Urban Cactus

Have you ever seen a residential block like this...


If you have any other examples then please let me know, but for the moment, I'm mesmerized by this. This is called the Urban Cactus and it's a concept proposed for the Rotterdam harbour.


The designers (UCX Architects) have created a concept for how 98 residents can live in 19 floors. The main motivation was that it needed to create a green image due to its location by the harbour and each apartment needed optimum sunshine exposure. Thanks to the rotatory design, each balcony has a larger outdoor space than you'd usually find in an ordinary tower block.

Thankfully, this design has been accepted and building should be commencing next year. Can't wait to see it in the flesh.

The Soundhouse

The Soundhouse is part of the Department of Music at the University of Sheffield. It offers a standard recording studios and rehearsal rooms for its studios, but with a difference. The exterior is covered in sound insulating black rubber, which has obvious advantages.



Using three floors to represent the style of its surroundings (the Portobello area), the 'music box' offers a striking building that you can't help but admire.

Modern Car Park

Last week, I was walking through Sheffield to meet my girlfriend and I came across this...


When you look at this building in context of where's it's located, it truly does stand out from the crowd. I later found out that this was a multi-story car park and I've never seen one like it before. It's inspiring to see how a bog-standard building shape has been simply modified to create something that's visually stunning.

Font Magica de Montjuic

Earlier this year, me and my girlfriend went to Barcelona for a couple of weeks in the hope of sun, sea and sand - we were lucky to be graced with all three. Like most British tourists, we saw the familiar sights: la Sagrada Familia, the Picasso museum, Casa Battlo etc. They were all very impressive, particularly la Sagrada Familia which should hopefully be completed in 2026.

The one that stood out above the rest was the Font Magica de Montjuic; a fountain that performs a display of water and light to classical music every night. I realize that I may not be doing this spectacular event justice so hopefully these pictures will...






Not sure sure whether this qualifies as architecture but it was certainly a piece of inspiration: a woman sat on the seats actually began crying during the night we were there. It was one of the most alternative evenings I've ever spent but one I will never forget.

Santiago Calatrava

First came across Mr. Calatrava in the second year of secondary school and he's been my favourite architect ever since. His work is just amazing to look at. Here come those Google images...

Tenerife Opera House


Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències

Chords Bridge

Turning Torso

Wish I could of posted my own pictures of these amazing sights for myself - I never get bored of looking at his work. They perform a function; shelter, accommodation or a public use but with an invigorating twist. Any object that combines function with aesthetic appeal ticks my boxes.