Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
description: The Hagia Sophia is a classic example of Byzantine architecture. The mosque stands at 182 feet (55.6 m) tall. Its most prominent feature is its large central dome, surrounded and supported by four towering columns, known as minarets. Forty arched windows line the base of this large dome, but more than 200 windows light the structure overall, some of them fitted with stained glass. Smaller half-domes and a variety of columns also line the building’s facade, the latter of which were primarily recycled from older Roman structures. At its base, the structure takes a rectangular shape. Brick, mortar, wood, and metal comprise the outer and supportive structures, while marble, pumice stone, and glass were used for interior decorative features. Carved relief panels and mosaics depicting religious scenes can be found all along the interior. Other Byzantine-style motifs, such as acanthus leaves and palm fronds, can also be found carved into columns and marble panels.
creator: Architect: Anthemius of Tralles and Isidore of Miletus Patron: Emperor Justinian I
source: Image 1: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/22/Hagia_Sophia_Mars_2013.jpg/2560px-Hagia_Sophia_Mars_2013.jpg
source: Image 2: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/00/Hagia_Sofia_%2814193941907%29.jpg/2560px-Hagia_Sofia_%2814193941907%29.jpg
source: Image 3: https://www.jstor.org/stable/community.12084479
source: Image 4: https://www.jstor.org/stable/community.18119327
source: Image 5: https://www.jstor.org/stable/community.18127412
source: Image 6: https://www.jstor.org/stable/community.12289773
source: Image 7: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Deesis_mosaic_Hagia_Sophia.jpg
date: 532 - Construction begins 537 - Construction is completed 1453 - Constantinople falls to Ottoman forces and is converted from an Orthodox Christian church to a mosque 1919 - While under occupation during World War I by the British, French, Italian, and Greek forces, a Divine Liturgy is performed and the mosque is converted back into a church 1935 - Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Turkish President and founder of the Republic of Turkey, converts the building into a museum 2020 - Hagia Sophia is reclassified as a mosque
contributor: Brittany Lumanlan Martin
format: Byzantine Architecture
language: Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey
type: Religious

Temple of Kalabsha
description: The Kalabsha Temple is a large, sandstone complex that was once located at Bab la-Kalabsha, but was relocated in the 1960s to Aswan, Egypt. The temple is built on elevated ground and surrounded by high walls near Lake Nasser. The main entry point is a pylon gateway that leads directly into an open courtyard surrounded by a row of columns and doorways that lead to other halls. Movement in the temple is rather linear, as it features five interior spaces that proceed one after another. Smaller chambers can be found lining the inner passage and a chapel can be accessed using the outer one. Surfaces are decorated with carvings depicting deities, pharaohs, and other symbolic motifs which were colored with pigments that have now faded. The temple was dedicated to the Nubian god Mandulis and was commissioned by Augustus Caesar. Solidifying the monument not only as a place of religious devotion, but also as a sign of Roman authority with its massive scale and magnificence.
creator: Augustus Caesar
source: Image 1: The_Temple_of_Kalabsha_by_Dennis_G._Jarvis
source: Image 2: Kalabsha_temple
source: Image 3: DSC07647_Kalabsha_Temple
source: Image 4:Temple of Gerf Hussein. stone, ca. 13th century BCE, portions of temple moved from original site to New Kalabsha ca. 1960s.
source: Image5:DSC07669_Antient_egiptian_sculpture_close_to_Kalabsha_temple
date: 30 BC
date: 1962 to 1963 (relocated)
contributor: Sultana Rahim
format: Nubian architecture
language: New Kalabsha Island, Egypt
language: originally located at Bab al-Kalabsha (Gate of Kalabsha)
type: Religious
coverage: Museum Island, Berlin

