Category Archives: Architecture

Book Mountain

Posted on October 9, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

On October 4th, Rotterdam inaugurated the stunning new Boekenberg Bibliotheek and education center in the heart of the Spijkenisse market square. Designed by the prolific hometown architectural team at MVRDV, the Book Mountain project is the dramatic centerpiece for a … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Books, Europe, Libraries | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Another Reason to Love Barcelona

Posted on September 25, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

Tens of thousands of tourists and Barcelona residents were treated to a breathtaking multimedia spectacle at the iconic Sagrada Familia church on the nights of September 21,22 and 23.. Entitled Ode a la Vie, the installation was produced by Montreal’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Art, Europe, Tech, Tourism | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Tilt-a-whirl Tourism

Posted on September 24, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

Freelance Berlin photographer Christian Ruhm’s series world dis_order offers a unique way of seeing some of Europe’s iconic tourist sites. From Berlin’s Reichstag to London’s House of Parliament, Ruhm’s multi-layered, multiple exposures add a sense of excitement and a pinch … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Europe, Photography, Tourism | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

New York State of Mind

Posted on September 8, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

London-based artist and architectural illustrator Patrick Vale creates wonderful urban scenes and vignettes. He recently shared a marvelous stop-motion video on one of his finest New York City projects. I’ve watched three time and still marvel at his skill in … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Art, Film, USA | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

What makes Paris look like Paris

Posted on August 20, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

Even if you have never had the opportunity to visit Paris, you probably have a very clear notion of what the city’s distinctive architecture looks like. Not simply the iconic sights, such as Notre Dame and the Louvre, but the … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Europe, Tourism | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Cruising Biblical Style

Posted on August 5, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

Last year the blogosphere was all abuzz with reports that Dutchman Johan Huibers was building a replica of Noah’s Ark and that he planned to sail it to London for the Olympics. Well, the Olympics have arrived, but the Ark … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Europe, Tourism | 2 Comments

Not Another Independence Day Celebration

Posted on July 3, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

At 309 meters tall, London’s Shard is now Europe’s tallest building. On July 5th, it will be celebrating the official completion of the external structure. The inauguration will be capped-off by a light show using 12 lasers and 30 massive … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Europe, Tourism | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Rome Reborn

Posted on May 22, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

I was recently searching for some information on the astonishing Roman aqueduct in Segovia, Spain when I stumbled on this stunning digital animation exploring Rome in 320 A.D.. If you’ve every visited The Eternal City, or dreamed of going there, … Continue reading →

Posted in Animation, Architecture, Art, Europe, Film, History, Tourism | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Salman Rushdie Hates The Plan

Posted on May 13, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

Author Salman Rushdie, along with more than 700 writers, scholars, publishers and artists, has sent a scathing letter to the President of the New York Public Library (see below) protesting the city’s $300 million restructuring plan for the flagship 42nd Street … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Books, Libraries, USA, Writing | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Rotterdam Tries Harder

Posted on April 27, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

Let’s be honest, Rotterdam is not the Netherland’s most attractive city or prime tourist attraction. It’s a vibrant and exciting cultural center, but it lost most of its historic buildings due to World War II bombings. These days, however, Rotterdam … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Europe, Tourism | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments