Ancient cities are known for their architectural designs of immense value. Studying architecture exposes deep meanings and reflects the culture of societies. Often, architecture refers to structures but it is beyond this meaning. It describes various fields including civil engineering, urbanism, and landscape architecture.
As a student studying architecture at university, you need exposure beyond the school block. A teacher can give you a research project to write about architecture and gentrification. Here you can find free gentrification essays to guide your writing. It is essential to visit cities with great architectural designs to get first-hand exposure in your field and get ideas.
How do Cities Preserve their Architecture?
Documentation
Documenting architectural heritage is a sure means of preservation. It assists in putting the tradition in its proper perspective. There are several instances where it might be challenging to comprehend the precise timing of architectural heritage. Hence, if put into documentation, the relevant information or idea behind the structure becomes accessible.
Rehabilitation
The goal of rehabilitation is to ensure that a structure continues to serve its purpose. After the necessary maintenance and renovations have been made, the building still holds its value. It is permissible to make upgrades, with particular attention paid to the areas of the building that hold historical or cultural significance.
Mothball
Cities preserve their architecture through this process. The structure will remain vacant, shuttered, and guarded against wear and tear or damage that may occur. The objective is to maintain the historic building in a state of readiness until it’s time to preserve the structure entirely.
Gentrification
Architecture has a relation to gentrification. The process of the rich moving into pre-existing urban areas resulting in a spike in rents and house prices, is gentrification. The process of gentrification encompasses many factors. It leads to an increase in investment in the area’s housing and infrastructure with great architectural designs and a bustling amount of economic activity.
However, the advantages of these developments are enjoyed by the new immigrants, while the old occupants find themselves financially and culturally excluded due to these changes. Though it results in conflict at its early stage, with the development it brings, things gradually go back to normal.
5 Cities for Student Tourism that have Preserved the Architecture of Past Centuries
Hanoi, Vietnam
A city that has done great preserving its architectural heritage is Hanoi in Vietnam. The buildings in Hanoi were constructed in the early 20th century. They are a great example of the style, which is very popular in Southeast Asia. Two prominent examples of French colonial architecture in Vietnam are the Hanoi Opera House and the Presidential Palace, which are excellent sights for students on tourism.
Agra Fort, Uttar Pradesh
The palatial Agra Fort is one of the most historically significant locations in India. It was built with red sandstone, which exposes the rich heritage of the Mughal era. It is a stunning sight for student tourism. A moat surrounds the fort and has a palace inside. This historical tourist attraction in India was constructed in 1565 by Akbar, and it is known for its two ornately designed gates known as the Delhi Gate and the Amar Singh Gate.
Budapest, Hungary: Art Nouveau
In the early 20th century, Budapest became one of the leading centers for the Art Nouveau architectural style. It continues to be one of the prominent examples of this design in the world. The Museum of Applied Arts, Gresham Palace, Botanical Garden, and Budapest Zoo are some places along this stretch of the Danube. They feature organic shapes, colorful flourishes, and the use of iron and glass.
Parthenon in Greece
This sculpture illustrates the diverse beliefs and traditions that were predominant in Athens. The structure dates back to the 5th century B.C. and was built by the Athenian empire. It was initially a temple to honor the goddess Athena. It is reminiscent of the Roman and Greek architectural styles that were famous centuries ago.
St. Mark’s Cathedral, Venice
The Cathedral flaunts its abundant culture, legacy, and history in every square inch of its interior. This church is an example of Italo-Byzantine architecture and houses various relics and other valuable objects. The front, as well as the planning of the building, reflects the combination of different architectural styles.
It has five domes, multiple arched gateways, and sculptures on the terraces all over the structure. Above the figure of St. Mark and his angels lie the symbol of Venice, a lion with wings.
Conclusion
Ancient architectural designs showcase the rich heritage of the previous centuries. Visiting cities of the past centuries with great architectural designs will impact the education of students. It gives students studying architecture exposure to the architectural edifice of history. Students can use this work as a sample for essays in their college research papers.
