# What Is Your Favorite Building? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [February 24, 2009, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-favorite-building/487263 "2009-02-24T20:30:40Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Baker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/bb73d2/32.png) [@Baker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baker)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2009, 2:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-favorite-building/487263/21 "2009-02-25T02:11:37Z")
> [@carlotta](#): > > I will always go to the [National Cathedral](http://www.nationalcathedral.org/) in Washington DC if I get a chance. I spent a lot of time there as a kid and I know some of the nooks and crannies, but I feel like there’s still lots to discover, esp. since it wasn’t even finished until about 10 yrs. ago. I’m sure the ancient gothic cathedrals in Europe are way cooler, but this is the one I know. Just this very evening I was at a Shrove Tuesday pancake supper. Our youth group is raising money to make a pilgrimage to the National Catheral, and a slide show was set up showing different pictures of the building. I loved one of the gargoyles, it was a Darth Vader head! > [@Robot\_Arm](#): > > I’m having to give this a lot of though for my own choice. Someday before I die, I want to see the **Hagia Sophia**. Until I do, I’m trying to think of a favorite among the buildings I have been to. There have been some great ones. I’d also love to see that, with the glorious dome. I’m one of the few people though that think the silhouette of the building was improved after it became a mosque. Those minarets lift it up. Without them the outline of the building is rather humped and hulking. I also love my own church, Grace Cathedral. [http://www.gracecathedraltopeka.org/](http://www.gracecathedraltopeka.org/) Not huge, but lovely, and the windows are glorious. Yes I know it doesn’t take a pretty building to make a good church, but you just gotta love a window of Adam naming the animals and scratching his head over what to call the anteater. Or the St. Nicholas door window, with a teeny little Santa Claus in one corner. Or the Resurrection window, that has several figures people who lived before Christ, and includes a caveman munching on a bone. But my favorite building is a small house here in town that was home to my grandmother for nearly sixty years. The best memories of my life are wrapped up in that house. Playing in the basement with my cousins. Watching Dr. Who with Grandma. Seeing Grandpa give one of my cousins the belt. The garden in the back yard. The plants. Burying family pets next to the fenceline. Grandpa showing me how to make a snapdragon snap. Excuse me, I have something in my eye. ---
**Author:** ![blondebear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blondebear/32/1022_2.png) [@blondebear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blondebear)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2009, 3:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-favorite-building/487263/22 "2009-02-25T03:43:18Z")
I really like the [Old Faithful Inn](http://www.yellowstone-notebook.com/inn1.html). ---
**Author:** ![FlyingRat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/59ef9b/32.png) [@FlyingRat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlyingRat)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2009, 3:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-favorite-building/487263/23 "2009-02-25T03:44:04Z")
Probably my favorite building in my favorite city is Kyoto Station, the main transportation hub in Kyoto, Japan. It’s a super-modern building in the middle of a 1200-year-old city-- and it works. One of our tour guides said that it’s become one of the three “wow” sights in Kyoto, along with Kinkakuji (the Golden Pavilion) and Sanjusangendo (a temple from the 1200’s containing 1,001 gilded statues of the Boddhisattva Kannon). [Part of the outside of Kyoto Station](http://flickr.com/photos/tatsushu/3264115364/in/set-72157600771296085/) [The inside, from the hotel side, looking across to the interior “mountain” that goes up 13-14 stories on the other side](http://flickr.com/photos/tatsushu/277267632/in/set-72157600771296085/) The above photos are by my husband. [Here’s a truly jaw-dropping shot of the inside of the station by another Flickr user.](http://www.flickr.com/photos/congaragata/468486449/sizes/o/) It’s hard to explain, but even though the building is freaking enormous and super-contemporary, it feels welcoming-- it leaves no doubt that it was designed for people to use (for transit, but also work and play) and it invites you to explore all the things that are tucked away within it. ---
**Author:** ![Baker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/bb73d2/32.png) [@Baker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baker)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2009, 3:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-favorite-building/487263/24 "2009-02-25T03:49:09Z")
**FlyingRat** , your post makes me want to come see that building! ---
**Author:** ![Gotterfunken](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/58956e/32.png) [@Gotterfunken](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gotterfunken)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2009, 3:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-favorite-building/487263/25 "2009-02-25T03:50:56Z")
The Pantheon in Rome. A close second: the cathedral (duomo) of Florence. Can’t give it first place because it’s not nearly as beautiful on the interior as it is on the exterior (whereas the Pantheon is equally attractive inside and out). ---
