Architecture & Building

Architecture & Building

Learn all about Arctic architecture this winter 

21st December 20220

The extreme weather in the arctic regions cause a range of design and planning challenges. For example: the cold temperature, structural problems, transportation, the high standards for materials, and resource limitations.  

Tips for designing, operating and maintaining buildings and systems in cold climates –  

  • The colder the climate, the more important it is to keep your equipment sheltered from the weather.
  • Avoid or minimise any external service pipes because they will freeze.  
  • Windblown snow has the consistency similar to sand. So, this requires special design techniques to keep it from getting into the HVAC systems.  
  • Place air vents in locations that will avoid snow drifts and blockages.  
  • Use prefab materials  

Building green – 

Since in the Arctic Region the effects of climate change are amplified and lead to global consequences, governments and international organizations are developing solutions to promote sustainable constructions. Green buildings provide benefits from an economic and social perspective, through lower building costs and improved comfort of their occupants.  

Building houses in the arctic –  

Many people in the arctic today live in modern towns and cities. People work in the arctic, extracting oil and gas beneath the permafrost, conducting research or working in tourism.  

Permafrost is very challenging to build on. Which is why houses where permafrost is present are built on stilts. This is to keep the permafrost from melting under them. While it is frozen it provides the house with a stable foundation. When the ground thaws, it can cause the building to shift or even collapse. Many houses are elevated on steel piles driven into the bedrock to keep the heat inside the home from going into the frozen ground.  

Houses in the north are often very different from the south. Northern houses will often have the bedrooms downstairs and the common areas upstairs. Heat rises so rooms closer to the ground are cooler, while upstairs the living areas capture and retain the heat in the winter.  

Windows are also an important factor when it comes to homes in polar regions. You want to make sure you place the windows in areas that have a positive impact. The placement of the window is important because you will get much needed sunlight in the winter but won’t be roasting in the summer.  

Here are some examples of architecture in the arctic –  

Arctic tree house hotel, Finland –  

This hotel in Finland was designed by Studio Puisto and it took inspiration from Nordic nature and culture. The timber structures are covered in wood and are carefully designed to be comfortable even in the winter months. All of the structures were fully constructed inside, right down to the internal surfaces and fixtures. They were then transported to the site and was lifted onto support pillars.  

Photographs:Marc Goodwin

Svart Hotel, Norway –  

The Svart Hotel is planned to be constructed at the base of Norway’s Almlifjellet mountain. Designed by international architecture, landscape architecture, and interior design firm Snohetta, the Svart Hotel gets its name from the nearby Svartisen glacier. The Norwegian hotel is being planned as modern sustainable architecture, with extensive research having gone into energy-efficient construction and operation. Snohetta even claims that the ring-shaped hotel will in-fact be energy positive – meaning it will produce more energy than it consumes. By mapping the movement of the sun’s ray, the circular structure design includes solar panels that would provide optimum levels of light throughout the day all year long. 

SVART – Photo credit Snøhetta Plompmozes MIRIS
Architecture & Building

Why Modern Architecture Became So Popular

16th December 20220

What Defines Modern Architecture? 

 Modern architecture has something for everyone, Even if you prefer other styles. There are some elements of modern design that will appeal to you. Modern architecture is clean and simple. It is defined by clean lines and minimalist interiors that allow the structure to speak for itself and take center-stage. To keep it simple, modern architecture focuses more on industrial metals such as steel, concrete, and glass. These metals give the architecture the simplistic look that a lot of people find aesthetically pleasing to look at. The thing about modern architecture is that it remains unique in fact, modern architects have created some of the most unique designs to date. And even though the interior is minimal the designs are so unique the houses never look boring. 

A large misconception that a lot of people have is that modern houses are not very homely and are cool and cold. This is because of the open spaces and the minimal furniture that people usually choose. However, a large number of modern design features are naturally warm and inviting. For example wood and stone accents and floors and also warm lighting. Another inviting feature most modern homes have is floor-to-ceiling fireplaces, large windows that let in natural light, and high vaulted ceilings. A lot of modern plans contain fewer walls to create an open living space and make the place more welcoming.  

Visualized by: Alex_nerovnya

Architecture Post WW2

After World War 2 modern architecture was at its highest. The wartime industrial demands resulted in shortages of steel and other building materials. This meant that people were using inexpensive building materials to rebuild their houses and offices because they were cheap enough to mass-produce. They mainly used reinforced concrete and some steel to rebuild the majority of homes. They made the houses open plan with vaulted ceilings to create living space, and also used large windows to let in more daylight. 

