Ambling And ‘Architecture’ Stalking
Spotting random architectural attractions is one of my favourite things to do while I am travelling. And the best part is that I don’t have to do anything. I just have to wander and look around. One of my earlier posts South Mumbai Wanderings showcases South Mumbai’s architecture. Architecture is one of the things that I really admire about a city. Thus, whenever I spot a beautiful or interesting building other than the usual monuments, I stop and take a note. I particularly get enamoured by the churches and clock towers in a city. I think they add a certain charisma to the whole atmosphere.
“Architecture in general is frozen music”[Friedrich von Schelling Philosophie der Kunst]
Below are a few snapshots of my favourite architectural sightings so far –
 |
| Mumbai CST |
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus or Victoria Terminus, headquarters of the Central Railways, is a legendary railway station in Mumbai. It was designed by Frederick William Stevens in the eighteenth century. I got a chance to photograph this classic UNESCO World Heritage Site while I was leaving Mumbai in September last year. I had reached the station a couple of hours early so that I could wander around and take some photographs. I must admit, I was impressed when I took a closer look at the building’s external structure and design. It has influences of both Victorian-Gothic and traditional Mughal architecture.
 |
| Manchester Unity Building |
Manchester Unity Building is located where Collins Street and Swanston Street connect in Melbourne. It’s a skyscraper designed by Marcus Barlow in the neo gothic style. I didn’t find out what’s inside the building, but I liked its exterior a lot. Melbourne is a city with an interesting blend of both the vintage and the modern era buildings.
 |
| Jodhpur Clock Tower |
Jodhpur Clock Tower is probably the only clock tower in Rajasthan. I loved catching its distant view from the Mehrangarh Fort along with its surroundings. The clock tower is designed in a traditional way, which signifies Jodhpur’s regal legacy. The tower is also adjoined to Jodhpur’s most famous markets Mochi Bazaar and Sadar Market. Thus, there is a good excuse to loiter around.
 |
| Sydney Clock Tower |
Sydney GPO Clock Tower was demolished in 1942 and was rebuilt in 1964. The building was designed by James Barnet. Since Sydney exudes all things modern and urbane, spotting such a neo-classical building was a rare sight.
 |
| St James Church |
St James Church in Sydney is one of the oldest buildings in the city. It was designed by Francis Greenway in the ‘Georgian town church’ style. I found this church unique because of its colour – it’s dark from the outside. I have usually seen very daintily pretty churches, but this one looked a little sombre.
Do you enjoy spotting random architectural attractions?
Facts Source: Wikipedia