Ta Prohm
description: This Temple structure is an example of a Flat Temple, well known in the region. Consisting of a flat square base, walls surrounding it, a Gopura or entrance gate on each of the walls. These are stepped gates larger than the wall itself. Each facing the cardinal directions. The out facing surfaces of these entrances are decorated with Hindu and Buddhist imagery. Inside the walls are 5 more rectangular enclosures, one inside the next. At the center sits the main Temple, a rectangular main building with a stepped pyramid like tower raising from its center. Each enclosure has a similar smaller structure, including tower. The outstanding detail that makes this temple so unique is it's relationship with the surrounding jungle. Unlike similar temples of this style, conservation efforts focused on keeping this temple in a state of disrepair, as the jungle had reclaimed much of its surface. Now visitors can observe as its courtyards and structures are adorned with both manmade and natural designs. Such as trees growing from between the stone blocks. The entire stone structure is covered in a slight layer of earth and moss.
creator: Khmer King Jayavarman VII
creator: Abandoned when the Khmer Dynasty fell
creator: Rediscovery and conservation efforts done by French archeologists
source: Image 1: Ta Prohm (III).jpg (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ta_Prohm_(III).jpg) Image 2: Ta Prohm reclaimed from forest.jpg (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ta_Prohm_reclaimed_from_forest.jpg) Image 3: Ta Prohm reclaimed.jpg (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ta_Prohm_reclaimed.jpg)
date: Construction: Founded in 1186 CE
date: Abandonment: 15th Century
date: Rediscovery: Early 20th Century
contributor: Waldemar Barrios
language: Krong Siem Reap ,Cambodia
type: Religious

The Palace of Shaki Khans
description: Building Description: Located in Shaki, northwestern Azerbaijan, the Palace of Shaki Khans is a two-story building, used as a summer residence for the Shaki khans. The exterior of the building has an area size of 300 square meters, and was primarily constructed using raw bricks, river stones, wood, which usually consist of plane and oak. The interior, however, was primarily constructed with shebeke, a type of color glass created by Azerbaijani craftspeople, wood, venetian glass. ...
creator: Builder: Muhammed Hasan Khan
source: Image 1 Palace_of_Shaki_Khans.jpg: (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/29/%C5%9E%C9%99ki_xan_saray%C4%B1.jpg)
date: Completed: 1797
contributor: Markeita Durham-Brinkley
format: Eastern/Iranian and Azerbaijani architecture
language: Shaki, northwestern Azerbaijan
type: Palace-Castle

Sannai-Maruyama Longhouse
description: The largest of its kind, the building is a longhouse measured to be 32 meters in length and 9.8 meters in width, with a floor area of approximately 250 square meters. It takes an oval shape on a pitted floor. Its internal structure or skeleton consists of wood pillars, likely made from chestnut, a feature that can be found in surrounding buildings within the community. By modern standards, the longhouse's aesthetics could be described as primitive. The exterior is naturalistic, showcasing the raw materials used in its construction. Specifically, supported by the pillars is a thatched roof. As the building is slightly underground, there are stair entrances on each length of the structure; for modern accessibility, a ramped entrance is also provided. The entrances are defined by their doors, propped open from bottom to top, made of a similar material to the exterior. The building is a modern model of prehistoric, Jomon-era architecture and culture. Since the building’s recreation and opening in 1995, it has been primarily used for public education, with the site's connections to the Jomon Jiyukan (a nearby museum). In its time period, however, the original building was likely a communal space. As Jomon society became increasingly sedentary, communities such as those surrounding the structure developed. Its large size allowed these communities to gather.
creator: Patron - Aomori Prefecture Government (Acting Governor Masaya Kitamura)
source: Image 1 - 140913_Sannai-Maruyama_site_Aomori_Japan02bs5 (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/31/140913_Sannai-Maruyama_site_Aomori_Japan02bs5.jpg)
source: Image 2 - 140913 Sannai-Maruyama site Aomori Japan03s.jpg (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/be/140913_Sannai-Maruyama_site_Aomori_Japan03s.jpg)
source: Image 3 - Sannai IMG 20161009 135532.jpg (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/29/Sannai_IMG_20161009_135532.jpg)
date: Middle Jomon (3900-2200 BC) - Longhouse initially constructed
date: 1992 - Existence of large Jomon community discovered
date: 1994 - Conservation efforts and reconstruction begins
date: 1995 - Archeological park opens with model of Jomon village
contributor: Moanna Dixson
format: Jōmon Pit Dwelling
language: Aomori, Japan
type: Public