**Author:** ![Sunspace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunspace/32/1250_2.png) [@Sunspace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunspace)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2009, 4:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-favorite-building/487263/26 "2009-02-25T04:48:24Z")
I’ll start with the obvious close to home, and say [Toronto City Hall](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:City_Hall,_Toronto,_Ontario.jpg). I also like [Tokyo City Hall](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Tokyo_Metropolitan_Goverment_Building_no1_Tocho_08_7_December_2003.jpg). Two smaller buildings I really like are the [McKinsey & Company](http://www.ccbda.org/publications/architecture/McKinsey.html) building on Charles Street in Toronto, and the [Isabel Bader Theatre](http://www.canadianarchitect.com/Issues/ISarticle.asp?id=78613&story_id=142976132203&issue=02012003&PC=) across the street. Both are Modern in style, but are implemented with rough natural textures and materials–limestone, wood–that make them very appealing. I suppose it’s not a surprise that I like Fallingwater. More FLW, please. 🙂 I loved the Marin Civic Center when I was there. I also like the (Arts and Crafts) [Gamble House](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:GambleHouse-2005_edit1.jpg) in Pasadena. ---
**Author:** ![Siam\_Sam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d78d45/32.png) [@Siam\_Sam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siam_Sam)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2009, 5:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-favorite-building/487263/27 "2009-02-25T05:13:54Z")
> [@FlyingRat](#): > > Probably my favorite building in my favorite city is Kyoto Station, the main transportation hub in Kyoto, Japan. It’s a super-modern building in the middle of a 1200-year-old city-- and it works. One of our tour guides said that it’s become one of the three “wow” sights in Kyoto, along with Kinkakuji (the Golden Pavilion) and Sanjusangendo (a temple from the 1200’s containing 1,001 gilded statues of the Boddhisattva Kannon). > > [Part of the outside of Kyoto Station](http://flickr.com/photos/tatsushu/3264115364/in/set-72157600771296085/) > > [The inside, from the hotel side, looking across to the interior “mountain” that goes up 13-14 stories on the other side](http://flickr.com/photos/tatsushu/277267632/in/set-72157600771296085/) > > The above photos are by my husband. [Here’s a truly jaw-dropping shot of the inside of the station by another Flickr user.](http://www.flickr.com/photos/congaragata/468486449/sizes/o/) > > It’s hard to explain, but even though the building is freaking enormous and super-contemporary, it feels welcoming-- it leaves no doubt that it was designed for people to use (for transit, but also work and play) and it invites you to explore all the things that are tucked away within it. How old is that? I’m pretty sure that’s not the Kyoto terminal I used, but it’s been at least 12 years since I was there. I had to make do with a dumpy old terminal. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2009, 5:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-favorite-building/487263/28 "2009-02-25T05:45:11Z")
Another favorite: the law library at the University of Michigan. A stolid old building with a surprisingly light, airy underground modern extension lit by natural light all the way down due to a paved trench around it. Exterior: [http://wwwdelivery.superstock.com/WI/223/2175/PreviewComp/SuperStock\_2175-104.jpg](http://wwwdelivery.superstock.com/WI/223/2175/PreviewComp/SuperStock_2175-104.jpg) Interiors: [http://www.law.umich.edu/virtualtour/documents/library/images/entrance.jpg](http://www.law.umich.edu/virtualtour/documents/library/images/entrance.jpg) [![](https://photog.com/commercial/images/UMich39.jpg) ](https://photog.com/commercial/images/UMich39.jpg) [![](https://www.top-law-schools.com/uploads/images/michigan3.jpg) ](https://www.top-law-schools.com/uploads/images/michigan3.jpg) [http://arch.ced.berkeley.edu/vitalsigns/workup/rpi/watson\_img/michigan1.gif](http://arch.ced.berkeley.edu/vitalsigns/workup/rpi/watson_img/michigan1.gif) [http://www.schooldesigns.com/catalog/images/008as3258.jpg](http://www.schooldesigns.com/catalog/images/008as3258.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![The\_Second\_Stone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/bbe5ce/32.png) [@The\_Second\_Stone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Second_Stone)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2009, 6:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-favorite-building/487263/29 "2009-02-25T06:03:31Z")
Taj Mahal anyone? [File:Taj Mahal in March 2004.jpg - Wikipedia](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Taj_Mahal_in_March_2004.jpg) Perhaps the Parthenon. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Parthenon-2008.jpg](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Parthenon-2008.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![Illuminatiprimus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/illuminatiprimus/32/11520_2.png) [@Illuminatiprimus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Illuminatiprimus)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2009, 7:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-favorite-building/487263/30 "2009-02-25T07:35:59Z")
Without hesitation the [Palace of Westminster](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Palace_of_Westminster,_London_-_Feb_2007.jpg), aka the British Houses of Parliament. I walk past it nearly every day and it still makes me feel in awe (even though I know it’s full of baboons flinging shit at each other…). ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2009, 7:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-favorite-building/487263/31 "2009-02-25T07:56:00Z")
My Garage. Clearly visible from space. The space on the landing pattern for the local airport. Has all my shit and is where I hang out and drink beer. Lovely place. ---
