[Canadian Mind]

The most beautiful building in your city can be either built, under construction, or concept. It has to have gone to be approved to be accepted.

My two favorites for Vancouver are both 1133 wet georgia and shangri-la, can't decide which, will wait until they are done. Shangri-la is going to be clad in white glass btw.

http://tractelswingstage.com/images/news/LIVING%20shangri%20la%20sm.jpg
shangri-la

http://www.dysarch.com/UserImages/WebImages/ProjectImages/1.%20RESIDENTIAL/Market%20High%20Rise/1133%20West%20Georgia/1133-West-Georgia-1.jpg
1133 west georgia.

[LSyd]

Meridian (the old facade at the bottom was incorporated into the tower)

http://www.pbase.com/lsyd/image/65086044.jpg

Palmetto Building

http://www.pbase.com/lsyd/image/38673686.jpg

-

[Steely Dan]

The Richard J. Daley Center, Chicago

http://www.aia.org/aiarchitect/thisweek04/tw1203/1203firm_civcpp.jpg



http://www.richmangalleries.com/images/RichardJDaleyCtrCh279.jpg



http://www.ci.chi.il.us/Landmarks/images/landmarks/d/daley_center2b.jpg



http://www.bc.edu/bc_org/avp/cas/fnart/fa267/20th/chicity2.jpg



http://www.chicagoarchitecture.info/Images/TheLoop/DaleyCenter-001.jpg http://www.chicagoarchitecture.info/CAI/Images/TheLoop/DaleyCenter-001.jpg

[LMich]

Steely, you've opened up a can of worms with that choice. :)

[Canadian Mind]

lol, nice brick buddy. :p me likes.

[Steely Dan]

Steely, you've opened up a can of worms with that choice. :)
if you can find a more perfectly beautiful building in chicago, i'd like to see it.

[LMich]

Oh, you'll see plenty posted. Very few people are fans of the International style of architecture. You know that. :)

For my city, it's not a hard choice:

The Michigan State Capitol

http://static.flickr.com/56/198534480_ece6b68645_o.jpg
Sparky - http://www.flickr.com/photos/sparkys_joint/

Though, I really like St. Mary's Cathedral, also:

http://static.flickr.com/40/77304398_50a060765c_o.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/53/114402391_bae1a6f325_b.jpg
I am Jacques Strappe's - http://www.flickr.com/photos/i_am_jacques_strappe/

[desdeColombia]

http://img170.imageshack.us/img170/3613/armenia3ng4.jpg

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/9672/agos030604ha8.jpg

http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/8282/010513gk0.jpg

Country: Colombia
City: Armenia - Quindío

[1ajs]

Union Tower
http://www.pointdouglas.com/plugins/p17_image_gallery/images/696.jpg

[anecdoto]

There are a lot of fine buildings in my city, but this is the best:

Amara Plaza Hotel

http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/1632/amaraplazaue8tl3.jpg

http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/4869/amaraplaza2ps1el5.jpg

[JManc]

i like international style as well but the daley building looks almost identical to one liberty plaza.

for houston:
http://www.pbase.com/mancusoj/image/25470724.jpg

[shappy]

some of my favourites...

this one is approved, I think. Libeskind is the architect. The original building is beautiful in and of itself and the sleek tower complements it really well:
http://www.urbandb.com/canada/ontario/toronto/hummingbird_city_centre_1.jpg

the TD Centre (Mies van de Rohe) is strikingly beautiful:
http://www.bharchitects.com/architecture/portfolio/portfolio_images/port_photos/td-korab.jpg

even the most obscure corners are interesting:
http://static.flickr.com/52/131263232_465b816a4c.jpg?v=0
photo by hyfen (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hyfen/)

http://static.flickr.com/41/114015859_d304381940.jpg?v=0
photo by hyfen (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hyfen/)

http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/8269/5651wf9.jpg
photo by hool

[Latoso]

:previous: I don't know about it. It looks incomplete. What it needs is a red flamingo to make it perfect. :)

[shappy]

clever...

[gannman]

Personaly I don't really like big black boxes. They're not really my style, they are too plain.

Anyways, here is my pick for Nashville:
http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/ariesjow/Places/SigModel7.jpg

http://www.giarratana.com/newphotos/IStateBuilding.jpg

[PhilippeMtl]

http://www.vieux.montreal.qc.ca/planlum/images/basil_2.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/5/4884279_74cbc24eb9_m.jpg

http://www.vieux.montreal.qc.ca/planlum/images/crx_no2.jpg

http://slesinsky.org/brian/pictures/quebec2004/quebec2004-Images/4.jpg

http://montreal.mordac.org/images/montreal13.jpg

http://www.vieux.montreal.qc.ca/planlum/images/pan_arm2.jpg

[DePaul Bunyan]

Sorry Steely, I have to disagree:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y136/chicagowned/3a2fc5f5.jpg

http://www.ci.chi.il.us/Landmarks/images/landmarks/r/rookery1a.gif

It also has one of the most beautiful interiors.

