Skyrim Architecture :: High Hrothgar

Welcome to the next installment of my Skyrim Architecture series, where I scout the Skyrim world in search of the most beautiful structures and landmarks Bethesda's award-winning franchise has to offer.

     Picture from: primagames.com

    The elusive monastery of High Hrothgar sits upon Tamriel's biggest mountain.  Literally the "Throat of the World", this mountain is immense, and climbing the seven thousand steps to the doors of the monastery is no easy task.   "It is here the ancient Greybeards reside, living in absolute silence to better attune themselves to the voice of the sky"  (The Elder Scrolls Wiki).  Aside from their mysterious secretiveness, the architecture is fascinating.

     Picture from: zuckerspinne (deviantart)

    More complex than an Imperial fort, this monastery is quite expansive and it's fortification is impressive.  It's made out of massive gray stones with intricate carvings and crown molding  (if you can call it that).  The front of the structure has two stairway paths leading to the ornately decorated doors along with a single watchtower in the center.  The whole building is obviously extremely sturdy, withstanding intense winds from the top of the mountain.

    Picture from: elderscrolls.wikia.com

    The picture above is a piece of concept art showcasing the exterior courtyard on the back side of the complex.  The archway on the top-left is part of a path that leads up to the very top of Throat of the World, where the dragon Paarthurnax resides.  High Hrothgar's supports and archways are deeply entrenched into the mountain's rocky cliffs and again are very sturdy.

    Picture from: tespostcards.wordpress.com

    On the inside, High Hrothgar is equally beautiful.  The whole inside of the monastery is very dark, and the walls are lined with a dark (almost black) stone.  The picture above shows the main meeting place of the Greybeards when something important arises.  Banners hang from the ceiling covered in Dragon language.

     Picture from: tespostcards.wordpress.com

    Lastly, is a picture showing one of the side hallways linking different rooms and corridors.  I love how intricate the carvings in the walls and ceilings are.  Overall, this monastery is beautiful.  Whether that be on the inside or outside, it is definitely something extremely unique.

References:
>> The Elder Scrolls Wiki 
>> Previous Skyrim Architecture Post

Archilego :: Fallingwater!

I'm back with a new Archilego post, my LEGO architecture series that showcases recreations of famous landmarks and buildings around the world...made entirely out of LEGOs!

     

    Over the past three years, I've showcased Frank Lloyd Wright's masterpieces countless times.  After reading the biography on him way back in seventh grade, I saw a wide variety of his work, but my favorite was definitely Fallingwater, a house in the forests of Pennsylvania that uses a waterfall as the focal point of the home.

    Wright initially planned on building it around the main waterfall, but he later decided to build Fallingwater on top of it!  He didn't want the family to just look at the waterfall...Wright wanted them to live in it.  Using the terrain as his canvas, he created an amazing structure that emphasizes the beginning of a new era in modern architecture.  Wright was the pioneer of this new era. 

    Picture from: Urban by Design Online

 

      Of course, you can easily expect that a house this famous would be turned into a LEGO project, right?  Yes!  Designed by Adam Reed Tucker, this set has 811 pieces.  You can buy the LEGO set yourself for roughly $100...and build it yourself.  What more could you ask for? :D

References:

>>  Urban by Design Online

>>  Fallingwater (blog post)

Blog Update :: April 10

   I was searching on Google for "Abstract Dog" pictures.  I found this one and decided to make it my new profile photo!  I think it's pretty sick!

   *As for a blog update, expect new posts very soon.