Architecture Post WW2
Image: Rufus Knight

Nowadays modern homes are more expensive to build and to buy because they have gained a lot of popularity. The majority of people would like a modern home because of celebrities and posts online. However, modern homes are also a lot more expensive than traditional homes. This is because they need more materials to make the house more durable. Also, because traditional houses are made from brick, and modern ones are made from concrete, which is more expensive than brick.  Although, modern houses are becoming popular the most desired and common house style in the UK is the Tudor houses. 

Architecture & Building

How architecture and science intertwine: Biometric architecture  

14th December 20220

Firstly, what is biometric architecture?  

Biometric architecture is a versatile scientific approach to sustainable design that goes beyond using nature as inspiration for aesthetics. But rather studying and applying construction principles that are found in natural environments and species.  

Nature always has solutions to adapt to the environment and the changes occurring due to climate change. It also has solutions to survive in the most extreme climates. Architects and designers have been greatly inspired by the mechanism that every plant, animal, and other life forms possess within them to adapt to their surroundings. Mimicking their mechanisms through technology and using it in designing structures is a way to combine architecture and nature for the building to adapt to the environment. 

Biomimicry – 

Biomimetic architecture is a branch of the new science of biomimicry. Defined and popularized by Janine Benyus in book Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature. Biomimicry refers to innovations inspired by nature as one which studies nature and then imitates or takes inspiration from its designs and processes to solve human problems. The book suggests looking at nature as a Model, Measure, and Mentor”  

  • Model – Biomimicry is a new science that studies natures models and then imitates these forms, processes, systems, and strategies to solve human problems.  
  • Measure – Biomimicry uses an ecological standard to judge the sustainability of our alterations. 
  • Mentor – Biomimicry is a new way of viewing and valuing nature.  

History –  

Architecture for many years have taken inspiration from nature. The incorporation of natural existing elements as inspiration in design, originated possibly with the beginning of man-made environments and remains present today. For example, the ancient Greeks and Romans incorporated natural patterns into design, such as the tree inspired columns. 

Examples of biometric architecture –  

Beijing National stadium – 

The stadium, also known as the bird’s nest, was a joint venture among architects Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron. Designed for the 2008 Olympics. The outer steel frame of the stadium represents the twigs of a nest. Similar to how a nest is insulated by stuffing material between the twigs, the front is filled with ETFE (Ethyl tetrafluoroethylene) panels. However, to protect spectators, provide acoustic insulation, reduce the dead load on the roof and optimize the entry of sunlight. 

Eastgate Center – 

The Eastgate Centre is a shopping centre and office block in central Zimbabwe, designed by Mick Pearce. It was designed to be ventilated and cooled by entirely natural. Meaning it was probably the first building in the world to use natural cooling to this level of sophistication. 

Furthermore, passive cooling systems are particularly appropriate for this part of Africa because, passive cooling was being used by the local termites. Termite mounds include flues which vent through the top and sides, and the mound itself is designed to catch the breeze. So, as the wind blows, hot air from the main chambers below ground is drawn out of the structure, helped by termites opening or blocking tunnels to control air flow. 

©www.livinspaces.net

The Eden Project –  

The Eden project in Cornwall, England is the world’s largest green house. In addition, the whole building was inspired by the shape of bubbles. The efficient structural system consisting of hexagons and pentagons was derived after studying pollen grains, and carbon molecules. 

Architecture & Building

The unique architecture of igloos  

12th December 20220

Firstly, an igloo is a house built out of snow. It is a sheltered construction, made from snow blocks and it generally look like a dome. They are perfect for extreme cold weather conditions. These unique buildings are mostly associated with the Inuit and Eskimo people from Alaska, Siberia, Canada, and Greenland. 

How does insulation in an igloos work?  

Igloos are built from compressed snow. Snow if a great insulator because snow if filled with miniature air pockets. While it looks solid, as much as 95% of snow is actually air trapped inside tiny crystals. Because the air can’t circulate very well inside the ice crystals, the heat gets trapped in there. The temperature outside could be as low as –45 degrees Celsius, and the temperate inside could rise to anything between –7 and 16 degrees Celsius when warmed by body heat alone.  

