Ema is a trained architect, writer and photographer who works as a Junior Architect at REX in NYC. Inspired by her global experiences, she shares captivating insights into the world’s most extraordinary cities and buildings and provides travel tips on her blog, The Travel Album.

When it comes to travel, food often takes center stage. We see countless travel blogs and guides centered around culinary exploration — sampling street food in Bangkok, indulging in croissants in Paris, or seeking out the best gelato in Rome. While there is no denying the appeal of experiencing a region’s gastronomy, I would argue that architecture offers an equally, if not more, compelling reason to travel. Architecture is the silent storyteller of a place, reflecting its culture, history, and aspirations in a way that food alone cannot. Let’s take a moment to consider why we should travel for architecture, not just for food.

Architecture: The Universal Language of Travel

DZ Bank Berlin by Gehry Partners, Berlin, Germany

One of the most fascinating aspects of architecture is its ability to communicate without the need for translation. Where food might require an understanding of local ingredients, methods, and sometimes even cultural customs, architecture transcends these boundaries. A building or structure can evoke emotion, inspire awe, and reveal the ingenuity of its creators without requiring prior knowledge of its origin.

Take for example the inspiring Gothic cathedrals of Europe or the sleek, modernist lines of Frank Gehry’s designs. These structures are instantly recognizable and leave an impression that speaks to people from all walks of life. Architecture, much like art, is a universal language that invites exploration and interpretation regardless of where you’re from or what you know about a particular culture. You don’t need to be able to grasp the intricacies of construction to appreciate the sheer grandeur of iconic buildings or to stand in awe of their innovative designs. In this way, architecture offers a truly universal experience that crosses borders, much like a shared language.

Architecture: A Feast for the Eyes and Soul

Centre Pompidou Metz by Shigeru Ban Architects, Metz, France

While food offers an ephemeral pleasure, architecture provides a lasting experience one that engages the senses over time. A meal can be delicious, even memorable, but it is fleeting. Architecture, on the other hand, remains as a lasting imprint of a city’s character and history, withstanding the test of time.

Consider the Colosseum in Rome. As a structure that has withstood nearly two millennia, its impact is far more enduring than even the most revered Italian cuisine (in my opinion). The experience of standing before this ancient amphitheater, imagining the history that unfolded within its walls, offers an emotional depth that far surpasses any plate of pasta. Architecture allows us to connect not just with a place in the present, but with its past, its evolution over centuries, and its role in shaping the lives of those who came before us. It is a way of engaging with history in three dimensions.

The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, for example, stands as a testament to how architecture can reshape entire cities. Frank Gehry’s design is not only an extraordinary piece of architecture but also a transformative project that revitalized a city. The structure itself is more than a venue for art exhibitions; it is an artwork that elevates the urban experience. Visitors from around the world are drawn to witness how it embodies the intersection of art, architecture and urban renewal. The success of the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao has stimulated local economy and inspired other cities to invest in architectural projects as catalysts for urban renewal and economic growth. This case underlines the unique power of architecture to not only serve functional or aesthetic purposes but also to foster socio-economic development and cultural renaissance in urban settings. The experience of walking around and within such a structure feeds not just the eyes but also the soul. This lasting impact is something that architecture uniquely provides.

Architectural Destinations Over Culinary Hotspots

Blue Planet by 3XN, Kastrup, Denmark

While many travel destinations are celebrated for their food scenes, I would argue that their architecture is the true highlight. Whereas meals are transient, the experience of architecture is lasting. The spaces and buildings we explore continue to resonate with us long after we return home. They provide a place for us to gather, explore and experience either in groups or alone, and each person individually perceives and interprets these buildings and spaces uniquely. The grandeur of a city’s skyline or the quiet dignity of a well-designed public park influences our perceptions of a place and our memories of it. These architectural experiences shape our narratives of travel and become landmarks in our personal and shared histories.

Take Paris, for instance. While food enthusiasts may seek out the best patisseries, it is the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the intricate beauty of Haussmannian buildings that truly define the city. Paris is remembered as much for its architectural splendor as for its culinary delights. Similarly, consider Chicago. Famous for its deep-dish pizza, yes, but even more so for the architecture that makes it unique. From the soaring Willis Tower to the elegant lines of Mies van der Rohe’s modernist buildings and the playful reflective curves of The Bean, Chicago’s architectural heritage defines the city far more profoundly than its local dishes. Architecture becomes the enduring hallmark of these cities — the signature feature that remains long after the memory of a meal has faded.

