Sunday, February 8, 2009

COASTAL RESORT ON THE MEDITERRANEAN

A stuuning coastal resort on the
Mediterranean.

MONT SAINT-MICHEL, NORMANDY FRANCE

The Abbey sits on a tiny, tidal island
on the coast of Normandy, France.
the Abbey's origins date back to 708.

The Norman architecture was financed
by the Duke of Normandy.
There are hints of Moorish influence.



ANARA TOWER, DUBAI

The Anara Tower is just the lastest
architectural marvel planned to grace
the skyline of Dubai city.
Dubai is one of the seven emirates that
make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

At 125 floors, it will be one of the tallest
buildings in the world. It will stand
approximately 2,150 feet high (700 meters),
house 300 aprtment/penthouses, a 250 room
luxury hotel and contain a retail section with
high end shops.

Alas, the turbine like top of the tower
is only ornamental. It does not spin.

The glass like capsule in the centre
will be a classy restaurant.

The tower wil maximize water and energy
efficiency and plans include renewable
sources of energy.
Called "Katimavik" the upside
down pyramid was Canada's
entry in the 1967 World's Fair,
better known as Expo 67, held
in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Huge by any standard, it was one of
the main centre pieces to the Fair.
Reportedly, the shape came about
when the designers tried to glue
together the pieces of a previous
design by putting an upside down
ashtray on it for weight! The lights
went on and the rest is history.
Which is all very ironic considering
that Canada was one of the first
countries to implement a smoking
ban in most public places years
later.