Architectonic

This building was designed by architect Frank Gehry and is located in Prague (image from :http://forum.getdpi.com/forum/showthread.php?t=150)

The building, which has gained the nickname 'Dancing House', supposedly resembles a man and a woman dancing together. On the left hand side, a series of curved lines give the structure a unique design, creating the illusion that it is slanting and might topple over. In this way, Gehry's play with illusion is what makes the building so unconventional; which is emphasised by the huge contrast between the fluid modernity of the building and the surrounding historic, structured and symmetrical buildings.

Even the windows on the right hand side of the building have been placed in an uncoventional way, as they are placed in alternating positions to almost give the appearance they are 'bouncing'. The curved lines on the wall again emphasise this effect, as well as carry on the strong sense of illusion and distorted proportion that the structure itself embodies.

From a more historical perspective, another inspirational piece of architecture is The Casa Batllo located in Barcelona, Spain, originally built in 1877 but remodelled in 1904 by Antoni Gaudi & Josep Maria Jujol. (image from: http://www.essential-architecture.com/STYLE/STY-006.htm)

This Art Nouveau inspired building mostly consists of curved lines that are irregular and organic. The stained glass windows inject some colour into the building and partly soften the 'eerie' mood that has been created by the irregularity of the curved windows which in a way resemble the shapes and lines found in a cave. However, the fact that this photograph is taken at night and is able to make use of the bright light makes it seem more alive and inviting, and this aspect of the architecture would not be noticed had it been taken during the day.