Great buildings
Spent a great day cycling round Amsterdam today checking out some of the contrasting architecture the city has to offer. There are some great buildings in this city, many of which are a long way from the canals. A thoughtfully designed structure can totally change the dynamic of an area, or city, and I think the Nemo building in the docks at the east of the city is a great example of that.
Another great example was completed recently in Viana do Castelo, just north of Porto in Portugal. The Axis Viana Hotel is a fantastic example of cantilevered design that creates a striking image against the flat landscape that surrounds it. I love seeing ambitious buildings like this, especially in smaller, tertiary cities, where I believe they have a far greater impact.
