to be moved to tears by architecture?

[ChaosTrulyReigns]

A few years ago I walked into a room that was so utterly beautiful I wept.



I can't be the only one to have experienced this can I?

I felt a bit similar watching the high camera angle shots from Westminter Abbey during the wedding, but put that down to being a sentimental old fool.

Anyone?

[Onemorning]

I'm another one who cried at Sagrada Familia. It really is the most extraordinarily beautiful, awe inspiring building. I want to see it again, and Gaudi's other work.

I also love L'eglise de St Eustache in Paris (near Les Halles) and Venice. I went to Venice and spent 3 days grinning like a loon. It was peeing with rain, but the buildings were glorious.

In my early 20's I spent a few skint weeks in Paris, and spent a lot of time walking around looking at buildings. Pere Lachaise cemetery is also fabulous.

Someone upthread mentioned hugging their house. I used to own a wee cottage (1 up, 1 down), grade II listed. It had a curved side and I used to hug it when no-one was looking.

[Ormirian]

ONCE not one

[Ormirian]

A brick one fell on my bare toe.

I was moved to tears.

[Sensi]

I get emotional when architecture catches me out. I think we were in Nuremburg on the underground when a wall 'got' me. King's Cross where the timetable board is always gets me. There's a tiny green courtyad in Corpus Christi Cambridge which is weepingly beautiful.

Agree wrt David. I didn't expect to be so bowled over.

Venice - St. Mark's square is the most beautiful thing for approx 6 seconds when you first enter it. All those teeny tiny pathways, narrow, cramped, maze-like, small brides, green narrow canals, rotting houses, cobbles, no horizon, and then... Breathe! The hugest space, sky, air, large buildings, vast floorspace. It's really something.

[cheesesarnie]

i remember on a night out with friends i spent ages outside this club talking to the bouncers about the architecture of the building.it was an old church and amazing!the bouncers probably thought i was a loon!but it was so lovely!

[Pendeen]

diablo

Gaudi's masterpiece - I totally agree.

For a building that is still under construction (after well over 100 years) it is truly wonderful - my favourite architect of all time.

[diabolo]

I'm a bit late to this thread, but totally agree.

Sagrada Familia in Barcelona made me cry for hours. I have never seen anything so beautiful.

Sacre Cour, Notre Dame and the Louvre in Paris - unbelievably stunning

A lot of London - (Houses of Parliament, St Pauls, Horseguards Parade, the view from the bridge in the middle of St James Park)

I'm from Leeds originally and some of the Victorian/Gothic buildings they have in the City Centre are stunning. Very "dark" and gloomy, but stunning nevertheless.

I now live in East Anglia surrounded by Tudor architecture, but that just doesn't do it for me. I don't know why. I can appreciate it is pretty, but it doesn't move me.

[wotnochocs]

I like that huge room on the advert with the massive white bouncy castle with the woman doing a back somersault on.

[MoreBeta]

namechange - thank you. It was certainly done after listing and is at the front of the house so I will have to ask further questions of the owner and maybe the local Conservation Officer.

[namechangetogloat]

That is dependant on several things.

When were the works done?
Was listed building consent sought?
What does it look like?
Where can it be seen from?

There is certainly not a catch all response to that question.

The risk you take on these things is that if the works were carried out after listing, they affect the interest and character of the building, and without the benefit of consent you could find your local enforcement officer on your door step requiring you to carry out remedial works at any time.

[Aworryingtrend]

YANBU. On walking out of the train station at Venice and seeing the city for the first time I cried because it was the most beautiful place I had ever seen.

[MoreBeta]

namechangetogloat - I went to see a Grade II listed Georgian (Regency period) house for sale the other day. What would you do if I bought it and you found out the previous owner had put in plastic gutters and drain pipes?

I'm guessing you would make me replace them with cast iron?

[namechangetogloat]

Bagofholly. Its is not quite as exciting as it sounds. Rarely I am blessed with the chance to see inside parts of well looked after listed buildings that the general public would never have a chance to see. Unfortunately the nature of my job is that most of my dealings with listed buildings occur when people are doing, or have done, horrific things to them.

I wish eveyone cared as much as you guys. I have seen some awful things people have done to beautiful buildings. On site I am in control (I am 'ard me!) But I have been known to shed a tear after I have left.

You wouldn't want my job it would make you sad!

[Grockle]

I have family who live in a Frank Lloyd Wright house. I don't love the design of but but some of the details are incredible and I love the history.

[Grockle]

And Gaudi... Wow

[Grockle]

I often feel humbled by architecture. And landscapes. And music. I am a teary old fool.

Stonehenge under a full moon took my breath away.

[Pendeen]

Yes I understand your joy and tears.

Truro cathedral is one reason why I decided at a very young age to become an architect. A few years later I discovered Gaudi...

I am so grateful to my mum and dad that they believed in me and supported me through the many years of study.

I absolutely love my work.

[BagofHolly]

Oh.My.God.

Ok, so how did you get the job, what qualifications do you need, and are you considering a career change?!

Doesn't it do your head in when you come across people abusing old buildings? Do you remember Theresa Gorman getting into trouble for putting a UPVC conservator onto her medieval cottage? I think she was fined but I would have happily birched her.

Tell me more about your job! I neeeed to know!

[namechangetogloat]

Complete new identity just for this thread....

I am a planning enforcement officer in an area with loads of listed buildings. My job is to (nosey at them) protect them.

[LyingWitchInTheWardrobe2726]

I did feel overwhelmed when I visited 'Il Duomo' in Milan, the most beautiful pink-hued cathedral I'd ever seen. Beautiful inside also and although I didn't weep, I do understand what you mean.

I love architecture, everywhere I go I'm always looking at gorgeous structures in absolute awe. :)

[BagofHolly]

Those that have seen David, didn't you think (as I did) "Waaahhh! Great big flapping jazz hands!"

[BagofHolly]

MoreBeta, love the link!

[BagofHolly]

TCOB - just googling Estate Management! Possibilities!

Why is your house grade I listed? (Obviously without giving identifying details, or I'd be round, sucing up for a glimpse of your rafters!)

"It is an act of optimism to list a building and devote yourself to it." Totally. I think if you're given the chance to live in a listed building, it's a priviledge and you're little more than a passing custodian.

[ChaosTrulyReigns]

All the female MNers will be swooning over you now MoreB.

[MoreBeta]

BagofHolly - we rented it because it was the only family house available in our town at the time. We didnt realise that this one was in such a poor state of repair because superficially it looks fine. I wake up though every morning mildly surprised to find myself alive as the ridge beam above our bedroom ceiling is rotted away and hanging in mid air ready to plunge like the Sword of Damocles to impale me to the matress.

Empire line? Well I'm prepared to try anything once but on my days off I still tend to favour the riding breeches, cravat and mutton chops look.