"Iconic buildings still have an intrinsic role in defining place'. Critically discuss the contribution they make, especially in relation to tall buildings."".
Iconic buildings are buildings we all like to love. They are landmarks that we use to help us associate with a place, as quoted by David Dillon "Iconic buildings tell us where we are, at a glance .we can t decipher the landscape without them- .
Iconic buildings don't necessarily have to be massive in scale. The architect's history in building design, the history of the building itself i.e. the building may have taken a number of years to build, the architectural ecstatic brilliance or architect who designed the building, and finally the shear scale, are all characteristics which demand peoples attention around the world. .
Iconic buildings don't necessarily have to be tall buildings. Chicago is rapidly becoming the "reputed high rise capital of the world " however when you think of America and its iconic status you do not think of Chicago s masses of concrete high-rises you think of The Empire state building or the statue of Liberty. Yes these may be very tall constructions but my point is, this is not only what contributes to their iconic status. Take Barcelona's main iconic building the Temple Expiatori designed by Antoni Gaudi. It is still under construction 118 years after it was begun. People flock to see this building because of its history and especially its architecture. They call its creation nothing short of a bible in stone'. This building has not only gained iconic status because of the amount of time it is taking to complete, but also because of its fascinating architectural features. Although this Cathedral is quite large it would still look minuscule as compared to the Empire State building but this doesn't make it any less an iconic feature.
The Sydney Oprah House is a perfect example of an Iconic building defining place.