[someone123]

Some candidates:

Province House (1811):
http://www.mrfs.net/trips/2004/Maritimes/Halifax/province_house.jpg

Former post office (1867).. the detailing doesn't really come across in this photo:
http://www.halifax.ca/cah/images/AGNS1sm.jpg

Another possibility would be the Bank of NS.


In Toronto I am somewhat partial to these, just to show that I can also appreciate modern buildings:
http://content.answers.com/main/content/wp/en/thumb/0/05/250px-TD_Centre.JPG

In Halifax's case, there just aren't that many good buildings that have been built in the past 50 years.

[shappy]

Personaly I don't really like big black boxes. They're not really my style, they are too plain.
hey, to each his/her own. The thing with Mies' boxes is that they are laden with details... just not ornamental ones. It's the precision and purity of his work that is fascinating. But, whatever...

[X-fib]

if you can find a more perfectly beautiful building in chicago, i'd like to see it.


Lake Point Tower is my favorite as "a more perfectly beautiful building in Chicago". A Miesien concept that is nearly 90 years old, the curved lines of the building are as sensual today as they were when built in 1968. (sorry no pic to post see Chicago diagrams and pics).

[Steely Dan]

^ oh yeah, LPT is ridiculously beautiful and perfect as well.

here are some spectacular shots of it from fellow forumer tom in chicago:

http://www.pbase.com/temper/image/53830107.jpg


http://www.pbase.com/temper/image/53830109.jpg


http://www.pbase.com/temper/image/53830112.jpg


http://www.pbase.com/temper/image/53830114.jpg


http://www.pbase.com/temper/image/53830103.jpg

[DetroitSky]

For the D, I have to say the Penobscot Building is the most beautiful.
http://www.daads.org/modern/1401/penobscot3.jpg
http://www.naifarbman.com/PropImages/penobscot-bldg.jpg
http://detroitbankruptcylawyer.com/Penob0%5B1%5D.jpg

[X-fib]

^ oh yeah, LPT is ridiculously beautiful and perfect as well.

here are some spectacular shots of it from fellow forumer tom in chicago:



ABSOLUTELY incredible shots, thanks Steely for posting. I will try and get a couple of images from my adopted Wisconsin home town tomorrow.

[SapphireBlueEyes]

The John Hancock Center and the R.R. Donnelly are both numero uno. Putting one above the other just isn't fair. The Hancock's bold, handsome frame and the Donnelly's Greco-Vegas style and grace, both summon the rest of Chicago's skyline to its knees.

-SapphireBlueEyes-

[Boris2k7]

Calgary - The Bow
http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/3897/thebownb4.jpg

[DecoJim]

I have to disagree with DetroitSky; much as I like the Penobscot building, the Fisher Building is the more beautiful building in Detroit:

http://www.maj.com/gallery/DecoJim/DetroitBuildings/fiisherbuilding04.jpg
http://www.maj.com/gallery/DecoJim/NewCenter/newcenter56.jpg
http://www.maj.com/gallery/DecoJim/NewCenter/fisherbuilding63.jpg
http://www.maj.com/gallery/DecoJim/DetroitBuildings/fisherbuildingmainentrance.jpg

[ariesjow]

^I agree. The Fisher Building is absolutely beautiful. Detroit really does have a great stock of older high rises.

[spyguy]

Still my favorite after all these years
http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/4688/996904784ae8e46adbfc1.jpg

[SapphireBlueEyes]

You were there when it was built, eh?
Still my favorite after all these years
http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/4688/996904784ae8e46adbfc1.jpg

[CGII]

Hard to pick one...but I'll go with the typical response and say the art museum.

http://www.thespiderawards.com/spider_awards_presentation/the_awards/2nd_annual_nominations_winners/professional/architectural/nominations/images/04_53_29_golubova_marina%20art%20museum%20milwaukee.jpg
http://k41.pbase.com/u11/rbndave/large/11073606.1282893_IMG.jpg

[bryson662001]

There is no one building that anyone would agree is the "most" beautiful but two that should be in the running:

Carpenter's Hall located near Independence Hall in the historic district

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k50/bryson662001/facade.jpg

Philadelphia Museum of Art

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k50/bryson662001/artmuseum.jpg

[nygirl1]

Ansonia.

