Monument to Gregory XVI

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Monument to Gregory XVI by Luigi Amici, 1857
St. Peter's Basilica
Vatican City
Rome, June 2019

“The monument to Pope Gregory XVI was funded by the cardinals he created and is the work of the sculptor Luigi Amici (1817-97). Gregory XVI, the last monk to be elected pope, was one of the most reactionary figures to hold the office. He was fiercely critical of all modern developments, including the railways, about which he is reputed to have said, ‘chemin de fer, chemin d'enfer’ (road of iron, road of hell). The statues depict Wisdom, her head crowned by a flame, and Prudence with her attributes of a mirror and a snake. The relief illustrates the Propagation of the Faith. ” (Monument to Pope Gregory XVI, Walks in Rome)

Mercado de Atarazanas

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Mercado de Atarazanas
Calle Sagasta
Málaga, September 2023

“The Mercado de Atarazanas is one of the buildings which best represent the architecture of the nineteenth century in Malaga. It's one of the most important shopping centres in the city where every day the people of Malaga come to buy fresh produce, one of the hallmarks of this market. Many of the visitors come for the tapas and fresh “pescaíto" (typical small fried fish) in the bars in the market, or just to stroll through this building which has been able to preserve its traditional essence. The market dates back to the 14th century and was originally occupied by a Nasrid boatyard. After the Christian Conquest, the building began to be used as a warehouse, an arsenal, a military hospital and a barracks. It was in 1870 when the project by architect Joaquín Rucoba for the construction of a new central food market was approved. Intervention by the San Telmo Academy of Fine Arts in Malaga made it possible to save the old monumental gateway, which became the gate of the main façade, which at that time led directly to the sea. The Mercado Atarazanas was declared of to be of Cultural Interest in 1979 and it was completely refurbished to recover its original design.” (Mercado de Atarazanas, Andalucía)

Carrara Tower and Valencia Tower

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Carrara Tower and Valencia Tower by Foster + Partners, 2017
City Road, Islington
London, May 2023

“250 City Road is a residential-led scheme under construction in the borough of Islington, London, designed by Foster + Partners and developed by Berkeley. It was given planning permission in 2014 by the then London Mayor Boris Johnson after being rejected by Islington Council. Phase one started in 2015. Upon completion, the development will have two towers of 43 and 36 storeys, 930 apartments and a 190-room hotel. In 2011, developer Berkeley acquired the 1.9 hectare 250 City Road site, which had been a business park since the 1980s. The site came with planning permission, granted in 2010, for a new development designed by BUJ Architects. The proposal included a 27-storey tower, 700 homes, offices as well as retail and restaurant space. However, Berkeley started work on new plans in collaboration with architect firm DSDHA. In 2012, architects Foster + Partners took over the design for the new scheme. In 2013, Berkeley applied for planning permission for the development but it was rejected by Islington Council. In December 2013, London Mayor at the time, Boris Johnson, reviewed the decision and gave the development approval in April 2014. The proposals include two towers of 150 m (509 ft) and 137 m (449 ft) containing 42 and 36 floors, with the taller building named Carrara Tower, and the smaller named Valencia Tower. In total, the development will have 930 apartments as well as a 190-room hotel, office and retail space. Phase one of the development, which includes the construction of the tallest tower, began in March 2015 and was expected to be completed in December 2017.” (250 City Road, Wikipedia)

Porphyry basin

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Porphyry basin font with gilded bronze cover
Chapel of the Baptistery
St. Peter's Basilica
Vatican City
Rome, June 2019

“Thus we reach the last chapel in the left aisle. It is the Chapel of the Baptistery, one of the basilica's most beautiful chapels and built after a design by Carlo Fontana (1634-1714). In the center is the baptismal font, still used on Sundays to administer the sacrament of baptism. The original 5th century font, which dates back to Pope Damasus, was replaced by a sarcophagus used as a font, and then in the 17th century by the present day font whose red porphyry basin was made from an ornament on an ancient pagan sepulcher, later used to cover the sarcophagus of Otto II who died in 983. The Rococo cover in gilded bronze with volutes and cherubs, dominated by the Lamb of God, is the work of Giovanni Giardoni. In the forepart, two bronze angels bear a relief of the Most Holy Trinity and a geographical representation of Italy.” (Baptistery Chapel, Guide to Saint Peter's Basilica)

Calle Virgen del Rosario

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Calle Virgen del Rosario
El Realejo
Granada, September 2023