**Author:** ![Mudshark](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f04885/32.png) [@Mudshark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mudshark)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2009, 8:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-favorite-building/487263/32 "2009-02-25T08:43:41Z")
[Tassel House](http://www.qvolabs.com/images_Art_Nouveau.htm) [Casa Batllo](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casa_Batll%C3%B3) ---
**Author:** ![FlyingRat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/59ef9b/32.png) [@FlyingRat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlyingRat)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2009, 9:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-favorite-building/487263/33 "2009-02-25T09:27:53Z")
> [@Siam\_Sam](#): > > How old is that? I’m pretty sure that’s not the Kyoto terminal I used, but it’s been at least 12 years since I was there. I had to make do with a dumpy old terminal. The current building opened in 1997, so yeah, you probably saw the old building (from the 1950’s). In the [big panorama](http://www.flickr.com/photos/congaragata/468486449/sizes/o/) I linked to above, you can see a cafe on the first level up, under the big floating flat-topped blobby things. It’s a Cafe du Monde-- yes, the same chain famous in New Orleans. It’s a great place to sit and have beignets and cafe au lait while people-watching! ---
**Author:** ![Staggerlee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/staggerlee/32/3134_2.png) [@Staggerlee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Staggerlee)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2009, 1:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-favorite-building/487263/34 "2009-02-25T13:01:24Z")
One of my favourite buildings was a fairly old-looking skyscraper in Chicago which appeared to be clad in a black-marble-effect material, with gold trimmings. Any ideas which one I mean? Otherwise, St Peter’s [Basilica](http://www.visitingdc.com/rome/st-peters-picture.asp) in the Vatican is extraordinarily impressive. ---
**Author:** ![bartleby](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bartleby/32/10491_2.png) [@bartleby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bartleby)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2009, 2:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-favorite-building/487263/35 "2009-02-25T14:16:59Z")
[Cincinnati Union Station](http://www.louisvilleartdeco.com/architecture/Cincy-UnionStation/Cincy-UnionStation.html) ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2009, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-favorite-building/487263/36 "2009-02-25T14:37:27Z")
> [@Illuminatiprimus](#): > > Without hesitation the [Palace of Westminster](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Palace_of_Westminster,_London_-_Feb_2007.jpg), aka the British Houses of Parliament… Oh, yes. And the interior isn’t too shabby either; here’s the House of Lords chamber: [File:House of Lords.jpg - Wikipedia](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:House_of_Lords.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![Zeldar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/b77776/32.png) [@Zeldar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zeldar)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2009, 2:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-favorite-building/487263/37 "2009-02-25T14:39:01Z")
Taj Mahal. I’ve only seen pictures. ---
**Author:** ![Hampshire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hampshire/32/4887_2.png) [@Hampshire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hampshire)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2009, 3:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-favorite-building/487263/38 "2009-02-25T15:02:13Z")
I don’t know if it qualifies as a building, but it is a piece of architecture: [The St. Louis Arch](http://www.gatewayarch.com/Arch/info/arch.fact.aspx) It’s just awesome to look at in person. Google maps street views around give a good idea of what it’s like to be there. The story of how they built it is even more interesting. ---
**Author:** ![Illuminatiprimus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/illuminatiprimus/32/11520_2.png) [@Illuminatiprimus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Illuminatiprimus)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2009, 3:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-favorite-building/487263/39 "2009-02-25T15:21:22Z")
> [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](#): > > Oh, yes. And the interior isn’t too shabby either; here’s the House of Lords chamber: [File:House of Lords.jpg - Wikipedia](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:House_of_Lords.jpg) I love it when I get to go to meetings or events in the House because it’s like visiting Hogwarts. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![jackdavinci](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackdavinci/32/3259_2.png) [@jackdavinci](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jackdavinci)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2009, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-favorite-building/487263/40 "2009-02-25T17:04:11Z")
I love cool and strange architecture so it’s hard to pick just one! But for personal relevance I’d have to pick the [Native American Center For The Living Arts](http://www.amerindian.com/Projects.cfm?PageID=3134&CatID=6#) in Niagara Falls - an art museum for which the entire 80,000 square foot building is shaped like a [turtle](http://maps.google.com/maps?client=safari&q=Niagara+Falls&oe=UTF-8&ie=UTF8&split=0&gl=us&ei=WHmlSarBC4zVnQf4msmYBQ&ll=43.084859,-79.062888&spn=0.001128,0.002052&t=h&z=19&iwloc=addr)! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-favorite-building/487263.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-favorite-building/487263.md?page=3)