[vanhattan]

Hi,

I grew up in Chicago. When I moved there in 1969, the John Hancock center was just completed and it cemented into my brain the love I have today for all skyscrapers. There are now so many great Chicago buildings, it is nearly impossible to pick my favorite one. http://www.pbase.com/image/54925752.jpghttp://www.pbase.com/image/57256244.jpg

[DetroitSTAR]

I have to disagree with both of you and say that the finest here in Detroit is the Guardian Building.

http://www.maj.com/gallery/DecoJim/DowntownDetroit/guardian30.jpg

http://www.metrotimes.com/26/09/Guardian.jpg

[MayDay]

I have too many favorites to pick one, but the crowd favorite in Cleveland is usually the Arcade:

http://www.clevelandskyscrapers.com/cleveland/arcade1204.jpg

http://www.clevelandskyscrapers.com/arcade/arcadegargoyles.jpg

[B'More22]

Here is the Gorgeous BoA tower in Baltimore.

http://pro.imagehost.biz/ims/pictes/118764.jpg

http://pro.imagehost.biz/ims/pictes/118765.jpg

http://pro.imagehost.biz/ims/pictes/124387.bmp

http://pro.imagehost.biz/ims/pictes/118766.jpg

http://pro.imagehost.biz/ims/pictes/124388.jpg

http://pro.imagehost.biz/ims/pictes/124389.jpg

http://pro.imagehost.biz/ims/pictes/94586.jpg

:)

[Dalreg]

When it comes to Saskatoon there can be only one.

http://www.westerntour.com/Saskatoon/Sthotelm.jpg

http://www.doorsopensaskatoon.ca/welcome/buildings/images/bessborough.jpg

Thanks to Google for the images eh.

[lexberg]

Although this is too obvious choice, the Lutheran Cathedral must be Helsinki's most beautiful building.
http://img292.imageshack.us/img292/5125/ffhv1.jpg

[Awkab]

^ wow, what a stunning photo (and building)

[LostInTheZone]

I'll have to agree with Bryson. The Philadelphia Art Museum is probably the best large neoclassical building I've seen yet (some smaller gems by Cret, like the inner building of the Rodin museum, are arguably better). The warm color of the stone and colorful terra-cotta ornament liven up what is often a rather cold architectural style (see the National Archives building in DC for a similar, but much more dull, contemporary example), its proportions are wonderful, and its siting is nearly perfect.

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/5087/artmuseumnightcolorhp9.jpg
http://www.skyscrapersunset.com/skyscrapercity/phl/060719-26/21.jpg

http://www.skyscrapersunset.com/skyscrapercity/phl/060719-26/20.jpg
closest thing to the Acropolis in America?

I'm amazed at your choices Bryson, but given your modernist proclivities, it at least makes sense that you picked two finely proportioned buildings. The Wrigley Building, while it has great detailing, is just a big pile with a tower stuck on it, much like NYC's City Hall. I'm sure we'll see a lot like it in this thread. Anyway I've actually been meaning to ask, what's your opinion on the PECO tower on Market? Personally I think it's a rather exceptional international style black box, even if it is a bit late. It's got great slim proportions and I'm pretty sure the cantelevered west and east facades of the tower, along with the vertical piers, are alluding the PSFS:

http://img74.imageshack.us/img74/866/classicalbu3.jpg

[JimInCal]

This is very subjective so I hope my fellow Phoenix forumers don't mind my choice. I was first going to choose the historic Phoenix City Hall...I know its hard to believe that a city as young as Phoenix has an historic city hall, but it's true and it is a beautiful building. But, I'm going to buck the trend of those who chose structures of classic greek-inspired or deco architecture and select a modern municipal building that artistically incorporates a renovated historic structure as well. I love the juxtaposition of the Phoenix Municipal Court building with the historic, renovated Walker Building. The modern court building, clad in vibrant Arizona sandstone, contrasts with the classic architecture of the white Walker building on the corner of the block. I think it's a visually stunning result :tup:

http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/4822/citycourt2jv3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/4961/citycourt1ta0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/4979/citycourt4of2.jpg [URL=http://imageshack.us]http://img157.imageshack.us/img157/9719/phxcourtvg1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[bryson662001]

Anyway I've actually been meaning to ask, what's your opinion on the PECO tower on Market? Personally I think it's a rather exceptional international style black box, even if it is a bit late. It's got great slim proportions and I'm pretty sure the cantelevered west and east facades of the tower, along with the vertical piers, are alluding the PSFS:



I love PECO......think it's a masterpiece (wish it were bigger), but I couldn't call it beautiful. Same goes for almost all of the buildings seen in this thread. Many have merit of one kind or another but hardly any of them are "beautiful" IMO

[Vancouverite]

Calgary - The Bow
http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/3897/thebownb4.jpg


Calgary should have built what Nashville is getting!