Architecture is Global, Food is Local

Tianjin Binhai Library by MVRDV, Tianjin, China

Another compelling argument in favor of architecture as the true focus of travel is its global nature. While culinary traditions are often limited to specific regions — such as authentic Neapolitan pizza in Italy or traditional sushi in Japan — architecture has a far-reaching, global presence. Roman aqueducts, for instance, can be found throughout Europe and the Mediterranean, a testament to the widespread influence of Roman engineering.

This brings me to another key point: traveling for architecture offers significant educational benefits. It exposes us to different architectural movements, design philosophies and engineering feats. This exposure is not just academic; it informs our understanding of space and functionality, influencing everything from our aesthetic preferences to our ideas about living environments. For those interested in design, urban planning or art, the educational benefits of architectural travel are immense. Architecture allows travelers to witness how ideas, styles and innovations transcend borders. It reveals the interconnections between cultures and provides a broader understanding of global history, politics and economics, much more so than food, which remains tightly tied to its local roots.

Architecture Offers Adventure and Engagement

Danish National Maritime Museum by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), Helsingør, Denmark

While culinary travel may lead us to vibrant markets or celebrated restaurants, it is often a more passive experience. Architecture, on the other hand, offers adventure and engagement. Choosing architecture as the focus of our travels encourages us to look up and beyond the immediate gratifications of sensory experiences. It invites us to engage with our surroundings more thoughtfully and to appreciate the interplay of light, space, and material that only architecture can offer. As travelers, if we shift our gaze from the dining tables to the cityscapes, we might discover not just new sights but new ways of seeing.

Take the winding streets of Venice, where every turn offers a new discovery of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque buildings. Walking through Venice is an immersive experience, where architecture becomes an adventure in itself, pulling you deeper into the city’s history and culture. Or consider Machu Picchu, where the architecture is not just something to admire but something to physically engage with — climbing the terraces, moving through the ruins, and immersing yourself in the landscape. In my opinion, architecture is often overlooked and taken for granted because it’s a constant presence in our lives. But I strongly believe that it encourages travelers to look deeper, to explore more fully, and to engage with their surroundings in a way that food simply cannot.

A Lasting Impression

While the delights of global cuisine are undeniable, the benefits of traveling for architecture provide a more profound, enduring and enriching experience. It is an invitation to engage with the world on a deeper level, offering insights not just into how people live, but how they aspire to live. For those seeking a truly transformative travel experience, architecture offers a path that is as intellectually rewarding as it is visually spectacular.

While food offers a sensory pleasure, it is temporary. Architecture, however, leaves a lasting impression. It defines cities, tells the story of cultures, and offers us a glimpse into the minds and hands that shaped the world. The next time you plan a trip, rather than searching for the best restaurants or street food stalls, consider focusing on the architecture.. or at least both. It will leave you with a deeper understanding of the place, its people, and its history. Architecture, after all, is the true feast — one that nourishes the soul and continues to inspire long after the journey has ended.

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The post “We Should Travel for Architecture, Not Food. Change My Mind.” appeared first on Journal.

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Unity — it’s something many of us feel we need more of right now. Each day, the world seems to become more connected yet ever more fragmented. From the beginning, architecture has been used as a way to express identity and cultural values, with many genres over the centuries being embedded with symbolism and societal significance. Today, amongst architects and enthusiasts alike, there is a growing appreciation for architectural elements that honor heritage and are rooted in authenticity. Such features allow architects to bridge the divide between local and global communities, helping unify us through a deeper understanding of other societies and building appreciation of our shared histories.

Abrahamic Family House by Adjaye Associates, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates | Jury Winner, Religious Buildings and Memorials, 12th Annual A+Awards | Photo by Dror Baldinger

The mashrabiya, a hallmark of Islamic architecture, is one such element — a time-honored feature that speaks to the ingenuity of our ancestors, is full of symbolism, and continues to have a functionality that is as relevant and useful in the modern world as it was in ancient times.

The origins of mashrabiya might just be as varied as the patterns they are made of. Emerging from the Islamic world’s golden age (somewhere between the 8th and 14th centuries), this innovative architectural element has traveled across time and continents. Having left its mark on buildings from Marrakesh to Baghdad, from the palatial homes of Ottoman Istanbul to the wind-swept streets of Al-Andalus. It is since then, in these varied locations, that the mashrabiya has been adopted and adapted by many different regions and cultures.

