When the world as we know it changes, it’s time to get creative. While some travel norms that we once relied on have been put on hold, exciting new opportunities are emerging in architecture traveling. Now is the perfect time to explore the compositional richness evolving in the world, as well as little-known somewhat hidden architectural treasures. Are you ready?
Jumpstart your new year with an architectural arctic expedition.
Believe it or not, January is the balmiest time of year in Antarctica. You can expect temperatures to be as warm as 34 degrees Farenheit/1 degree Celsius. Plan a private tour of the newly remodeled Comandante Ferraz Antarctic Station. The new base, unveiled in January 2020, was built to replace the previous base that was destroyed in 2012. Considering any structure had to survive inclement weather, architects were invited to help design a functional space that and provided amenities for scientists and researchers to enjoy. According to John Gendall, architecture and design instructor at Harvard Graduate School of Design, The two low-slung buildings, designed by Estudio 41, a Brazilian architecture firm, house laboratories, operational support, and living quarters, which could be mistaken for an art museum or a boutique hotel. Now that’s the way to research the coldest climate on earth! The main activity of the Brazilian Antarctic Program is climate change research. The experts working at the station research meteorology, continental and marine geology, oceanography, astrophysics, geomagnetism, and nuclear geophysics.
Comandante Ferraz Antarctic Station: ScienceMag.org
Don’t worry. You can warm up at your next stop in South America.
Charter a private yacht and take the popular 48-hour sail to Ushuaia, Argentina. Once there, plan an architectural trip to the colorful Nuevo Andino (New Andean) style near La Paz in Brazil. A quick private flight takes about three hours. Experience the architecture by architect Freddy Mamani, a local legend. Mamani celebrates his native heritage by ensuring his ancient culture’s beauty is visible as the economy grows. His father, a bricklayer, taught Mamani the basics of building, and his mother’s weavings of traditional Aymara geometric patterns and colorful animal forms are reflected in his work. Owning a Mamani is the ultimate status symbol for those who created quick wealth importing everyday goods. A dozen of Mamani’s designs, employing 200 workers to carry out his unique visions, are continuously being built. Plan to meet the young architect, just 42-years-old, who is helping to maintain the artistry of his culture while shaping it for the future.
Nuevo Andino – Freddy Mamani: CultureTrip.com
July through August is the time to travel through North America and Europe.
Discover the Milwaukee Art Museum located literally in the heart of the United States. The Quadracci Pavilion is an iconic sculpture-inspired building, designed by Spanish architect, structural engineer, sculptor, and painter, Santiago Calatrava. The dramatic design also incorporates the prairie-inspired work of the legendary architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. Once inside, you’ll be able to enjoy 40 galleries of art housed throughout four floors.
The Quadracci Pavilion: Mam.org
Prague and Barcelona are the first places that often come to mind when thinking of Art Nouveau.
The little known town of Subotica, Serbia, has vast examples of the “new art” style. Once part of the Kingdom of Hungary, Subotica still has a mix of cultures with ethnic Hungarians, Serbs, and Croats. Notable examples of Art Nouveau architecture are Subotica City Hall, Subotica Synagogue, and the Modern Art Gallery.
Australia will be very pleasant in September and October, with temperatures hovering around 20 degrees Celsius/70 Fahrenheit. Learn why Australia is leading the way with the green building boom. The country boasts 2,000 green buildings. Grocon’s Pixel building was the first carbon-neutral office building in Australia. It achieved the highest award from the Green Building of Australia.
Grocon’s Pixel building: InHabitat.com
Plan to be inspired by the wisdom of native people by starting with Te Kura, Whare, owned by the people of Tūhoe in New Zealand. Te Kura Whare has evoked a new spirit of place with the transformation of the agricultural pasture to its current use. It serves as a motivational basis for long-term stewardship and responsibility for the environment and land-use practices. This structure gives rise to new energy and will sustain human culture and ecology over time, bringing people back to positively connect with their land and environment. Take an architecture tour and experience the progress of the Tūhoe people as they work to fulfill the needs of future generations.
Te Kura, Whare: International Living Future Institute
Head to South Africa for the Holidays
Get some practical home design ideas by viewing the “skinny house” also known as the House of the Big Arch located in Waterberg. This cleverly designed house occupies a unique place in a nature reserve situated in the Waterberg Mountains. The building was designed as one long thin building that’s slotted between the forest trees. Planning an architecture travel tour in this rich region will never disappoint.
House of the Big Arch: E-Architect.co.uk
Lastly, take advantage of the warm weather in Bangkok.
Close the year with a reminder that anything is indeed possible, regardless of the circumstances. Take an architectural excursion in this magical part of the world and come away inspired by Thai landscape architect, Kotchakorn Voraakhom. Witness how she turned the experience of the devastation of surviving severe flooding in Bangkok into a restorative landscape design. In December of 2019, Thammasat University Rangsit Campus opened Asia’s’ largest and most progressive rooftop garden. It is designed to help offset some of the impacts of climate change, including flooding. The garden, which can hold millions of gallons of water, actually encompasses a farm that is open to anyone who wishes to grow vegetables, rice, or herbs.
Thammasat University Rangsit Campus Rooftop Garden: Bangkok Post
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About the Writer:
Meet Alicia Dale! World traveler, adventurer, lover of food, and writer of nonfiction and business books. Find out more about, Alicia at www.ExploreDineTravel.com.
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