Architecture

December 17, 2016

Street Artist Spray-Paints Colorful Optical Illusion Murals on Buildings

Shrouded in mystery, not much is known about street artist 1010. However, one thing is for certain: he knows how to turn heads. For over a decade now, the Hamburg-based artist has wowed us with his eye-catching public art and unique, portal-inspired paper creations. Now, he continues to showcase his mesmerizing murals on the sides of otherwise unassuming buildings. Like his past creations, his newer, large-scale wall pieces employ a trompe-l’oeil technique to suggest three-dimensionality.

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December 2, 2016

Upside Down Christmas Tree Hangs in the Halls of Tate Britain

Every December, the Tate Britain debuts its much-anticipated Christmas tree. Designed by a different contemporary artist each year, the famed museum’s trees are both yuletide decorations and works of modern art. This year, Iranian installation artist Shirazeh Houshiary has quite literally turned the tradition on its head with her upside-down evergreen. Suspended by its trunk, the tree hovers above the main entrance’s stunning spiral staircase.

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October 12, 2016

Modest-Looking Mosque is a Dazzling Dream Inside

A spectacular surprise awaits visitors to Iran's Shah Cheragh. This funerary monument and mosque, located in Shiraz, has been a treasured pilgrimage monument since the 14th century. Translating to “King of the Light,” Shah Cheragh houses the tombs of Ahmad and Muhammad, sons of the the seventh Shiite Imam Musa al-Kadhim and brothers of the eighth Shiite Imam Ali al-Ridha.

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September 19, 2016

Elderly Japanese Women Live in the World’s Most Enchanting Retirement Home

Nestled among the trees in Shizuoka—a rural prefecture aptly nicknamed “Japan's Riviera”—is a tiny commune of curious cottages. Far from a campsite, these tent-like dwellings comprise Jikka, a charming retirement home designed by Toyko-based architect Issei Suma. The teepee-like design mimics the surrounding mountainous landscape while offering modern comforts inside—perfect for those who've spent their lives laboring, and are looking for more relaxation.

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My Modern Met

Celebrating creativity and promoting a positive culture by spotlighting the best sides of humanity—from the lighthearted and fun to the thought-provoking and enlightening.