The types of igloos –  

There are 3 types of traditional igloos, of all different sizes and purposes. For example: 

  • The smallest of the three are usually constructed as temporary shelters. There are only used for one- or two-nights during hunting trips.  
  • The medium sized igloos were for semi-permanent, family houses. This was usually a single room dwelling that housed 1 or 2 families.  
  • The largest igloos were normally built-in groups of two. One of the buildings was a temporary structure built for special occasions, the other built nearby for living. These might have had up to five rooms and housed up to 20 people. A large igloo might have been constructed from several smaller igloos attached by their tunnels, giving common access to the outside. These were used to hold community feasts and traditional dances. 

Igloos are often built with multi levels inside. The lower level, ideally near the door collects all of the cold air on the floor. While the middle level is for the fire and the upper level is for sleeping.  

The building method –  

The snow used to build an igloo must have enough structural strength to be cut and stacked appropriately. The best snow to use for this purpose is snow which has been blown by wind, which can serve to compact and interlock the ice crystals; snow that has settled gently to the ground in still weather is not useful. 

Architecturally, the igloo is unique in that it is a dome that can be raised out of independent blocks leaning on each other and polished to fit without an additional supporting structure during construction. An igloo that is built correctly will support the weight of a person standing on the roof. 

How are fires able to burn inside igloos?  

while a central fire will always deliver some heat to the ice of the igloo, the ice of the igloo will also tend to lose heat to colder air outside. As long as the ice loses heat at least as fast as the fire delivers heat to it, the ice won’t become any warmer and it won’t melt. 

Architecture & Building

Find out all there is to know about organic architecture 

8th December 20220

Firstly, what is organic architecture?  

Organic architecture is a philosophy of architecture which promotes harmony between human habitation and the natural world. This is achieved through design approaches that aim to be sympathetic and well-integrated with a site, so buildings, furnishings, and surroundings become part of a unified, interrelated composition. 

Essentially organic architecture is also the literal design of every element of a building: From the windows to the floors, to the individual chairs intended to fill the space. Everything relates to one another, reflecting the symbiotic ordering systems of nature 

Who created organic architecture?  

The term was invented by Frank Lloyd Wright. The first example of this design style was Wrights Fallingwater, built in the late 1930s. The house was designed to be a holiday home for the famous Kaufmann family. 

 However, when the Kaufmann’s first looked at Wright’s plans for their new summerhouse, they were actually disappointed. The family had expected the house to have views of the beautiful waterfall in its grounds; instead, Wright had designed a house that would sit on top of the waterfall.  

Although, the Kaufmann’s soon came round to the idea, and they grew to love their house, which, as it has aged, has come to seem even more at one with its natural surroundings 

Image: https://franklloydwright.org/site/fallingwater/

Characteristics of organic architecture –  

 Frank Lloyd Wright’s book “In the cause of architecture, published 1908, Wright highlighted important elements of organicity:  

  • Doors, windows, and furniture should blend with the ornamentation of the structure.  
  • The colour of fields and woods should inspire the main colouring of the building to manifest natural aesthetics.  
  • A building should appear to grow primitive from its site and the structure should appear as if created by nature itself.  
  • Simplicity and repose are important qualities to assess the value of architecture. So, there is a need to simplify the design of structure, limiting the number of distinct rooms by instead rethinking them as open spaces.  

What is the aim of this architecture?  

The purpose of organic architecture is to create a sustainable ecosystem. Where the materials and components of construction support one another. And as a result, produce a modern building that looks like a part of natural habitat.  

Architecture & Building

Qatar world cup stadiums designed by great architects  

1st December 20220

The 2022 FIFA world cup in Qatar features 7 brand new football stadiums. The stadiums include designs from some of the world’s most famous architects. Each architect has designed the stadiums to represent and portray Arab Culture. So, get to know about some of these amazing projects and the great architects behind them.  

Al Bayt Stadium by Dar Al-Handasah –  

Firstly, the Al Bayt stadium was designed by Dar Al- Handasah. Dar Al-Handasah consultants founded in 1956, is a privately owned Internatinal consulting company. It was given the Arabic name Dar Al-Handasah meaning “the house of engineering”. Over the years, Dar has provided consultancy services to more than 950 clients in 60 countries. And has handled over 4,000 projects involving a collective investment of over US$300 billion.  

The Al Bayt stadium will host around 60,000 world cup fans. However, after the tournament it’s expected to be reconfigured into a 32,000-seat stadium. The vacated space will then be converted into a five-star hotel, shopping mall and another sports facility. Its giant tent structure covers the whole arena and is inspired by traditional tents of nomadic peoples from the Gulf region. It was a brilliant idea by one of the architects.  