[DecoJim]

I have to disagree with both of you and say that the finest here in Detroit is the Guardian Building.

http://www.maj.com/gallery/DecoJim/DowntownDetroit/guardian30.jpg


Of course you are entitled to your opinion but its rather ironic that you used a photograph I took to help dispute my own opinion! Actually that is not even the best side of the Guardian but the density of other buildings nearby make it difficult to get a good overall shot of the other side. I took the Preservation Wayne skyscraper tour a few months ago thinking that I could get access to the Penobscot Building's observation deck (which perhaps has the best view of the Guardian) but the tour no longer includes the trip to the top of the Penobscot. :(

While the Guardian certainly is the most colorful Art Deco skyscraper in Detroit if not the entire country, the overall shape is not as good as the Fisher Building. Both buildings feature equisite workmanship and fine materials.

I have been to Chicago a number of times and I would have to agree that the Wrigley is the most beautiful building in that city. As for the John Hancock (and the Sear Tower for that matter), words such as "imposing", "vision of strengh", or even "Sinister" would come to mind long before the word "beautiful".

[Lover Fighter]

http://img170.imageshack.us/img170/3613/armenia3ng4.jpg
I think Governation Tower wins the title of "coolest building name".

[SapphireBlueEyes]

http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/pomegranate_1919_38258496R.R. DONNELLY CENTER, WACKER DRIVE, DOWNTOWN CHICAGO is my favorite. This handsome skyscraper is reminiscent of Ancient Greece and will sure to inspire the Olympiads that come to compete in the Summer 2016 Games here in CHICAGO!!

-Sapphire Blue Eyes-

[LostInTheZone]

After careful thought: The Drake, for Philadelphia. I can hardly think o a more romantic, majestic skyscraper. Mumford lived there when he taught at Penn. It's a nearly perfect slab skyscraper, modern and refined, yet clearly historicist. I've never seen a tall building that looms so contextually over its neighborhood:

from Phillyskyline (http://phillyskyline.com/bldgs/drake/index.htm):

http://phillyskyline.com/pix/drake_skinny.jpghttp://phillyskyline.com/hoods/cc/gayb/gay_drake_kimmel.jpg

http://phillyskyline.com/500/drake_delancey.jpghttp://phillyskyline.com/pix/lt_drake.jpg

http://phillyskyline.com/500/ccw_drake_cypress.jpg

from Serge (this has been my desktop for months, I've tried to change it but always gone back):

http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/6148/drakesergevb7.jpg

[hauntedheadnc]

It's impossible to choose. Probably one of these.

Grove Arcade Public Market (as pictured by LSyd)

http://www.pbase.com/lsyd/image/34673347/original.jpg

Biltmore House

http://www.stat.ohio-state.edu/~brian/hobbies/travel/pics/biltmore.jpg

Asheville City Hall

http://www.mistered.com/pics/BIKETRIP/Asheville-courthouse.jpg

Jackson Building

http://www.askyewolfe.com/jacksonbuildingasheville2.jpg

Grove Park Inn

http://www.greatestcities.com/5024pic/994/CP20994.jpg/Dscn0916.jpg

Basilica of St. Lawrence

http://basilicaweddings.tripod.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/.pond/churchtower.jpg.w300h401.jpg

[Chicago103]

The Sears Tower

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/ba/Sears_Tower_ss.jpg

[Steely Dan]

-Sapphire Blue Eyes-
[I posted this last night and it did post and was removed by someone. This forum and people's opinions are subjective and should not be removed because someone disagrees with them!]

nobody deleted your post, sir paranoid, you simpy posted it in a different thread. here's the link: http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showpost.php?p=2453411&postcount=40



and for the record, RR donnelly is an absolute trainwreck of a building. it looks like a a greek temple on steroids that threw-up all over itself. :yuck: :D

[SapphireBlueEyes]

nobody deleted your post, sir paranoid, you simpy posted it in a different thread. here's the link: http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showpost.php?p=2453411&postcount=40



and for the record, RR donnelly is an absolute trainwreck of a building. it looks like a a greek temple on steroids that threw-up all over itself. :yuck: :D

You're a pathetic Mies fan aren't you? You poor soul. All of his buildings look like train tracks that threw up on the cities they were built in. I feel sorry that tourists have to look at such monstrousities.

[Chicago103]

nobody deleted your post, sir paranoid, you simpy posted it in a different thread. here's the link: http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showpost.php?p=2453411&postcount=40

I dont think he realized that at first, its easy to confuse the two threads.