Sydney Opera House
description: The building is irregular in its plan. From the exterior, it looks like it is separated into three main areas. However, each of the sections sit upon the same lower levels of the structure, connecting all three together. Each main area is white in color and looks as if they are giant shells nestled inside one another. Each section varies in size, having one small shelled area, one medium, and one large. As for the lower level, it is tan in color, and provides steps for the visitors on one side of the structure, with some windows and entrances on the opposite side. The structure is rather tall, reaching 213 feet in height, which is about equal to 22 stories. Because of the unusual build of this structure, there is really no designation when it comes to how many levels it is. The building materials vary, but mainly it is made of concrete. The building itself is facing the ocean, and, hidden in the giant shells, are stretches of windows that allow light to enter. There are many different entrances sprinkled around the building, leading the visitor through hallways that branch into different rooms, but mainly lead to one giant area that is in the heart of the shells. This building played a large role in shaping the culture for which it comes from. It is an icon, and an image for the country in which it originates. As for the way it was built, it allows for much natural light to seep through as well as creating rather organic shapes while still maintaining a modern feel. The structure more so signals social status. The building evokes sound as a sensory experience.
creator: Main Architect: Jørn Utzon
creator: Architect: Peter Hall
creator: Architect: David Littlemore
creator: Architect: Lionel Todd
source: Image 1: Sydney Opera House-108681.jpg (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3c/Sydney_Opera_House-108681.jpg)
source: Image 2: Sydney (AU), Opera House -- 2019 -- 3061-4.jpg (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3b/Sydney_%28AU%29%2C_Opera_House_--_2019_--_3061-4.jpg)
source: Image 3: Sydney (AU), Opera House -- 2019 -- 2980.jpg (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4c/Sydney_%28AU%29%2C_Opera_House_--_2019_--_2980.jpg)
source: Image 4: First Floor Plan (Sydney Opera House) (5373921522).jpg (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:First_Floor_Plan_(Sydney_Opera_House)_(5373921522).jpg)
source: Image 5: Sydney Opera House (30111403413).jpg (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/07/Sydney_Opera_House_%2830111403413%29.jpg)
date: 1959: Construction began
date: October 20th 1973: Construction finished
date: 2004: A redesigned Reception Hall was finished and renamed as the Utzon Hall
contributor: Hannah Demory
language: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
type: Public

Golestan Palace
description: Building Description: Standing as one of the oldest complexes within Iran, the The Golestan Palace stands as a pinnacle of power and beauty within the region. Currently occupying an area of 11 acres, which was diminished from its original size of 110 acres throughout the years, the building takes the appearance of as not only a palace, but a fortress, that combines styles from both Persian and European architecture, which primarily incorporated stone, marble, wood, glazed tile work, mirror work, and stucco. Additionally, the building is encased within a wall that surrounds the perimeter, which is adorned with various artistic elements, which may hint as symbolic references that are considered meaningful to the country, its history, as well as combing both ancient and modern styles. The wall is also adorned with four cloths of symbolic artworks, that are draped at the entrance, which also illustrates four separate doors for an entrance and exit. While the exact number of floors and rooms within the building is not specified, what is determined is that while they are connected, there are two separate buildings, both having two upper floors with balconies, and a clock tower at the center. Interpretive Reading: The purpose for the creation of the palace was to not only house the royal families that occupied the country, but also as a key aspect of royal events, which also may have included the scene for diplomatic events. Even for this purpose, this building has been the main staple in Iranian history, from its artistic style to its cultural style. This building also reveals the country’s openness towards combining artistic styles from different regions, allowing a mix of diversity and inclusion.
creator: N/A
source: Image 1: Golestan_Palace.jpg: (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/aa/%DA%A9%D8%A7%D8%AE_%DA%AF%D9%84%D8%B3%D8%AA%D8%A7%D9%86_6.jpg)
date: Built & Completed: 16th Century
date: Renovated: 18th Century
date: Reconstructed: 1865
contributor: Markeita Durham-Brinkley
format: Qajar architecture
language: Tehran, Iran
type: Palace-Castle

Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens
description: The Royal Exhibition Building is large and primarily rectangular. The anterior side of the building is the most compressed. A large vault towers above the entrance doors. Two dome-like structures jut out from the top of the vault, giving it a castle-like appearance. The large dome stands proudly on the building. Two massive wings stretch both sides of the building, housing massive corridors. Inside the corridors are various pillars, designs, and works of art. Most of the building’s design language takes inspiration from Roman, Byzantine, and Italian structures. The posterior side of the building houses a smaller, shorter corridor that faces out toward another building. The primary color of the building is white with blueish-green domes and roofing, giving it a striking look. This building's primary purpose is to exhibit the various scientific, artistic, and educational displays during the two primary international exhibitions held there. Though the building itself was also designed to be displayed. It was made to show off Australia on the world stage.
creator: Joseph Reed (1823-1890) (Architect)
creator: David Mitchell (1829-1916) (Builder)
source: Image 1: Royal_Exhibition_Building_Aerial_View (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/47/Royal_Exhibition_Building_Aerial_View.jpg)
source: Image 2: Melb_Royal_Exhibition_-_East_Side(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/25/Melb_Royal_Exhibition_-_East_Side.jpg)
date: 1880 (Date of Construction) 1880 (Melbourne International Exhibition) Between 1880-1888 (Steel pipe was tied to bottom arches to prevent column spreading.) 1888 (Melbourne Centennial International Exhibition) 2004 (Date of inscription into becoming a UNESCO heritage site.)
contributor: Jayce Johnson
format: Roman/ Byzantine/ Italian
language: Carlton, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
type: Public

Prambanan Temple Compounds
description: A massive elevated stone square sits at the center of this compound as foundation. A gate building sits in the middle of each side of the square. In the middle is a large stone structure with a decorated facet and pointed roof reaching 47 metres out to the sky. Flanked by one slightly smaller version of this building to the left and one to the right. Facing this set of buildings is an even smaller row of three structures built similarly to the previous 3 but with a square foundation and uniform in size. The surfaces are decorated with intricate reliefs depicting an ancient epic. Similar motifs decorate the main stone foundation in which these structures sit. The shapes of the buildings are very geometrical, allowing for interesting light reflection and shadow projection. Surrounding this main compound are a series of smaller structures that are undergoing reconstruction, their appearance is not as complete as the main section of the compound. A square wall with protruding faces on each side corrals the entire section. The material of these buildings is stone.
creator: Attributed to the Shailendra dynasty
creator: Finished and Inaugurated during the reign of King Pikatan
creator: Reconstruction done by the Dutch Colonial Government
source: Image 1: temple-598969_1920.jpg , Image by Deny Sabri from Pixabay (https://pixabay.com/photos/temple-candi-prambanan-598969/) Image 2: Prambanan Temple Compound Map en.svg , (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Prambanan_Temple_Compound_Map_en.svg) Image 3: Candi Prambanan - 066 Three Heads, Brahma Temple (12042301204).jpg (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Candi_Prambanan_-_066_Three_Heads,_Brahma_Temple_(12042301204).jpg)
date: Construction: 8th to 9th Century CE
date: Abandoned: 11th Century CE
date: Reconstruction Begins: 1918-1930
date: Reconstruction Finished: 1987-1991 Surrounding shrines still under reconstruction to this day.
contributor: Waldemar Barrios
language: Central Java, Indonesia
type: Religious

Blenheim Palace
description: The main building, or principal block, is rectangular in shape and flanked by two courtyards–the east and west courts, respectively. Together, all three blocks make up the “Great Court”. The structure is built in the English Baroque style. Guests may enter the building through the north facade found at the center of the principal block, which is fronted by both Corinthian and Doric columns. There are three primary floors. Approximately 1,000 windows line the walls of the building, which illuminate its 187 rooms. The structure was primarily built with Cotswold, Portland, and Plymouth stone, however timber and slate have also been used in roof restoration projects. The stone is primarily golden in color.
creator: Architect: Sir John Vanbrugh Patrons: Anne, Queen of Great Britain; John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough
source: Image 1: Blenheim_Palace_-_geograph.org.uk_-_4753811 (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8a/Blenheim_Palace_-_geograph.org.uk_-_4753811.jpg)
source: Image 2: https://www.jstor.org/stable/community.14928371
source: Image 3: https://www.jstor.org/stable/community.14934913
date: 1705 - Construction begins 1722 - Construction is completed 1987 - Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site
contributor: Brittany Lumanlan Martin
format: English Baroque Country House
language: Woodstock, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
type: Palace-Castle