Lusail Stadium by Foster + Partners and Populous –  

Foster + Partners is a British architectural, engineering, and integrated design practice founded in 1967 by Norman Foster. It is the largest architectural firm in the UK with over 1,500 employees in 13 studios worldwide. 

 Foster + Partners also worked with Populous which is a global architectural and design practice. They specialises in sports facilities and arenas.  

This is the largest of the 2022 world cup stadiums, and it will be hosting the final game in the competition. Designed by architects Foster + Partners and Populous. Furthermore, it’s Inspired by the light and shadow of a “fanar” lantern, the façade features triangular panels and a steel frame with additional decorations resembling the motifs found on regional artistic bowls.  

Al Thumama by Ibrahim Jaidah Architects- 

This stadium has an amazing architectural design, its inspired by the Gahfiya, a traditional headpiece worn by Muslim men. This building was designed by architect Ibrahim Jaidah, it offers 40,000 seats. However, after the world cup 20,000 seats will be removed, and a hotel will replace the stadiums upper stands. 

Al janoub by Zaha Hadid Architects + AECOM –  

Finally, this stadium was designed by the famous Zaha Hadid’s architectural firm. According to the designers, it was inspired by the sails of traditional Dhow boats. Used by pearl divers from the region, weaving through currents of the Persian Gulf. The curvilinear roof and exterior references Al Wakrah’s history of seafaring, additionally giving spectators the feeling on being on a ship. In addition, it currently holds 40,000 seats but will be repurposed for a local football team and will have 20,000 seats.  

Architecture & Building

Looking To Build A Carport? Find Out If They Are Valuable

30th November 20220

What is a carport? 

A carport is a covered structure used to offer protection to cars. Because they don’t have walls, the open and accessible space makes it easy to park your vehicles underneath. Commonly carports are attached to your house or they can be a separate free-standing structure, depending on what you like.  

Carports are a great alternative if you don’t have a garage or if you can’t afford to build one. They give your cars shelter from the weather and will save you time when it comes to de-icing during the winter months. And in the summer months, a carport keeps your vehicle’s cool and in the shade. 

Also, if you live in an area with a lot of trees and wildlife carports are handy. This is because they can prevent branches from falling on your car or any animal mess. Which ends up keeping the cars clean and shiny.  

Does a carport add value to your home? 

Typically, carports will increase the value of your home, but maybe not in the way you were expecting. They don’t automatically raise the value of your home. In fact, if it’s done right, they are the ideal home improvements, that can make your home desirable.  

Carports are relatively cheap and easy to build. And is an easy way to add extra benefits and value to your home without having to do lengthy and expensive construction.  

Planning permission – 

Planning permission isn’t required for a carport. Provided that: the carport is used for domestic purposes only and the height can’t exceed 4 meters.  

How much is a carport?  

A single carport should cost between £2,000-£4000 to build, with an average carport costing £3,000. Double carports are more expensive and will cost around £5,000 to install. Although, these prices do not include the cost to lay a concrete floor or to hook up to the main services such as electricity, gas, or water.  

Carports are also very versatile, if you have a garage to park your car or if you don’t have a car, they are still very useful. You could use it as cover and shade from the sun, or you could place garden furniture underneath and protect it from the rain. 

Generally, carports are permanent secure structures that can’t be moved. However, some people like to have carports that can be moved so if they decide to move houses, they can take it with them.   

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Architecture & Building

A list of the best designed football stadiums in the world  

23rd November 20220

A stadium often very important to the countries and teams they represent. The structure can symbolise the identity and strengths of the region hosting the event. They are able to unite and attract people from all over the globe that have a common interest of sport. It is known that the design of the arena is able to boost the moods of the football players. So, here are some of the most beautiful and innovative stadium designs.  

First National Bank Stadium, South Africa –  

Firstly, popularly known as Soccer City, this innovative football stadium was built in 1989 and is one of the most popular in the world. The arena has a capacity of 100,000 making it the largest in Africa. The outside of the stadium is designed to have the appearance of an African pot. The cladding on the outside is a mosaic of fire and earthen colours with a ring of lights running around the bottom of the structure, simulating fire underneath the pot.   

Allianz Arena, Germany –  

Secondly, opened in 2005, this is the home of Munich’s two main local football teams. This stadium is well known for its exterior of ETFE plastic panels. This is the first stadium in the world with a full colour changing exterior. The primary designers are architects Herzog & De Meuron. Furthermore, the arena can host 75,000 spectators.  

