Galactic structures: cosmic architectural wonders

Chemosphere, Los Angeles

The one-story octagonal building called Chemosphere was designed by American architect John Lautner and built in 1960 in the Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles. The building has an area of 200 square meters and rests on a concrete column about 9 meters high. This design is not just an aesthetic choice but was necessitated by the site's natural 45-degree slope, which made traditional house construction impossible. Access to Chemosphere is provided via a funicular. Despite its unusual appearance, the interior of the house is very cozy and safe. The high wooden ceilings offer excellent thermal insulation. The windows provide a panoramic view of the San Fernando Valley. The house is equipped with everything necessary: a kitchen, living room, bedroom, bathroom, and laundry room. The sewage system runs inside the concrete column on which the house stands.

Evoluon, Eindhoven

The Evoluon building was constructed in 1966 in the Dutch city of Eindhoven to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Philips corporation. The project was designed by architect Louis Christian Kalff, but the initial idea belonged to Fritz Philips, the chairman of the board, who sketched the first draft on a paper napkin. Originally, the building served as a museum of man and progress, showcasing exhibits that told the story of the past, present, and future of science and technology. In the 1980s, the museum's popularity declined, and since 1999, Evoluon has become a conference center for Philips divisions. It hosts seminars, symposiums, and trade exhibitions. Under the impressive dome with a diameter of 77 meters, there are facilities covering a total area of about 2,700 square meters, capable of accommodating up to 1,200 people. The conference rooms and VIP meeting rooms are named after planets and stars.

Museum of Modern Art, Niterói

The Museum of Contemporary Art in the Brazilian city of Niteroi was opened in 1996. The project was designed by renowned Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer in collaboration with structural engineer Bruno Contarini. Construction lasted five years. There are several versions of the origin of the idea of the museum. According to one of them, presented in Mark Henry Weinberg's "Oscar Niemeyer, Architect in Step with the Century," Niemeyer was the architect who designed the museum. pace with the century," Niemeyer was inspired by a view of Rio de Janeiro that he observed from an aircraft that looked like a flying saucer. The moment he landed, that vision became a museum.

Architectural uniqueness of domes

The architectural vision of people has always driven them to create amazing buildings that captivate the imagination and become true technical and design marvels. One such architectural achievement is dome-shaped buildings. They look unusual and breathtaking, turning into a hallmark of various cities around the world.

The splendor of Brazilian designs

For example, in Brazil, there is a three-story building 16 meters tall with a dome 50 meters in diameter located on an elevation by the lakeshore, creating an impression of lightness and spaciousness. A similar architectural work is the Sapporo Dome, which is famous for its unique design and large area, combining sports and entertainment for thousands of spectators.

Spanish architectural elegance

The dome of the Evo restaurant in Barcelona is noteworthy for its unique architectural concept. concept. Its design looks amazing and resembles a UFO among the Spanish city. From its height, visitors enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding streets and sights.

Engineering mastery in China

The Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai is not only a symbol of the World Expo 2010 but also a gem of architecture following the event. Located on the banks of the Huangpu River, it impresses with its shape and functionality, representing a new level of engineering excellence and modern technology.

Chemosphere

The Chemosphere, a single-story octagonal building in Los Angeles, was designed by American architect John Lautner. It was built in 1960 in the Hollywood Hills and was featured in an episode of the film "Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle."

The structure, covering an area of 200 m², rests on a concrete pillar nearly 9 m high. This design is not an architect's whim, but a practical solution to a challenging problem: the site was unsuitable for building a traditional house, as the natural slope angle reaches 45° in this area. You can reach the Chemosphere via a funicular.

Despite the unusual exterior design, the house gives a feeling of comfort and security.