[raggedy13]

For Vancouver, I've always been a fan of the Marine Building (1930)...

http://canada.archiseek.com/british_columbia/vancouver/images/marine_building_lge.jpg

http://rethinkblog.ca/images/lunchtimewalk/SPinterMarine1.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g296/raggedy13/Misc/29710634.jpg

http://www.architypes.net/files/image/cache/marine-building-entry-detail.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/58/166678549_79bfb61ecd.jpg?v=0

http://static.flickr.com/45/166678636_abbfa8a6f1.jpg?v=0

http://www.architypes.net/files/image/cache/marine-building-main-doors.jpg

http://www.architypes.net/files/image/cache/marine-building-lobby-1.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/52/167384712_00ee289c58.jpg?v=0

http://www.architypes.net/files/image/cache/marine-building-decorative-motif.jpg

http://www.architypes.net/files/image/cache/marine-building-elevator-door.jpg

[MayDay]

"and for the record, RR donnelly is an absolute trainwreck of a building. it looks like a a greek temple on steroids that threw-up all over itself."

I completely agree - and I'm not half the Mies fan that you are.

[hauntedheadnc]

The Marine Building is really something. That's some amazing detail.

[SapphireBlueEyes]

If you're a Bond fan, you'll know what the reference to Grace Jones means...

but besides that...The Donnelly Center is stunning at night. At least it's not a big black turd on a shingle obstructing the view of buildings 1/1,000th worthy of praise that a Mies building deserves. I wouldn't wish a Mies building on my worse suburban office park...
I do like one thing that Mies invented, a real nice chase lounge chair that I've been told is attributed to him, besides that...yuck!!

-Sapphire Blue Eyes-

Citizens For Better Planning-Luckily, an organization founded long after the Mies architectural disaster era.

"and for the record, RR donnelly is an absolute trainwreck of a building. it looks like a a greek temple on steroids that threw-up all over itself."

I completely agree - and I'm not half the Mies fan that you are.

[SapphireBlueEyes]

For Vancouver, I've always been a fan of the Marine Building (1930)...

very beautiful, except for the modern windows-nice wood windows divided by window panes would have added so much more, but people go on the cheap and install modern crap to otherwise gorgeous buildings...homeowners often do the same, they go for the cheap rather than old world craftsmanship...and that's a shame.

My high school did the same thing, instead of replacing real wood trimmed windows that had nice window panes, they installed the exact windows that your favorite building has...it changed the look of an otherwise beautiful building dating back to the mid-1800's...

what a pity

-Sapphire Blue Eyes-

Citizens For Better Planning

[LostInTheZone]

^that building would probably have had stainless steel, aluminum, or aother metal for window frames, especially being Art Deco. While I kind of agree with the point you are making, especially when you're talking, say, a Victorian house, yes, modern windowframes stick out terribly. But in this case, this is an office building, the reflective insulated glass panes are pretty much a necessity.

It IS a gorgeous building, by the way. Art Deco at its best.

[WIGS]

for Buffalo, I think the most beautiful building is the Electric Tower (nee Niagara Mohawk building). It is currently being renovated into class 'A' office space.
http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/7520/electrictowerbuffalonylm1.png

[headcase]

At least it's not a big black turd on a shingle obstructing the view of buildings 1/1,000th worthy of praise that a Mies building deserves.

All that hatred from a guy who lives in a big black building....

SSDD

[MSPtoMKE]

"and for the record, RR donnelly is an absolute trainwreck of a building. it looks like a a greek temple on steroids that threw-up all over itself."

I completely agree - and I'm not half the Mies fan that you are.
I was going to post pretty much the exact same thing. There are worse Po-Mo buildings than RR Donnelly, but that "greek temple" on top is just silly looking.

[Arseniq33]

I can't decide wich is the most beautiful building in Montreal.
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a83/geneticstereo/DSCN2314.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a83/geneticstereo/MontrC3A9al_-_Tour_de_La_Bourse_-_2.jpg

1 : 1350 Boul. René-Lévesque
2 : La tour de la Bourse

[Exodus]

for Buffalo, I think the most beautiful building is the Electric Tower (nee Niagara Mohawk building). It is currently being renovated into class 'A' office space.
http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/7520/electrictowerbuffalonylm1.png:worship:

[i_am_hydrogen]

I have to disagree with DetroitSky; much as I like the Penobscot building, the Fisher Building is the more beautiful building in Detroit:

I disagree with both of you. My favorite building in Detroit is Book Tower.

