architecture

4 photo by Paul Clemence (11)

Story & photos by Paul Clemence The visionary work of the late Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer is today a major draw for Brazil’s visitors, with hordes of archi-tourism afficionados from all over the world flocking there to check out his unique take on Modernism. Given how prolific his career was

1 Left to right Torre Mayor Torre Reforma Torre BBVA

By Paul Clemence Mexico City’s ancient history and its rich cultural heritage, from the Aztec empire to the Spanish occupation, have made the sprawling capital a major destination for history and anthropology-inclined travelers. Not surprisingly, the city counts 3 Unesco World Heritage Sites. But in recent years, as the city

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By Everett Potter Melbourne may be Australia’s second city, but it’s charming, with a trove of architectural treasures and deep cultural roots. As one local wag told me, “Sydney’s the movie, Melbourne’s the book.” By all means, hop on and off the free City Circle Tram, and visit the National

4 Detail of the blue tiled wall at the interior courtyard of Art Museum of the Americas scaled

Story by K. Mitchell  Snow Photos by Paul Clemence Everyone knows what Washington, DC is supposed to look like: the Capitol, the Supreme Court, the White House and the monuments to Jefferson and Lincoln all proclaim US democracy’s debt to ancient Greece.  More contemporary ideas about a truly inclusive democracy

4 Hudson Athens Lighthouse built in 1874 scaled

  Story & photos by Paul Clemence The pandemic travel restrictions mean that it’s a great opportunity to explore new and creative ways to go sightseeing. Road trips are a safe and fun choice. Taking a drive Upstate New York, for example, one can indulge in a wonderful architectural tour

3 Its all about entrance Niemeyer was famous for his dramatic entrances design. Here a gently sloping down ramp brings guests to the hotels lobby scaled

Story & photos by Paul Clemence This week, Brasília, the modernistic capital of Brazil, celebrates its 60th anniversary. The city is the result of a dream by three very ambitious men: Juscelino Kubitchek, then the country’s president, Lucio Costa, the urbanist, and Oscar Niemeyer, the architect. Today, while some of

Fairmont Peace Hotel lobby PHOTO Monique Burns

By Monique Burns Strolling along the Huangpu River, through the venerable district known as the Bund, is one of the great pleasures of visiting Shanghai, China’s dazzling coastal metropolis.  Not only do the Bund’s ornate 19th and early 20th-century buildings form a stunning visual tableau, but they offer fascinating insights

HSBC Bank Building left PHOTO Monique Burns

By Monique Burns In Shanghai, China’s futuristic metropolis midway between  Hong Kong and Beijing, stroll the Huangpu River promenade and marvel at supertall skyscrapers like the Oriental Pearl Tower, the Shanghai World Financial Center, and the Shanghai Tower, the world’s second-highest. Then turn your gaze toward the west bank and