“El Realejo-San Matias extends from the hill where the Alhambra is located to the Fuente de las Granadas. It's a neighborhood with a lively atmosphere all year round, where two distinct areas can be found. The lower part of the Realejo is a flat area full of terraces and tapas bars, while the upper part is characterized by narrow streets full of steep slopes. In order to understand the origin of the Realejo, one must go back to the time of the Muslim era, when the Jews who lived in the city grouped their homes and businesses around an area that came to be called Garnata al-Yahud (Granada of the Jews). The Realejo became the Jewish quarter of Granada until the city's capture in 1492 when the Catholic Monarchs also decreed the expulsion of the Jewish people from the city. It was then that the Realejo began to take on the appearance it has today.” (Realejo, Civitatis Granada)

Canaletto Tower

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Canaletto Tower by UNStudio, 2017
City Road, Islington
London, May 2023

“The 22,000m2 Canaletto residential tower in London employs the concept of clustering several floors together to establish a group of ‘vertical communities’. Offering waterside living, the 31-storey tower comprises studios, one and two-bedroom apartments, a variety of three bedrooms and one distinct penthouse with a full rooftop. Canaletto also includes shared amenities such as a swimming pool, health club, media room and resident’s club lounge with a terrace on the 24th floor.” (Canaletto Residential Tower, ArchDaily)

Holy Spirit as a dove

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Holy Spirit as a dove
Altar of the Chair of St. Peter
St. Peter's Basilica
Vatican City
Rome, June 2019

“The gospel does not change because the Holy Spirit, portrayed as a dove flies along the span of the centuries, assisting and accompanying its church. The chair or cathedra of Peter symbolizes the perpetual continuity of the doctrine and its promise of infallibility. It triumphed over all heresies throughout the centuries. The fine alabaster window, surrounded by golden clouds and angels flying between rays of light, casts a mystical warmth through the basilica, especially in the afternoon. It is divided into twelve sections, in homage to the twelve Apostles who carried the words of the Gospel throughout the world.” (The Chapel of the Cathedra, Guide to Saint Peter's Basilica)

Monumento al Gran Capitán

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Monumento al Gran Capitán (Gonzalo Fernández de Córdoba) by Mateo Inurria, 1923
Plaza de las Tendillas
Córdoba, September 2023

“Gonzalo Fernández de Córdoba (1 September 1453 – 2 December 1515) was a Spanish general and statesman who led successful military campaigns during the Conquest of Granada and the Italian Wars. His military victories and widespread popularity earned him the nickname ‘El Gran Capitán’ (The Great Captain). He also negotiated the final surrender of Granada and later served as Viceroy of Naples. Fernández de Córdoba was a masterful military strategist and tactician. He was among the first Europeans to introduce the successful use of firearms on the battlefield and the first to reorganize the infantry to include pikes and firearms in effective defensive and offensive formations. The changes implemented by Fernández de Córdoba were instrumental in making the Spanish army the dominant force in Europe for more than a century and a half. For his extensive political and military success, he was made Duke of Santángelo (1497), Terranova (1502), Andría, Montalto and Sessa (1507).” (Gonzalo Fernández de Córdoba, Wikipedia)
“The monument to the Great Captain is a work dedicated to Gonzalo Fernández de Córdoba ‘The Great Captain’, located in the Plaza de las Tendillas in the Spanish city of Córdoba. It is a bronze equestrian sculpture, with the exception of the head, carved in white marble. It was built by Mateo Inurria from Córdoba in 1923, although it was moved to its current location in 1927.” (Monumento al Gran Capitán, Wikipedia)

Chronicle Tower

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Chronicle Tower by Skidmore Owings & Merrill, 2016
City Road, Islington
London, May 2023

“The Chronicle Tower (aka Lexicon Tower) is a 36-storey 115m tall residential building in City Road, London, on the west side of the City Road Basin, part of the Regent's Canal. The closest underground station is Angel. The building includes 146 apartments and is close to the ‘Square Mile’ (London financial city) and ‘Silicon Roundabout’. The architects were Skidmore Owings & Merrill (SOM) who also designed other notable buildings in the world including Willis Tower in Chicago and Burj Khalifa in Dubai. The building has an on-site gym, spa and swimming pool.” (Chronicle Tower, Wikipedia)

Monument to Pius VIII

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Monument to Pius VIII by Pietro Tenerani
St. Peter's Basilica
Vatican City
Rome, June 2019

“The Monument to Pius VIII (1829-1830), by Pietro Tenerani (1789-1869), is in the Neoclassical style. The Pontiff is kneeling; above him is the statue of Christ enthroned, and below, are the statues of Sts. Peter and Paul. On the base are the allegorical figures of Prudence and Justice.” (Monument to Pius VIII, St. Peter's - Guide to the Basilica and Square)