Chris Cousins
http://img300.imageshack.us/img300/5249/347507pk1.jpg

[Derek]

ive always liked the pinnacle musuem tower in san diego
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y120/Jaygergon/downtown%20development/pinnacle2.bmp

[DecoJim]

I disagree with both of you. My favorite building in Detroit is Book Tower.

But do you think the Book Tower is the most beautiful building in Detroit? It would help if the exterior was cleaned and the external fire escape removed (I do not know if that would be allowed).

Strangly, several architecture books state that the Book Tower showed that Louis Kamper did not fully understand skyscraper design in that he attempted to define the tower with oversized classical details instead of by its shape. Yet many people have said that they like the Book Tower (so much for the "expert's" opinion!)

Detroit is doing pretty well in this thread. So far the city has four candidates for its most beautiful building:
1. Penobscot Building
2. Fisher Building (my vote)
3. Guardian Building
4. Book Tower


Raggedy13, thank you for posting the amazing Marine Building pictures, I had not seen that building before and it is definately a prime example of Art Deco!

[Distill3d]

I disagree with both of you. My favorite building in Detroit is Book Tower.

Chris Cousins
http://img300.imageshack.us/img300/5249/347507pk1.jpg


wow. i wouldn't want to be in the penthouse when there was a fire in that building!!

[cabasse]

+1 more for the fisher in detroit. it's detroit at it's finest - albert kahn.

penobscot is a close second, and an excellent example of art deco. i know lots of people who are in love with the guardian, and as beautiful and colorful as it is, that skybridge takes off quite a few points in my book, sadly.

book?? a good example of its era, sure, but i wouldn't even consider it beautiful if it were to be cleaned up. remove all those masts and microwave dishes also, then i might reconsider it.


as far as atlanta, since i still have one of my toes in that city, i'd have to go with city hall. it's personally my favorite city hall. (factoring in homerism? but of course!)

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/fa/Atlanta_City_Hall_from_HABS.jpg

runner up? a three-way tie between symphony tower, one atlantic center and promenade II.

[Dalreg]

for Buffalo, I think the most beautiful building is the Electric Tower (nee Niagara Mohawk building). It is currently being renovated into class 'A' office space.
http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/7520/electrictowerbuffalonylm1.png


WOW!!!!! :worship: :worship: :worship: :worship:

[LMich]

wow. i wouldn't want to be in the penthouse when there was a fire in that building!!

It's always had elevators.

BTW, it's my opinion that you could dirty it up even more and attached all kinds of communications equipment to the Book and it would still be one of the most beautiful buildings in Detroit. You just can't mess that thing up, IMO.

I find the Penobscot Building to have nice massing, but it's even to bland even for an Art Deco, IMO. It's a great, solid design and a great example of the style, but I'd hardly call it the most beautiful.

The Guardian is nice, and particularly the interior. I don't have much bad to say about it, at all. It's just about perfect.

The Fisher is just perfect, IMO, and my favorite. My only complaint is the location, and how so much has been torn down around it that it looks like it doesn't fit at its current location. New Center is unfinished, and looks it.

Another one of my favorites is the often forgotten David Stott. The proportions are near perfect, IMO (at least from most angles).

All photos of Allan:

http://static.flickr.com/10/15808701_bc775f493c_b.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/16/20567702_1817dbf513_b.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/31/40004424_ca5ff3bef7_b.jpg

At the end of the day, it says quite a lot about Detroit that we have so much to choose from, and those are just the talls.

[LeftCoaster]

That Buffalo building is goregous! I cant beleive ive never seen it before.

And as for montreal how can you even say tour de la bourse is up there... the only thing that monstrosity has going for it is its height. 1000 de la Gauchetière... now there is a beauty
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i305/mattcav/450740.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i305/mattcav/257660.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i305/mattcav/300971.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i305/mattcav/344270.jpg

And Raggedy I totally agree with the Marine Building, the only nice tower in a sea of mediocracy. Fingers crossed for 1133 West Georgia tho.

[Wheelingman04]

Many of Montreal's skyscrapers are underrated. Thanks for posting pictures of several of them guys.

[i_am_hydrogen]

Detroit is doing pretty well in this thread.

Honestly, that doesn't surprise me because Detroit has some of the best high-rise historical architecture anywhere in the world. I could make a long list of builings in Detroit that I'd love to pick up and move to Chicago.

