1. The OLD National Library of Greece (Athens, Greece)
2. The Supreme Court of Israel, Jerusalem
3. The United States Supreme Court Building (Washington, D.C., USA)
4. MASDAR CITY, ABU DHABI, UAE
5. THE LUXOR HOTEL AND CASINO (LAS VEGAS, USA)
6. THE BABYLON HOTEL IN BAGHDAD, IRAQ
7. THE ZIGGURAT BUILDING, WEST SACRAMENTO, USA
8. SIS BUILDING, LONDON, UK
9. AL ZAQURA BUILDING, BAGHDAD, IRAQ
10. PYRAMID OF KAZAN, TATARSTAN, RUSSIA
11. THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT IN STRASBOURG
In the world of architecture, we often observe the ethos of "what goes around, comes around," as inspiration frequently circles back to the past. The allure of the ancient world, with its grandeur, symmetry, and intricate detailing, has long captivated modern architects. Indeed, the enduring charm of Greek, Egyptian, and Mesopotamian architecture is evident in some of the most celebrated modern buildings worldwide. This article will explore five such edifices that seamlessly blend the aesthetic and structural principles of antiquity with contemporary design elements.
1. The OLD National Library of Greece (Athens, Greece)
The Old National Library of Greece, a neoclassical masterpiece nestled in the heart of Athens, stands as a testament to the vision of Danish architect Theophil Hansen. Completed in 1903, this iconic edifice is a part of the neoclassical trilogy of Athens, embodying the revival of classical Greek architectural principles during the 19th century. Hansen's design meticulously incorporates elements of ancient Greek temples, such as Doric columns and a symmetrical façade, invoking the grandeur and scholarly legacy of classical Athens. The building not only served as a beacon of knowledge, housing a vast collection of Greek manuscripts and books, but also as a symbol of the intellectual renaissance that Greece experienced during its modern nation-building. The Old National Library of Greece, with its elegant proportions and adherence to classical aesthetics, remains a cherished landmark, reflecting Hansen's ability to harmonize architectural heritage with the functional needs of a modern library.
2. The Supreme Court of Israel, Jerusalem
In Jerusalem, the Supreme Court of Israel is a prime example of how traditional elements have influenced modern architecture. The architects, Ram Karmi and Ada Karmi-Melamede, designed the building to reflect both historical continuity and modern values. The court's design, which drew inspiration from ancient Greek and Roman forums, creates a setting that promotes open discussion and public discourse. The use of Jerusalem stone in its construction bridges the gap between ancient building materials and contemporary architectural practices, embodying the fusion of the old and the new.
3. The United States Supreme Court Building (Washington, D.C., USA)
Cass Gilbert's 1935 completion of the United States Supreme Court Building shows a clear influence from classical Greek architecture. The façade of this building exemplifies the symmetry, clarity, and grandeur of ancient Greek temple architecture with its imposing central pediment and Corinthian columns. Yet, it incorporates modern functionality within, bridging the gap between ancient inspiration and contemporary necessity.
4. Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, UAE
While Masdar City is a modern sustainable urban development project rather than a single building, its design philosophy draws heavily from ancient desert architecture, particularly that of ancient Mesopotamia and the Islamic Golden Age. The city's narrow streets and low-rise buildings are designed to maximize shade and cool the air, a principle directly borrowed from ancient urban planning in hot climates. Additionally, the use of wind towers, inspired by traditional Arabic architecture, for natural ventilation is a modern adaptation of ancient techniques for environmental control.
5. The Luxor Hotel and Casino (Las Vegas, USA)
In a city known for its extravagant and often whimsical architecture, The Luxor Hotel and Casino stands out for its dedication to the aesthetic of ancient Egypt. A sizable glass pyramid and a replica of the Great Sphinx are both features of the 1993-completed complex. Although the building’s glitzy lights and interior are quintessentially Las Vegas, the external homage to Egyptian grandeur is unmistakable.
6. the Babylon Hotel in Baghdad, Iraq
The Babylon Hotel is a well-known landmark close to the Tigris River that Rifat Chadirji, a renowned Iraqi architect, originally created in the 1970s and opened in the 1980s. It's a remarkable blend of traditional Mesopotamian design principles and modern architectural approaches. The hotel's architectural design draws heavily from ancient Babylonian inspiration. Chadirji conceived the structure as a modern interpretation of the famous Ishtar Gate, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. He created an architectural metaphor by incorporating vertical gardens into the building's façade, emulating the lush greenery of the ancient hanging gardens.