The term “mashrabiya” is derived from the Arabic word “mashrafa,” which means a place of drinking or refreshment. Initially, it referred to an area where water jars were placed to cool, benefiting from the breeze that would pass through the detailed latticework. Over time, mashrabiya evolved into the name for an intricate wooden screen that adorned the windows and balconies of not only this space but all windows in the home.

Abrahamic Family House by Adjaye Associates, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates | Jury Winner, Religious Buildings and Memorials, 12th Annual A+Awards. | Photo by Dror Baldinger

It’s easy to be captivated by the intricate wooden lattices of mashrabiyas. They typically have delicate patterns that cast dappled light onto floors and walls. Many would think they are merely decorative elements, embellishments to simple stone buildings. However, these lattices are an ingenious blend of form and function and were some of the earliest methods for controlling solar gain in regions with high solar irradiance.

Mashrabiyas shield interiors from the harsh glare of the sun, channeling cooling breezes into rooms and offering privacy without severing the connection to the world outside. The latticework allows for diffused light to enter a room, reducing glare and minimizing the harshness of direct sunlight. This diffusion of light protects interiors from overheating and minimizes the need for artificial lighting, ultimately conserving energy. Studies in passive cooling techniques have demonstrated that these kinds of traditional methods can reduce indoor temperatures by as much as 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 15 degrees Celsius), creating more comfortable living conditions without reliance on modern HVAC systems.

United States Consulate General by Richärd Kennedy Architects, Hyderabad, India | Jury Winner, Government and Civic Buildings, 12th Annual A+Awards | Photograph by Gabe Border

Equally, mashrabiyas are designed to improve and facilitate natural ventilation. The small apertures in the lattice create a stack effect, where cooler air from the exterior is drawn in while warmer air is expelled through other openings, which creates a natural cooling breeze within the space without the need for excessive energy use.In recent years, with many towns and cities facing an increase in overall temperature and a desire to adopt energy-conscious architectural systems, mashrabiyas are experiencing a revival. As architects and designers search for ways to infuse contemporary buildings with local character and sustainable design principles, the centuries-old mashrabiya is regarded as an obvious solution. It is being reinterpreted and reimagined, not only in the Middle East but in cities around the globe.

United States Consulate General by Richärd Kennedy Architects, Hyderabad, India | Jury Winner, Government and Civic Buildings, 12th Annual A+Awards | Photo by Gabe Border

While installing a mashrabiya is a fantastic technical solution for climate issues, there is an additional benefit to adopting such historically and culturally significant design styles. These styles have the potential to bridge divides — not just between interior and exterior spaces but also between cultures, eras and even ideologies.

The patterns of the mashrabiya are not arbitrary. They often follow complex geometric principles that are found in various forms of Islamic art. In Islamic culture, geometric patterns are used to represent the infinite nature of creation and the togetherness of the cosmos. The repetition of geometric shapes symbolizes the infinite nature of Allah, a theme that is incredibly meaningful within Islamic spiritual thought. With that in mind, this same symbolism is a useful tool for architects who wish to convey unity with their designs.

Additionally, the mashrabiya is an excellent example of commonly explored architectural philosophy, the reconciliation of opposites, or juxtapositions. Mashrabiya can balance light and shade, control visibility and privacy, and today blend tradition and innovation. This duality is a direct reflection of the rich culture that defines Islamic architecture and one that resonates powerfully across the wider architecture community.

OFFICE @ 63 by Sanjay Puri Architects, Navi Mumbai, India | Popular Winner, Commercial Interiors (<25000 sq ft), 12th Annual A+Awards | (Also pictured at top of article)  

In multicultural urban centers, mashrabiya-inspired designs can be used as a visual and conceptual link for unity. They can honor local heritage while implementing highly modern architectural techniques, creating buildings that are both a celebration of culture and forward-thinking architecture. Whether in the context of a modern skyscraper or a restored historic building, the mashrabiya is a feature that highlights how architecture has the potential to be more than just a building.

In the end, the mashrabiya, an amazing, functional architectural element, can also be seen as an opportunity to navigate the complexities of the modern world. It shows us that true innovation often lies in the reimagining of tradition and that in finding new ways to balance the needs of the individual with those of the community, the local with the global, we might look to symbolism for answers. As we continue to search for solutions to the challenges of our time, the mashrabiya offers a model of how architecture can contribute to a more harmonious, interconnected world. And in its delicate latticework, we might just find the key to unlocking a future that is as cohesive as it is diverse.