[LostInTheZone]

^if you want to talk about a building from Detroit I'd like to move to my city, for me, I'd love to have the Kean Apartments somewhere near Rittenhouse Square:

http://detroit1701.org/Graphics/Kean%20Apartments.jpg

http://www.angelfire.com/de2/detroitpix/EastJeffersonBldg2.jpghttp://www.angelfire.com/de2/detroitpix/EastJeffersonBldg.jpg

I have a real thing for smaller Deco apartment buildings, with wraparound corner windows:)

[anecdoto]

for Buffalo, I think the most beautiful building is the Electric Tower (nee Niagara Mohawk building). It is currently being renovated into class 'A' office space.
http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/7520/electrictowerbuffalonylm1.png



I have not been in Buffalo but i hope to go sometime only to look this building
:tup:

[Kroy Wen]

The San Remo
http://www.nyc-architecture.com/UWS/021-sheep.meadow.san.remo.jpg

http://www.nyc-architecture.com/UWS/021-5220006.jpg

http://www.nyc-architecture.com/UWS/UWS021-San_Remosmall-med.jpg

http://www.nyc-architecture.com/UWS/UWS021D.jpg

http://www.nyc-architecture.com/UWS/UWS021A.jpg

http://www.nyc-architecture.com/UWS/UWS021C.jpg

[KevinFromTexas]

No doubt about it, the Texas State Capitol. The biggest state capitol in the nation, only the US Capitol is larger. And it's the 5th tallest state capitol.
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b234/KevinFromTexas/Austin%20views/Austinimage892Emporis437991.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b234/KevinFromTexas/Austin%20views/Austinimage895Emporis437987.jpg?t=1163859376

The Driskill Hotel, built in 1886. This is Austin's "great old hotel".
http://www.cs.mtu.edu/~shene/DigiCam/Gallery/Travel/Austin/driskill.jpg

http://crossspot.net/voiceartist/driskill1.jpg

http://www.aallnet.org/chapter/swall/meeting2006/driskill2.jpg

[erasercut]

The San Remo
http://www.nyc-architecture.com/UWS/021-sheep.meadow.san.remo.jpg

http://www.nyc-architecture.com/UWS/021-5220006.jpg

http://www.nyc-architecture.com/UWS/UWS021-San_Remosmall-med.jpg

http://www.nyc-architecture.com/UWS/UWS021D.jpg

http://www.nyc-architecture.com/UWS/UWS021A.jpg

http://www.nyc-architecture.com/UWS/UWS021C.jpg

I absolutely fell in love with this building when I visited NY. It's cousin down the street, The Beresford, is just as spectacular.

[Tom In Chicago]

I've got a perverse sense of beauty and a touch of evil in me so my choice has to be the John Hancock Center here in Chicago:

http://www.pbase.com/temper/image/39684474.jpg

[Kroy Wen]

I absolutely fell in love with this building when I visited NY. It's cousin down the street, The Beresford, is just as spectacular.


Emery Roth, indeed!
http://www.nyc-architecture.com/UWS/UWS037-02.jpg

http://www.nyc-architecture.com/UWS/uws-centalparkwest_007.jpg

[rockyi]

This may not be everyones cup-o-tea but I like Eero Saarinen's John Deere Word Headquarters in Moline (IL). Completed in 1964.

http://www.deere.com/en_US/attractions/images/hq_hewitt.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v420/rockyi/Dcp_0905.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v420/rockyi/Dcp_0906.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v420/rockyi/Dcp_0888.jpg

[Distill3d]

you guys are making me jealous. I'm wishing Calgary had some more older skyscrapers like Detroit, Buffalo, and such. The bulk of our skyscrapers are 1970's - 1990's designs with not a whole lot of acritectural wonder to them. The few buildings that do stand out, aren't half as beautiful as something like The San Remo in New York or John Hancock Center in Chicago.

[village person]

For Jacksonville, it's hard to say. It has a nice, eclectic variety of architecture, but nothing really stands far above the rest, IMHO. My favorites tend to be some of the smaller, less known buildings.

-------------------

For my new town, Cape Girardeau, it's definitely Academic Hall at the university:
http://static.flickr.com/50/137543697_135a0ce8f0_b.jpg

http://img124.imageshack.us/img124/5246/pb094803pz7.jpg

[Kroy Wen]

This may not be everyones cup-o-tea but I like Eero Saarinen's John Deere Word Headquarters in Moline. ( completed in 1964)

That's quite amazing, actually- way ahead of its time!

[hauntedheadnc]

This may not be everyones cup-o-tea but I like Eero Saarinen's John Deere Word Headquarters in Moline (IL). Completed in 1964.

I detest modern architecture, and even I love this building.

[rockyi]

^When it was completed in '64 it was considered to be one of the top 10 most beautiful buildings in the world. I doubt if that holds true today, but I still like it.
It's just a few miles from where I live and I enjoy walking around it's grounds. While some may view this as an "office park" type building, it was Saarinen's idea to put it in the country. He didn't like the idea of a company such as John Deere to have it's headquarters downtown.