AAMI Park, Australia –

When completed in 2010, it was Melbourne’s first large purpose-built rectangular stadium. The COX Architecture designed a “Bioframe” design, with a geodesic dome roof covering much of the seating area, while still allowing light through to the pitch. It is also fitted with LED lights that display a variety of patterns and colours that suit the event.  

Wembley Stadium, United Kingdom –  

Opened in 1923, Wembley Stadium underwent a significant refurbishment in 2007. So, with a capacity of 90,000 seats, it is the most beautifully designed football stadium in the United Kingdom. Wembley was designed by architects Foster + Partners and Populous. The stadiums signature feature is a 134m lattice arch stretching over the building. In addition, the arch is the world’s longest unsupported roof structure.  

Sapporo Dome, Japan –  

Finally, designed by Japanese architect Hiroshi Hara. The Sapporo Dome was completed in 2001 with remarkable futuristic features that make it one of the most state-of-the-art football stadiums that are praised to this day. The most unique aspect of this multi-purpose arena is the retractable grass football pitch that can slide in and out of the stadium by a pneumatic mechanism in only a matter of a few hours. 

 

Architecture & Building

Qatar world cup: The £220 billion stadium constructions.  

22nd November 20220

Qatar 2022 will be the first middle eastern country to host the world cup. The world cup in Qatar will take place in 8 stadiums during November and December. 7 of the 8 stadiums are brand new and underwent a huge redevelopment.  

Since Qatar was awarded the event in 2010, the country has been developing infrastructure which is able to accommodate all of the visitors.  

Which cities are the stadiums in?  

The Qatari cities that are hosting the tournaments and build new stadiums are:  

  • Firstly, Al Wakrah  
  • Al Khor 
  • Al Rayyan 
  • Doha
  • Finally, Lusail 

How much did the construction of each stadium cost? 

Lusail Iconic Stadium –  

Firstly, Lusail iconic stadium is the biggest that was built, with a capacity of 80,000 and it’s based in Lusail, Qatar. The stadium was designed by British firm Foster + partners, and populous. Its exterior design replicates bowls, vessels, and other art pieces of the Arab and Islamic world. Its construction began in 2017 and opened in November 2021 with a reported cost of £680 million.  

Lusail Stadium by Foster + Partners

Al Bayt Stadium –  

Secondly, the Al Bayt is a multi-purpose stadium in the coastal town of Al Khor, Qatar. It has a capacity of 60,000 making it one of the larger arenas. The construction began in November 2021 and it was completed by the end of 2021. The main inspiration for the design of the exterior was a large Arabic tent. In addition, the construction reportedly cost £718 million. 

(David Ramos/Getty Images)

Al Janoub Stadium – 

This is a retractable roof stadium in Al Wakrah, Qatar. The stadium was designed by Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid, built 2014-2019. So, the stadium features a curvilinear Postmodernist and neo-futurist design. The appearance of the roof was inspired by the sails of traditional Dhow boats. The capacity of the stadium is 40,000, and it is reported to cost £555 million to build.  

PHOTOGRAPHER Hufton + Crow  Luke Hayes 

Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium –  

The Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar.  The former stadium, built in 2003, had a seating capacity of 21,282 and was demolished in 2015.The new Al Rayyan Stadium has a seating capacity of 44,740. Also, it was opened in December 2020 and its reported cost was about £305 million. 

 ©Getty Images

Khalifa International Stadium –  

Khalifa International Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Doha, Qatar. An ancient flavour with a futuristic aroma, this venue was the only one that was not fully built because of Qatar 2022. It opened in 1976 and has been the house of Qatari football since then. It went through a renovation from 2014 to 2017, when it was reopened. Furthermore, the refurbishment cost was reported at £317 million. 

Image: FIFA

Education City Stadium –  

This stadium is located in Al Rayyan, Qatar, and was built for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Its works started in 2015 and the venue was opened in 2020. Like most of the Qatar 2022 stadiums, it offers advanced cooling techniques. In addition, it was one of the most expensive projects with a cost of £594 million. 

© Pattern

Stadium 974 –  

This is a stadium in Doha, Qatar. Opened 30 November 2021, it is a temporary venue made from 974 recycled shipping containers that will host matches during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, after which it will be dismantled. The construction cost of this venue remains uncertain.  