Nuestra Señora de la Palma

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Nuestra Señora de la Palma
Calle Artistas Petróleo y Salvaora
Barrio la Viña
Cádiz, September 2023

“The Nuestra Señora de la Palma is found at the very end of one of Cádiz’s most engaging streets, a thoroughfare full of tapas bars and restaurants that will satisfy even the most ravenous hunger. The church itself provides a beautiful cherry on the top of this tasty cake, a Baroque work of art that had an important role to play in the defence of the city from the sea. There are bigger churches in the city, but few are as quaint.” (Church of Our Lady of the Palms, InYourPocket)

The Link

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The Link
City Road
London, May 2023

“Mulalley were appointed by Sherrygreen Homes to design and build a contemporary 10 storey mixed development just north of the City of London. 26 high end apartments were developed on the upper floors, whilst the basement, ground and first floor areas created sizeable office and retail spaces. A 3-bedroom penthouse on level 9, with air conditioning and various large bi-folding doors leading to expansive outdoor terrace spaces, completed the scheme.” (227 City Road, Mulalley)

Fontana del Mascherone

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Fontana del Mascherone (Fountain of the Mask)
Via Giulia
Rome, June 2019

“The Fontana del Mascherone (fountain of the Mask) is a fountain in Via Giulia created in the seventeenth century for the Farnese family. Water flows from the mouth of a large face, which probably dates from the Roman era. It is said that when the Farnese family held large feasts, wine would pour out of the fountain all day long.” (Fountains in Rome, A View on Cities)

Torre de los Perdigones

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Torre de los Perdigones
Calle Resolana
Seville, September 2023

“Take the opportunity to enjoy 360 degree panoramic views of Seville. The top of the Torre de los Perdigones offers the best views of the city, and the camera obscura technology at the top allows visitors to see the city in all directions. The wonderful guides will explain the technology and offer you a great tour of the city from above.” (Torre de los Perdigones, Arrival Guides)

Brunswick Place

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Brunswick Place, 1987
Old Street, Shoreditch
London, May 2023

“Beautifully designed and high-quality workspace at an unbeatable price. Located in the centre of London’s tech district, the building features only 3 self-contained floors, making it the ideal HQ for businesses looking for 25-100 desks. Each office unit is newly refurbished and features its own private facilities such as a kitchen, meeting rooms and breakout space. The layout and decor can also be adapted to suit a client’s exact requirements.” (26 Brunswick Place, Flexioffices)

Fontana del Cantaro

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Fontana del Cantaro by Antonio Muñoz, 1929
Santa Cecilia in Trastevere
Piazza di Santa Cecilia
Rome, June 2019

“The Fontana del Cantaro is a fountain built in 1929 by architect Antonio Muñoz. It is located in the courtyard of the Basilica of Santa Cecilia in Trastevere. The fountain consists of a large pond with in the center a kantharos – an ancient vessel that was used to hold wine – set on a pedestal.” (Fountains in Rome, A View on Cities)

Málaga Arte Urbano Soho

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“End to Those Dogs” by Dean Stockton (D*Face), 2013
“Paz y Libertad” by Shepard Fairey, 2013
Avenida del Comandante Benítez
Málaga, September 2023

“In 2013, Centro de Arte Contemporáneo de Málaga (CAC Málaga) and MAUS (Málaga Arte Urbano Soho) invited American street artist Shepard Fairey to create a mural in the city, along with several other international street artists. His mural, Paz y Libertad, is located in the Soho Art District near the museum. Now CAC Málaga is currently hosting a major solo exhibition of Fairey’s work, from June 26 to September 27, 2015. In this video, filmed while Fairey installed his mural in 2013, the artist discusses the development of his work, and its political and personal aspects.” (Shepard Fairey Mural in Málaga, MutualArt)

Linen Court

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Linen Court
East Road, Shoreditch
London, May 2023

“Just a 2-minute walk from London's Silicon Roundabout at the heart of Tech City, Linen Court is located on the East Road at the junction with Brunswick Place. Surrounded by many technology, media and arts start-ups alongside many established businesses, the building provides excellent transport links just a 2-minute walk from Old Street station (serving the Northern line), a 12-minute walk to Shoreditch High Street, and a 14-minute walk from both Liverpool Street station (Central, Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines) and Moorgate station (Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan and Northern lines). The area is also on hand to offer many of London's best restaurants, bars and entertainment options.” (Linen Court, Cluttons)

Cappella Altemps

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Vault of the Altemps Chapel
Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere
Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere
Rome, June 2019