The post Cultural Lattices: The Architectural Evolution of the Modern Mashrabiya appeared first on Journal.

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Homogenous. Boring. Bulky. Ugly.

These are some of the characterizations Athenians use to describe the buildings in which they live. The famous polykatoikia is a multi-housing apartment block whose name derives from poly, meaning many, and katoikia, meaning residence. This dominant morphological form has shaped Athens’ architectural identity since the early 20th century.

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In 1933, a group of architects, theoreticians and artists boarded the ship Patris II to travel from Marseille to Athens to carry out the CIAM IV Conference (Congrès Internationaux d’Architecture Moderne) titled “the Functional City”. Le Corbusier (architect), Fernand Léger (artist), Christian Zervos (art critic) and Siegfried Giedion (architectural historian) irreversibly shaped the future of Athens’s built environment by advocating and promoting the modernist movement, thus inspiring Greek architects to produce the first designs of the Athenian Polykatoikia.

Until the 1950s, polykatoikias slowly overshadowed the many two-story neoclassical houses that stood as the predominant form of residence throughout the city. However, in the late 1950s, following the devastating losses of the Second World War and the Greek Civil War, large parts of the population were leaving the countryside to migrate to the country’s capital in search of a better life. Consequently, the need for housing in Athens grew exponentially, and a new law, antiparochi, was created that changed the trajectory of the city’s urban layout forever. The law of antiparochi allowed landowners to exchange their plots for ownership of some of the apartments in the new polykatoikia constructed on their land, resulting in the erection of countless polykatoikia buildings in record time.

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The positive effects of antiparochi were that the people from the countryside managed to find not only homes but also jobs in the construction industry. However, throughout the polykatoikia bloom, which mostly took place during the 1950s through to the 1980s, most of the buildings were not designed and materialized by architects but rather by contractors, who would relentlessly copy the basic morphological features, leading to the production of many uninspiring, identical multi-housing units. As a result only a few architectural “gems” can be found in a sea of repetitive concrete blocks. Furthermore, due to the rapid construction, any attempt for proper urban planning practices could simply not keep up and, as a result, polykatoikias were above the control of building regulations and often situated in areas without any proper infrastructure.

If a person asks a present-day Athenian whether they find their city beautiful, the most likely response would be “No.” The aspiration of an Athens filled with neoclassical buildings, which was initially brought to the city by western European philhellenes, is a recurring 21st century dream. Nevertheless, this was not the case for the 1950s “modern” housewife. The polykatoikia introduced a functional way of living, filled with new amenities that were unprecedented at that time. People who lived in neoclassical houses had no immediate access to water, no preinstalled heating system and often had to go outside to use the bathroom facilities. The carefully decorated and carved façades, although beautiful and somewhat reminiscent of the (glorious) ancient Greek past, did not satisfy the needs of the 20th century Athenian.

Torre della Nostlagia by 314 architecture studio, Athens, Greece

Furthermore, the polykatoikia introduced a new social organization. For the first time in history, wealthy and poor were living in the same building and neighborhood. In a typical polykatoikia, the ground floor would most likely be a shop, a café, a restaurant or a bar, then the first couple of floors would be occupied by the lower social classes while the upper floors would house wealthier families; in fact, in later years some apartments would be turned into workspaces and, more recently, Airbnbs. This groundbreaking and totally spontaneous functional and social organization resulted in a city that seams homogenous but is actually the complete opposite: it is a vibrant built environment that truly never sleeps.

Residential building by Kordas Architects, Athens, Greece

Still, almost 50 years have passed since the glorious days of the polykatoikia and it is time to reflect once more. Athens is currently facing an array of predominantly environmental problems, where a concrete “carpet” has covered entirely the natural landscape of the Attica basin. Amidst the concrete there are almost no green spaces, the existing rivers flow underground and Athens has become the hottest city in Europe. Fortunately, the “mix” of social classes has been preserved however, the growing tourist waves and golden visa initiatives are threatening housing for the four-million Athenians, who continue to live in polykatoikias in need of urgent restoration in both their interior and exterior.

