Architecture and design are truly manifestations of human emotions. In honor of February, the month of love, here are a few pieces of design history, inspired by one person’s love of another.
1. Most well known for being a work of love is the Taj Mahal in India. Built as a mausoleum for his late wife, Emperor Shah Jahan built this monument in her memory. What started out as a mausoleum soon became one of the most resplendent pieces of architecture inspired by love. The white marble inlayed with semiprecious stones speak to importance of the buildings inspiration. Much care was taken with the choice of material and layout. Calligraphy praises are written on her casket and a sun motif is displayed throughout. The tomb for his lost love is the central focus of the Taj Mahal, with all other areas radiating out from her final resting place. Thought was even put into the garden area of the Taj Mahal, with the tomb built at the end of the garden, instead of the center as was customary. This gives you the feeling of awe as you approach the tomb from the garden, and I’m sure that the emperor intentionally designed this impact out of love.
2. Thornewood Castle is a historic castle in Seattle Washington. Dubbed “the house that love built”, this castle was built by Chester Thorne for his wife of 20 years, Anna. The details in the interior are representative of a great love. Rare artwork was commissioned to be hand painted on glass then surrounded by panes of crystal and mounted to windows throughout the castle. The staircase was hand hewn from a English oak tree over 500 years old, and the fountains are surrounded by one of kind statues. The gardens were especially designed for Anna and she dubbed them her “secret gardens”, where an oversized chess set still remains today. Thornewood castle is now used for weddings and events, the perfect spot for romance.
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3. Castle Torrechiara is located in northern Italy and was built by Pier Maria II Rossi, a count, for his lover Bianca. This castle incorporated the passion side of true love, with the Camera d’Oro (Golden Chamber), one of the most famous examples of erotic chambers in Italy. Paintings of Bianca searching for her lover decorate the interior of the space.
Hopefully these romantic places will bring out the designer in you and you will be inspired by the one you love!
