Written by: Maitreyi Singh, Edited by: Giulia Fornasiero
Created by: Ayse Ece Ozgoren
How They Have Shaped Their Nation
Introduction
The purpose of this article is clear from the title itself: ‘Top 5 Megastructures: How They Have Shaped Their Nation’. In our world, there are monuments, housing complexes, residences, skyscrapers, etc with their own unique architecture. Here are some examples I’ve briefly written about. Read more to find out how they have shaped their nation.
Mahabalipuram Temple, Tamilnadu, India (8th century AD)
The Mahabalipuram temple was built to cherish the success of the king ruling at that time: Pallava king Narsimhavaran II. It is the oldest and most significant structural temple of South India, dedicated to the two most worshiped gods in Hinduism: Vishnu and Shiva. The Mahabalipuram Temple is so significant in South India since it is an important landmark of classical monuments, and it is believed to be an extremely holy and sacred place for the Hindus and represent the protective forces of nature. It has also been classified as the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This divine architecture has been carved by the sculpting and carving of beautiful scenery on the wall of the temple, and the whole temple has been finely cut with solid granite rocks. It was built by the king of the state at that time: King Rajasimha II
Cologne Cathedral, Dresden, Germany (1248-1560, 1842-1880, etc)
The construction of this Cathedral first started in 1248, and it was built to celebrate the religious services of Europe and to give Christians a picture of heaven. It took over 500 years to be built since there wasn’t much funding for the construction of the cathedral and major events like the bombardment of the cathedral in the second world war. Surprisingly though, despite being bombarded several times in the second world war the base was still stable, unlike other constructions which were completely torn apart.
This architecture is extremely important to Germany and contributes to the nation as it is a perfect representation of German Catholicism and Gothic architecture. Hence, enriching the culture and increasing the tourism of the nation. The building was built using Drachenfeis Trachyte which is a medieval building stone used to decorate ancient and royal palaces. This was first built by George Bähr.
Kasubi Tombs, Uganda (1882)
The construction of the Kasubi tombs began at the start of the 18th century in 1882 and was later on converted into the royal burial ground in 1884. This architecture is created using organic materials and wood with the interior designed to replicate a forest. There are also 52 rings inside the tomb to represent the 52 clans that were present in Uganda at that time. Therefore, this unique architecture remains a spiritual and political site for the citizens of Uganda. This has contributed to the nation’s cultural aspects. It was built by Kabaka Mutesa I.
The Sydney Opera House, Sydney (March 2, 1959)
The construction of the Sydney Opera House started on March 2, 1959, and ended on October 20, 1973. This is a world-famous icon of architecture as it has advanced the engineering and technological innovations of Australia. The construction of the architecture had three main stages. The first was, building the upper podium. Followed by the second stage: construction of the outer shells, and lastly the third stage, which is interior design and construction. This megastructure was created by Jørn Utzon.
Habitat 67, Canada (1967)
The Habitat 67 was built in 1967 in Montreal, Quebec, and it was designed by an Israeli-Canadian architect Moshe Safdie. It was originally designed to be a housing complex but turned out to be a profound architecture taking the level of innovation and structural design of Canada to a new level. This was built by using 354 identical modules stacked in unique combinations by steel cables.
Conclusion
These are some of the unique megastructures I found during different time periods and regions of the world. What megastructures do you know that have taken the innovation of its nation to a whole new level?
Citations
Mahabalipuram - Sculpture by the Sea - Archaeological Survey of India - Google Arts & Culture, https://www.google.com/url?q=https://artsandculture.google.com/exhibit/mahabalipuram-sculpture-by-the-sea-archaeological-survey-of-india/fgLC5vhuL90aJA?hl%3Den&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1643558960656618&usg=AOvVaw3rgJyMYazXovdSUx9n6mrz, Google, January 30, 2022
Languages - German - Germany Inside Out - Cologne - Cologne Cathedral, https://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/germany_insideout/rhineland5.shtml#:~:text=Building%20work%20began%20in%20the,largest%20Gothic%20cathedral%20of%20all.&text=The%20cathedral%20was%20severely%20damaged,in%20the%20heavy%20allied%20bombing, BBC, January 30, 2022.
Africa's iconic architecture in 12 buildings, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-58855205, BBC News, January 30, 2022, October 11, 2021.
Sydney Opera House: In-Depth https://www.cyark.org/projects/sydney-opera-house/in-depth#:~:text=Constructed%20between%201959%20and%201973,1973, CyArk, January 30, 2022
AD Classics: Habitat 67 / Safdie Architects, https://www.archdaily.com/404803/ad-classics-habitat-67-moshe-safdie#:~:text=Habitat%2067%20was%20constructed%20from,%E2%80%9Cboxes%E2%80%9D%20in%20different%20configurations, ArchDaily, January 30, 2022, July 21, 2013.
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