Image: [dezeen/Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy]

Al Thumama Stadium –  

Finally, Al Thumama Stadium is a football venue in Al Thumama, Qatar. The construction first started in 2017 and was completed in October 2021. The capacity of the venue is 40,000. In fact, this venue’s exterior is inspired by the Gahfiya, the traditional cap used by Arabic men. It is estimated the construction of this building was £288 million.  

Architecture & Building

5 examples of fascinating abandoned architecture  

16th November 20220

Designing a building is a challenging, time consuming and expensive process which requires an extreme amount of preparation. Buildings often live long lives and are restored when they start to get damaged.  

However, throughout history some buildings fall victim to events which leave them abandoned. Places which once had a purpose are now forgotten. 

Below are 5 abandoned buildings frozen in time.  

City hall subway station –  

The city hall station, was a terminal station on the IRT Lexington Avenue. Line of the New York City subway. The station opened on October 27th 1904, as one of the original 28 stations of the New York subway. As the underground became more popular, it was impossible to lengthen the original platform, to accommodate ten car trains. This caused the station to close on December 31st 1945, because the number of passengers using the station declined and it was close to the Brooklyn bridge station.  

In 2004 the station was listed on the national register of historic places. In the mid 2000s Staff of the transit museum were conducting tours of the station. Unlike any of the other New York stations, there is little graffiti and dust in the station. The station remained in good condition in 2019, though only one of the original skylights remained. 

 (image courtesy of John-Paul Palescandolo). 

Beelitz-Heilstatten Hospital –  

The Heilstatten is a large hospital complex of about 60 buildings. Originally designed as a sanatorium. The complex from the beginning of World War 1 was a military hospital for the German army. During October and November 1916, Hitler recovered at the hospital after being wounded in the leg during the battle of Somme. It was used once again as a field hospital to treat wounded Nazis during World War II. In 1945, Red Army forces occupied Beelitz-Heilstätten, and the complex remained a Soviet military hospital until 1994, several years after the fall of the Berlin Wall. 

In December 1990, Erich Honecker was admitted to Beelitz-Heilstätten after being forced to resign as the head of the east german government. After having liver cancer, he died in Chile in 1994. Beelitz lost its purpose with the departure of the Russians that same year and was abandoned in 1994. As of 2007, none of the abandoned hospital buildings or the surrounding area were secured, giving the area the feel of a ghost town.  

Buzludzha Monument Bulgaria –  

Construction of the monument began on 23 January 1974 under architect Georgi Stoilov. In power during the height of Soviet influence, the Bulgarian Communist Party decided to erect the monument to commemorate socialist communism. However, the site was abandoned after the government’s fall from power in 1989. Inside the building, mosaics commemorating the history of the Bulgarian Communist Party cover approximately 937 square meters. Although, one-fifth of the mosaics have already been destroyed due to age, weather-related deterioration and vandalism. 

The Ryugyong Hotel North Korea –  

The Ryugyong hotel, more commonly known as the hotel of doom, is an unfinished 105 storey, 330m tall pyramid shaped skyscraper. The construction of the building began in 1987 but was stopped in 1992 because North Korea entered a period of economic crisis. This was due to the dissolution of the Soviet Union.  

After 1992, the building stood topped out, but without any windows or interior fittings. In 2008, construction resumed, and the exterior was completed in 2011. The hotel was planned to open in 2012, the centenary of founding leader Kim Il-sung‘s birth, but that was cancelled.   

In late 2016, there were indications of renewed activity, and a report that a construction company had visited North Korea. In June 2019, there was new signage bearing the hotel’s name and its logo over the main entrance. 

Credit: Getty Images

Buffalo Central Terminal – 

This is a historic former railroad station in Buffalo, New York. It was an active station from 1929 to 1979. The main hall is expansive, with vaulted ceilings, decorative railings, and patterned floors. Even decades of neglect have not dulled the terminal. In addition to several ticket counters, the main hall also contained a post office, a restaurant and coffee shop, a barber shop, a Western Union telegraph office, and a soda fountain. 

After the war, the station entered into what would be a permanent decline, amid the larger decline in train travel across the country.  In 1956, the terminal was put up for sale for $1 million, but no one was interested. In 1968, New York Central Railroad and Pennsylvania Railroad merged forming the Penn Central System and two years later the new company declared bankruptcy. With the creation of Amtrak in 1971, service was restored to Niagara Falls and Toronto via the Maple Leaf, but the Buffalo Central Terminal was simply too big and expensive to maintain. The station closed in 1979. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Buffalo_Central_Terminal_1.jpg

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