“The Altemps Chapel, in the church of Santa Maria in Trastevere, was commissioned by Cardinal Marco Sittich von Altemps and built by Martino Longhi the Elder (1534-91). It was completed in 1587. As well as acting as a burial chapel for himself, the cardinal intended it as a commemoration of the Council of Trent (1545-63), which was formally closed by his uncle Pope Pius IV (r. 1559-65). The coats-of-arms of Cardinal Altemps and of Pope Pius IV are displayed above the entrance, and their portraits feature in a niche high above the altar. The frescoes and the stucco work are the work of Pasquale Cati (c.1550-c.1620). The ornate vault features a fresco of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in the central tondo, with the other panels depicting scenes from her life, interspersed with four smaller tondi depicting the four Evangelists. The altarpiece takes the form of an ancient icon (6th-9th century), which is known as the Madonna della Clemenza. It may be one of the oldest icons of the Virgin Mary in existence.” (Cappella Altemps, Walks in Rome)

Iglesia de Santo Domingo

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Iglesia de Santo Domingo
Plaza de Santo Domingo
Granada, September 2023

“The Church of Santo Domingo is a Catholic temple in the Spanish city of Granada, located in the historic center. It is located in the popular neighborhood of Realejo, presiding over a square in the center of which stands the monument to Fray Luis de Granada. Its construction began in 1512, and it is part of the Convent of Santa Cruz la Real.1 It began in the Gothic style, with no record of who was the author of its designs or the director of the works. Important elements of the Gothic aesthetic are preserved, such as its arches and vaults. It was later completed in the Renaissance, Baroque and Contemporary times by various artists, who make this temple one of the most unique religious buildings in Granada.” (Iglesia de Santo Domingo, Wikipedia)

Atlas Building

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Atlas Building by Design Haus Liberty, 2019
City Road, Shoreditch
London, May 2023

“The Atlas building is the tallest residential tower in the City and has some of the best views in London. The show flat with its triple aspect is constantly changing based on weather and time of day providing a breathtaking sense of space that is unique to living at height. We wanted to inject elements which enhance and highlight the experience. We introduced large, tinted mirror surfaces which reflect and capture both the sky and urban views drawing them into the internal space. We naturally wanted to anchor the property in its locality and reflect the creative neighbourhood energy by combining interesting original artworks from up and coming artists with furniture pieces approached as crafted sculptural objects. Amenities, in the form of the lobby and resident lounge, provided an opportunity to create great social spaces with generous proportions and an urban feeling that comes with the postcode, while also ensuring that the environment is warm, relaxed and inviting. We used dark olive tones for the walls, ceiling and double height curtains while framing the seating clusters with lush foliage emanating indoor gardens.” (The Atlas Building, Archilovers)

Via della Paglia

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An interesting wall
Via della Paglia, Trastevere
Rome, June 2019

Nuestra Señora de la Paz

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Nuestra Señora de la Paz
Calle San Basilio
Córdoba, September 2023

“The church of Our Lady of Peace, better known as the church of San Basilio, was founded in 1590 by the monks of San Basilio and is the former convent church of the disappeared college of San Basilio. In 1846 it was designated an auxiliary parish of the Sagrario due to the great distance between the neighborhood and the Mezquita-catedral.” (Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Paz, Wikipedia)

Montcalm East

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Montcalm East by Squire and Partners, 2015
City Road, Shoreditch
London, May 2023

“M by Montcalm is a 23-story hotel near Old Street tube station in Shoreditch, London. It was designed by architects Squire and Partners and delivered in collaboration with Executive Architects 5 Plus. It was completed July 2015. The unusual building design was based on the proximity of the hotel to Moorfields Eye Hospital, which sits opposite it. The architects suggest that the facade ‘…expresses the idea of the optical and the visual’ and takes inspiration from the hypnotic, illusionary artwork of Bridget Riley. The building is expressed by conflicting patterns of transparency, opacity and solidity, and includes confusing angles that break down the geometry of the underlying structure. Vertical and diagonal lines create a visual effect of depth and movement that appear to contradict the buildings actual form. At the lower levels, the building skin is lifted on a visually disorientating slant to reveal the hotel lobby, public bar and restaurant. M by Montcalm has not been without controversy, being described as ‘very unfortunate for any hungover hipsters’, and ‘a myopic optical ruse that must have been hypnotic enough to secure it planning’. It was nominated for the Carbuncle Cup in 2015, an annual architectural prize awarded by the magazine Building Design to the ugliest building in the United Kingdom completed in the last 12 months. It was ‘beaten’ that year by the Walkie Talkie (20 Fenchurch Street).” (M by Montcalm, Designing Buildings Ltd)

