Architecture

January 2, 2017

Family Lives in the Arctic Circle by Building Cob House in a Solar Geodesic Dome

The Arctic Circle conjures up images of extreme weather conditions, but one family has managed to create their own cozy oasis in the far reaches of Norway. The Hjertefølger  family has been living on Norway's Sandhornøya island, where they started their journey into sustainable living, since 2013. Their three-story cob home—built from sand, water, clay, and other organic materials—is encased in an aesthetically pleasing, and functional, solar geodesic dome by Solardome.

Read Article

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.

Read Article

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.

Read Article

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.

Read Article

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.