35 sqm Micro-apartment by Oikonomakis Siampakoulis architects, Athens, Greece

So, what happens next? In a city that has been dominated by such a strong architectural typology, how can contemporary architects push this identity forward, tackling present-day challenges while preserving all the positive aspects of the polykatoikia? Projects with green balconies and roofs, sustainable cladding materials and designs that strive for an A+ ranking in energy efficiency are slowly improving the urban fabric. Some architects also claim that certain demolition works are unavoidable to free up space for planting and public use. Throughout this article, the actual architecture of the polykatoikia is not discussed but rather its wider social, political, economic and environmental implications. True, its simple, clean, modernist form is perhaps what allowed it to multiply in such a fast pace. Still, the most important initiative for architects would be to collectively research, gather and respond to the 2024 needs of the Greek capital and I am positive that the evolution of the Athenian architectural identity will follow.

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Top image: Marylinalcyonova, Building Density beneath Lycabettus Hill in Athens Greece 01, CC BY-SA 4.0

The post The Complicated Case of Polykatoikia, Athens’ Famous Postwar Apartment Blocks appeared first on Journal.

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“Frameless” is the UK’s largest permanent multi-sensory art experience. In 1928, the Regal, one of the country’s most renowned cinemas, opened in Marble Arch in central London. Following WWII, the building reopened as Odeon movie theatre and in 2016, it became a mixed-use residential development with a very large (and empty) basement, initially intended to be converted yet into another cinema. Instead, the space was eventually transformed into four galleries, showcasing some of the world’s greatest works of art in the most innovative and immersive way possible.

Visitors experience the works of Dali, Monet, Kandinsky and van Gogh literally from the inside: they are not mere observers but rather stand within the art that envelops them, able to see, experience, and to some extent interact with the paintings’ tiniest details, while listening to carefully crafted soundscapes. The four galleries, Beyond Reality, Color in Motion, the World Around Us and the Art of Abstraction, recreate, through a series of projections, famous paintings from surrealism to impressionism and abstraction, and redefine what a traditional art gallery should be.

As an architect, I can’t help but wonder what sort of construction expertise and technology was required in order to materialize such complicated and large scale project. According to project manager James Griffiths, construction commenced in October 2021 and was completed in the impressive timeframe of only nine months. The three primary design principles of the project included: constructing a “narrative of materials”, having as little environmental impact as possible and operating “Frameless” with renewable energy.

According to project architect Angus Pond, different bases such as stone, metal, glass and fabrics were used to ‘create an environment that combines utilitarian functionality with a sense of glamor and even theatrical overtones.’ In parallel, the construction team found innovative techniques to reuse as much of the materials found on site and eventually power the venue by using 93% renewable energy. After the interior shell of the space was constructed, an impressive amount fifty 3-Chip DPL laser projectors were installed, delivering 479 million pixels and 1 million lumens of brightness and vivid colors, clearly depicting every brushstroke and splash of paint, and were complimented by 158 loudspeakers that emanated 360-degree surround sound.

Similarly to how artists throughout the centuries sought to bring their dreams, nightmares and myths into reality, “frameless” is a type of architecture that merges spatial technology, design and construction in order to transport the people living in reality to imaginary worlds. The project is an example of immersive architecture, proving that even though there is an array of implementation challenges, it is not impossible to create real-world “phygital” (physical and digital) environments.

Immersive architecture is most likely found in art and exhibition as well as entertainment venues, retail and commercial stores and public spaces, and has gradually become an integral part of the discipline, where carefully curated imagery, light, sounds and textures create impactful experiences that surpass traditional spatial design. Brand flagship stores often integrate interactive displays or creative lighting and acoustic solutions to “connect” the customer with their products. Installations in public spaces react to environmental changes, the time of the day and even to individual users, while performance spaces utilize projectors and surround sound to deliver state-of-the-art experiences.

Jewel Changi Airport by RSP Architects Planners & Engineers, Singapore

Still, what is so beneficial about this concept of hybrid reality and immersive architecture? Apart from the fact that spaces will continuously become a lot more personalized to each individual, by adding more “ingredients” to architectural design – such as sound, touch and even smell – space becomes more exciting. It is not by chance that such design methods are primarily used for producing entertainment and storytelling experiences since these uses require a person’s utmost attention in order to be successful.

Nevertheless, they point the way to an architecture that prioritizes emotion over function and creates environments that resonate on a deeper, more intuitive level with those who inhabit them. What if we could then extend this approach to hospitals, schools and even transportation facilities? Ultimately, the benefit of immersive architecture and hybrid reality lies in their ability to humanize spaces, making them more aligned with our emotional and sensory needs.

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Featured image generated by Architizer on Midjourney

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