Homeless Jesus

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“Homeless Jesus” by Timothy Schmalz, 2013
Piazza di Sant'Egidio, Trastevere
Rome, June 2019

“‘Homeless Jesus’, also known as ‘Jesus the Homeless’ (French: Jésus le sans-abri), is a bronze sculpture by Timothy Schmalz depicting Jesus as a homeless person, sleeping on a park bench. The original sculpture was installed in 2013 at Regis College, a theological college federated with the University of Toronto. Other copies of the statue were installed in several other locations beginning in 2014. As of 2017, over 50 copies were created and placed around the world.” (Homeless Jesus, Wikipedia)

Alameda Apodaca

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Jardines de la Alameda Apodaca
Alameda Apodaca
Cádiz, September 2023

“The Alameda Apodaca y Marqués de Comillas is a beautiful promenade in Cádiz that borders the historic city center to the south and faces the bay of Cádiz and nearby towns like El Puerto de Santa María and Rota. The promenade is landscaped in a romantic style with a linear layout marked by the regionalist style of the early 20th century, featuring glazed ceramics from Seville and wrought iron on benches and lampposts. The gardens are situated between two significant constructions – the Baluarte de la Candelaria and the walls of San Carlos, both built in the late 18th century as a defense for the northwest front of the city. The promenade’s east side is named after Cádiz admiral Juan José Ruiz de Apodaca y Eliza, while the west side is named after Claudio López Bru, second Marqués de Comillas. The design presents a slightly broken linear layout on its plan, marked by the prevailing regionalist style at the beginning of the 20th century, embodied by the architect Juan Talavera, with the use of Sevillian glazed ceramics and wrought iron on benches and lampposts, as features characteristic. The fountains stand out for their beauty, both the one located on the side of the Baluarte next to the enormous Ficus, and those inside the garden built with ceramics from Triana.” (The Alameda Apodaca, Visiting Cádiz)

White Collar Factory

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White Collar Factory by Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, 2017
Old Street Yard, Shoreditch
London, May 2023

“White Collar Factory is a complex of six buildings at Old Street Yard, which includes offices, studios, incubator space, restaurants and apartments, set around a new area of public realm, with a sixteen-storey tower topped by a 150m rooftop running track. Together, these 27,200 sqm buildings provide a bold new marker for Old Street as well as creating a new, more permeable section of the city that references the alleys and passageways of the historic urban grain. The mixed-use development is the culmination of an eight-year research project led by AHMM director Simon Allford and Simon Silver and Paul Williams, directors of developer Derwent London, working in collaboration with engineering firms AKT II and Arup. This research analysed why 19th century warehouses and factory buildings have enjoyed such longevity, and how these structures could inform and inspire a sustainable development. It identified five key elements: high ceilings, deep plans, simple passive façades, concrete structure, and smart servicing, which were to become the driving principles behind White Collar Factory.” (White Collar Factory, ArchDaily)

San Marco Evangelista

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Main altar and apse
San Marco Evangelista al Campidoglio
Piazza di San Marco
Rome, June 2019

“The floor of the church is below the ground level of the Renaissance period, and therefore steps lead down to the interior. The church retains its ancient basilica format, with a raised sanctuary. The inside of the church is clearly Baroque. However, the basilica shows noteworthy elements of all her earlier history: the apse mosaics, dating to Pope Gregory IV (827-844), show the Pope, with the squared halo of a living person, offering a model of the church to Christ, in the presence of Mark the Evangelist, Pope Mark and other saints.” (San Marco Evangelista al Campidoglio, Wikipedia)

Puente de la Barqueta

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Puente de la Barqueta
Seen from Calle Torneo
Seville, September 2023

“The Puente de la Barqueta (Bridge of the barges, in reference to the formerly present ‘Barqueta Gate’), officially named Puente Mapfre, is a bridge in the city of Seville (Andalusia, Spain), which spans the Alfonso XII channel of the Guadalquivir river. It constituted one of the main means of access to the Isla de la Cartuja (Cartuja island). It was built between 1989 and 1992, on the occasion of the Universal Exposition Expo'92, and conceived as the main gate for this.” (Puente de la Barqueta, Wikipedia)

art'otel London Hoxton

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art'otel London Hoxton
Rivington Street, Shoreditch
London, May 2023

“art'otel development at 84-86 Great Eastern Street near Old Street Roundabout in Shoreditch, London EC2. The scheme designed by Squire and Partners includes a 346 bedroom hotel, gym and spa, art gallery, art cinema, creative commercial space, retail space, a private members club and publicly accessible restaurant with a bar.” (art'otel Shoreditch, Buildington)