[Arriviste]

This may not be everyones cup-o-tea but I like Eero Saarinen's John Deere Word Headquarters in Moline (IL). Completed iin 1964

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v420/rockyi/Dcp_0888.jpg


What a beauty. I love the brise soleil.
Thanks for the pics.

[shadowbat]

Cira Centre Philly

When I took these, the plaza was stull u/c
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y29/shadowbat/City%20photos/Philly/DSCF2486.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y29/shadowbat/City%20photos/Philly/DSCF0269.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y29/shadowbat/City%20photos/Philly/DSCF0268.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y29/shadowbat/City%20photos/Philly/lobby.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y29/shadowbat/City%20photos/Philly/bridge.jpg

[Steely Dan]

that john deere headquaters building in moline, IL is some dope-ass shit.

i must make an architectural pilgrimage there at some point in my life.

[rockyi]

^If you make that pilgrimage, Dan, be careful, the grounds are surrounded by these Creatures Of Satan!!!!!!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v420/rockyi/Dcp_0879.jpg
This bastard was banging on my car window, I think he was looking for spare change.

A few more....
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v420/rockyi/Dcp_0882.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v420/rockyi/Dcp_0895.jpg

The grounds...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v420/rockyi/Dcp_0898.jpg

The Showroom. I'm not really sure how they get these big bastards in there.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v420/rockyi/Dcp_0887.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v420/rockyi/Dcp_0891.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v420/rockyi/Dcp_0889.jpg

Henry Moore sculpture thingy...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v420/rockyi/Dcp_0910.jpg

[Arriviste]

Beautiful pics. Each is appreciated.
By the way, that swan had one hell of a crazy look in his eye. Terrifying.

[Alibaba]

My favourite buildings in Melbourne

Classic and grand building

Royal Exhibition Building (thanks to Dean)

http://static.flickr.com/99/281960236_377d2ea202_o.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/121/281960241_d4461db961_o.jpg

and Eureka (thanks to Mugley, Curtan etc for photos)


http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/9098/pic00118rq.jpg (http://imageshack.us/)

http://static.flickr.com/112/298037184_eb1f2ab461_o.jpg

a
http://www.realestate.com.au/objects/props/9909/103619909cl1163721618.jpg

and New train station (photo of Olderfleet)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v626/adonline/Night05.jpg

[Michi]

^if you want to talk about a building from Detroit I'd like to move to my city, for me, I'd love to have the Kean Apartments somewhere near Rittenhouse Square:

http://www.angelfire.com/de2/detroitpix/EastJeffersonBldg2.jpghttp://www.angelfire.com/de2/detroitpix/EastJeffersonBldg.jpg

I have a real thing for smaller Deco apartment buildings, with wraparound corner windows:)
Like the Fisher Building, The Kean is in kinda a bad spot too...at least temporarily. It is removed from downtown, but is on (well, near) the river and Belle Isle. The architecture of the buildings around it is fantastic, but the actual functioning of the neighborhood isn't all that great. Not dangerous, just run down and gritty...not to mention Jefferson Avenue is like a nine lane freeway running past the Kean's front doors.

[FrancoRey]

It's big, it's unique, and it's in Denver:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/04/DIA_Airport_Roof.jpg

The terminal building at Denver International Airport (courtesy Wikipedia)

[Dalreg]

http://www.denardis.com/specialimage/s_images/haj1.jpg

http://m3mary.com/figures/hajj_terminal_jeddah.jpg

Looks very similar to Jeddah Airport, Saudi Arabia.

[FrancoRey]

Hmm...yeah the tents are very similar. The DIA roof was supposed to symbolize the Rocky Mountains...the ones in Saudi Arabia appear to be actual, open-air tents. God knows we could NEVER get away with that here when it snows! The DIA roof actually collapsed in-part when we had a huge blizzard.

[Chitown]

This is a no-brainer for residents of Crown Point:

http://www.indianalaw.to/courthouse-pics/old-lake-county-courthouse-crown-point.jpg
The old Lake County Courthouse.

[Paintballer1708]

PPG Place here in Pittsburgh

http://www.elftmann.com/images/980418-Pittsburgh-02.jpg


http://www.americancompanies.com/images_big/ppg.jpg

[marcus]

I like the BOFA building in Baltimore. i also like the donald schaefer bulilding in baltimore.

[satsuchan]

In little Terre Haute, Indiana - the county courthouse, completed in 1888.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c272/cjfjapan/vigo01.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c272/cjfjapan/523822051tmOOva_ph.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c272/cjfjapan/VigoCountyCourthouse.jpg