palace sitting at the top of the world. It has served as the inspiration behind Walt Disney's iconic logo and it's fairy tale stories.
3. Taj Mahal
Culture: Indian
Date of Construction: 1632- 1643 (11 years)
Comissioned by: Mughal emperor Shah JahanStyle: Mughal Architecture
Location: Agra, India
Purpose: It was built as a mausoleum for the Mughal emperor's wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
Significance: It is considered the crowning jewel of Indian culture and architecture. It consists of a 42 acre complex with a mosque, guest house, and series of gardens. It's top point stands at 240 feet.
2. Christ the Redeemer Statue
Culture: BrazilianDate of Construction: 1931
Commissioned by: Paul Landowski and Heitor da Silva Costa
Location: Rio de Janiero, Brazil
Purpose: A monumental symbol of Christianity
Significance: This behemoth sculpture of Jesus Christ is one of the most iconic symbols of Brasil as well as Latin American Christian culture. With his outstretched arms he is welcoming, blessing, and embracing all he look upon him. Standing 98 feet tall on a mountain top, the statue overlooks the incredible Rio de Janiero bay. It is made of concrete and soapstone and has become a modern monument of architectural sculpting.
1. Eifel Tower
Culture: French
Designed by: Gustave Eiffel and Stephen Sauvestre
Location: Paris, France
Purpose: It was constructed as a monumental entrance for the 1889 World's Fair
Significance: It has become one of the most iconic structures in the world synonymous with French culture. At a resounding 1063 feet tall it stood as the highest man-mad structure for 41 years until it was surpassed by the Chrysler Building. To this day it is the most visited momentum in the world. I admire this structure the most for its simplicity yet also the complexity of it's construction.
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