Beautiful Architecture!!!

[Mercedes Benzene]

I love architecture. In fact, if I was not so science oriented, I would probably seek a career in designing buildings.

So what are some of the best architectural examples in your opinion???
Please post you examples here (link, thumbnail, etc).
You may also want to talk about your favorite architectual styles/elements.

Also, to keep it semi-science related, feel free to discuss the science behind architectural elements in your posts. (ie. flying buttresses, arches, domes, etc.)

[Mercedes Benzene]

I'll start with this:

It is a picture of the Nilova Monastery.
It is located north of Moscow in Russia, and was built as an Orthodox Monastery in the early 1600s.

[Racoon]

the Wieliczka Salt Cathedral in Poland.

Carved 200 meters underground in a salt mine by slaves.
Pretty wicked.
Theres some brutal history behind it, and everything was torch light and methane pockets back then!

[Mercedes Benzene]

Dulles International Airport.
Location: Virginia, near Washington, D.C.

Dulles is known for the architecture of its main terminal.
It was designed by Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen, who is known for his use of magnificant curves in his designs.

[Turtle]

Taj Mahal

Photo

[Mercedes Benzene]

30 St Mary Axe, in London England. Beautiful building.

[InfiniteNow]

Ahh... phallic.

[Mercedes Benzene]

For Jay-Qu... my house.
200 m = ???

[Jay-qu]

gee that things pretty big!

In general to the thread, I like modern looking buildings. I always wonder, 20 years from now will we think our current modern is old and have some new wacky design? There really cant be that many ways to have a roof over your head so I keep thinking it will just become repeditive, but so far it doesnt seem to be..

[Tormod]

This is great stuff:



...it was never realised, though.

Look here for more insane ideas from the Soviet era:
http://www.muar.ru/ve/2003/moscow/index_e.htm