Additionally, the structure's layout, which features copies of ziggurats from ancient Mesopotamia in the form of arches, terraces, and brick patterns,. The widespread use of brickwork, a hallmark of traditional Mesopotamian architecture, provides a robust visual connection to Iraq's illustrious past. However, Chadirji applied these elements in a distinctly modernist style, creating a structure that fits comfortably into the 20th-century skyline while acknowledging the architectural heritage of the region.
7. The Ziggurat Building, West Sacramento, USA
A striking example of a contemporary structure with ziggurat influences is the Ziggurat Building in West Sacramento, California. Completed in 1997, this office building explicitly mimics the terraced-step pyramid design of Mesopotamian ziggurats. Its exterior features a series of staggered levels that recede as they rise, creating a profile that closely resembles that of its ancient predecessors. The building serves as a contemporary workplace while paying homage to the architectural ingenuity of ancient civilizations.
8. SIS Building, London, UK
The SIS Building, also known as the MI6 Building, which houses the British Secret Intelligence Service on the banks of the River Thames in London, incorporates design elements reminiscent of ziggurats. The building, which Terry Farrell designed and finished in 1994, has a series of stepped terraces that resemble the shape of ancient ziggurats but in a more modernist interpretation. While primarily serving as an office building, its design integrates the monumental and defensive characteristics of ziggurats, reflecting the building's secretive and secure functions.
9. Al Zaqura Building, Baghdad, Iraq
The Al Zaqura Building stands as a contemporary architectural marvel, drawing its inspiration from the rich heritage of Islamic and ancient Mesopotamian architecture. This structure seamlessly blends traditional design elements, such as intricate geometric patterns and the iconic ziggurat form, with modern engineering and sustainability practices. Its unique silhouette, reminiscent of the towering ziggurats, not only pays homage to the architectural ingenuity of ancient civilizations but also symbolizes the bridging of past and present. Located in a region steeped in history, the Al Zaqura Building serves as a cultural beacon, showcasing the enduring influence of Islamic artistry and Mesopotamian structural prowess on modern architectural landscapes. Through its design, the building captures the essence of its historical inspirations while providing a state-of-the-art space for contemporary use, embodying a fusion of time-honored aesthetics and cutting-edge technology.
10. Pyramid of Kazan, Tatarstan, Russia
The Pyramid of Kazan, located in Tatarstan, Russia, is an intriguing architectural feat that stands as a modern homage to the ancient pyramidal structures found in various cultures around the world. The Kazan Pyramid, created in 2002 by renowned Tatar architect Ildar Khanov, serves as both a cultural hub and a representation of harmony between various religions and ideologies. Its striking glass and steel structure rises sharply against the skyline, inviting visitors into a multi-functional space that houses a concert hall, a museum, and an ecumenical temple. The building's design, while futuristic, echoes the timeless allure and spiritual significance of pyramids throughout history, offering a unique blend of the ancient and the avant-garde. The Pyramid of Kazan thus represents a bold architectural statement, reflecting the region's rich cultural diversity and its aspirations for harmony and understanding among its people.
11. The European Parliament in Strasbourg
The European Parliament building in Strasbourg, particularly its Louise Weiss building, often draws comparisons to the Tower of Babel, not just in its striking architectural form but also in its symbolic implications. Its circular, intricate glass facade, topped with a tower that appears unfinished, and 1999 completion by Architecture-Studio evoke the biblical tale of the Tower of Babel, in which humanity's ambition led to the construction of a tower tall enough to reach the heavens, only to result in confusion and dispersion. This metaphorical association underscores the European Parliament's mission to foster unity while acknowledging the diversity of languages and cultures within the European Union. The building, with its modernist interpretation of the Tower of Babel, reflects the EU's ideals of multilingualism, cooperation, and the complex beauty of unity in diversity. The European Parliament in Strasbourg serves as a modern monument to the possibility of fostering understanding and cooperation in a setting where linguistic and cultural identities are diverse.
In conclusion, the enduring allure of Greek, Egyptian, and Mesopotamian architecture continues to find resonance in the realm of modern design. Whether through explicit homage or subtle adoption of form and balance, the structures profiled above highlight the captivating dialogue between the architectural wisdom of antiquity and the innovative spirit of the present. These modern buildings, inspired by antiquity, are a testament to the timeless appeal and continued relevance of our architectural heritage.
