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Architecture is meant to fulfill both practical and expressive requirements, and thus it serves both utilitarian and aesthetic purposes. When you look at a structure, you can distinguish these two ends but they cannot be separated, and the relative weight each of them carry can vary widely. Plus, every society has its own, unique relationship to the natural world and its architecture usually reflects that as well, allowing people from other places to learn about their environment, as well as history, ceremonies, artistic sensibility, and many aspects of daily life.

However, architecture is better seen, not described. So, let me introduce you to "the beautiful impossibilities that we want to live in", a subreddit dedicated to high-quality images of some of the most impressive (concept) buildings out there. This online community already has over 617K members, and the pictures they share are absolutely gorgeous. Continue scrolling and take a look!

#1

Semi-Destroyed In 1979 By The Earthquake In Albania. Rebuilt Two Years Ago

Semi-Destroyed In 1979 By The Earthquake In Albania. Rebuilt Two Years Ago

Mrizi-i-Zanave Report

#2

The Russian Ministry Of Agriculture, In Kazan

The Russian Ministry Of Agriculture, In Kazan

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Mihai Mara
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Awesome building, Always liked it. Whoever decided to put mirrored glass behind the tree made the right choice ;)

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#3

The Art Nouveau ‘Gran Hotel Ciudad De México’, 1899, By French Architect, Jacques Grüber

The Art Nouveau ‘Gran Hotel Ciudad De México’, 1899, By French Architect, Jacques Grüber

imaLilT-pot Report

Urbany also pointed out the importance of smart home technology. "Anyone with a smartphone or voice-activated speakers, like Amazon Echo or Google Home, knows the convenience of home features that can be controlled via a simple swipe, utterance, or in-home video panel," the architect said.

"Not only are these features convenient, but many — including lighting and heating/cooling control — can reap real rewards on monthly utility bills. For architects, the challenge becomes creating spaces to house any mechanicals and the necessary wiring that goes along with them."

#4

This Spiral Staircase Carved From A Single Tree In 1851 - Located In Lednice Castle, Czech Republic

This Spiral Staircase Carved From A Single Tree In 1851 - Located In Lednice Castle, Czech Republic

imaLilT-pot Report

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Samantha PandaNotBored
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh my goodness what an absolute wonderful piece of art, that will last and last . I’d love to walk down this

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skyfire the nightwing-seawing
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

its amazing, but i cant help but think how magnificent that tree must have been before it was killed to make a staircase

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Týna Ef
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

in the castle park (worth to see it is beautifull park) there are oaks (i think it's oaks) so huge that four of us barely hug it...that magnificent ;)

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Gabor Salamon
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

May be a little misleading. Yes, a single tree, but the tree was cut up to make the staircase. No nails used ("Made from the wood of a single oak tree, not carved as one piece, made and joined using wooden pegs not nails")

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El Dee
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

From a single tree, yes. But in a single piece? I doubt that very much..

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catherine todd
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

El Dee: you wrote "... But in a single piece? I doubt that very much.." What makes you think that? Have you done a lot of woodcarving yourself? My friend who is a European-trained classical woodcarver says that how it would have been made to be sure joints did not fail on stairs. I'd like to know more about your opinion.

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Tedd Szalay
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Didn't realize trees grew that large in Europe. Assumed they had all been chopped down by this period

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Janice Dunham
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What kind of tree I wonder? And just how long did it take? It's astounding.

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Robert Higgins
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

About the same time a double spiral staircase was constructed in Sante Fe, New Mexico. The builder disappeared. Any connection?

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Grace Gwozdz
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ah......Stairs to Haven. Blessed the architect who created this marvel.

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Marcia Cash
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

so many ancient, giant Ents slaughtered for rich men's decor. It is a stunning work of art, though.

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Mary Hurst
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The craftsman who created this were geniuses and probably didn’t get paid nearly enough.

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Luuta
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Gobsmacked. There can only be a handful of people in the world who can do this.

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bunny
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It is also carved in an irregular oval to fit in the space, rather than circular, which requires much more complex engineering

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catherine todd
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Spiral Stairs, carved "from a single tree" - INCREDIBLE! I can't imagine how old that tree was, and would love to know the type of wood. Creativity knows no bounds!

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Susan Egan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow, it's beautiful and incredible no matter how many trees it took to make. If it said ten trees it's still impressive.

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JD Lee
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Absolutely stunning and a testament to human determination and creativity, though I'm certain that tree must have been a stunning creation as well. If I were a tree and my time was over, I would want to be turned into this.

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Yolande Labbé
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Impressive is not the word here I simply have no word. I am just in aw...

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Kelly Hartle
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The craftsmen that created this deserved the real recognition.

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Forrest McCanless
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nah - maybe wood from a single tree, but not carved in situ - wood doesn't work that way.

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Cybele Spanjaard
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have seen this before, it is a remarkable feat of carving and structure and hopefully kept restored for ever!!

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Paul Aguilera
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That is so awesome but can you imagine the dusting on that thing!

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Jenifer Riggs
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Imagine how big the tree must have been! It must have been hundreds of years old. Staircase looks awesome but kinda feel bad that original tree had to be cut down.

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Catherine Brady
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Magnificent tribute to the power of trees and artistry. I would l hate to have to dust or posh it though.

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Bjørnar Bjørkhaug
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Very nice, but unfortunately not from a single tree. If its to good to be true, its usually not true.

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Tabby_Sohee
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can’t imagine the skill and time and effort that went into this but we can all appreciate it all the same

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Marlowe Fitzpatrik
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I doubt it, since they don#t grow in Europe, at least not during a time that would have it made possible to be big enough to make that staircase. I think the trick is that one tree provided the wood but it wasn't necessarily in one piece.

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Tracy Baparam
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I absolutely love it. Don't think I'll ever use it, but I want it.

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Kim Bush
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Typical greed and consumerism. Even though you don't need it you feel like you must possess it...Just because. (downvote me for saying so, I don't care)

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#5

Pavillion Of The Enlightened, Bangkok

Pavillion Of The Enlightened, Bangkok

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#6

Wisteria Blossoms Surrounding The Entrance Of A Victorian Townhouse In San Francisco

Wisteria Blossoms Surrounding The Entrance Of A Victorian Townhouse In San Francisco

zorymory Report

Another important aspect of contemporary architecture is sustainability. After all, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), buildings generate nearly 40% of annual global GHG emissions.

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"It's no surprise the trend is towards creating more energy-efficient buildings, but also to develop homes that use, and leak less energy," Urbany explained.

"The pinnacle of this type of design is a net-zero home that literally has no net energy consumption. This is achieved by not only reducing energy consumption but by adding energy creation on the site, typically in the form of solar panels."

#8

A Spiral Staircase Designed By Leonardo Da Vinci In The Year 1516

A Spiral Staircase Designed By Leonardo Da Vinci In The Year 1516

Rusty_Crank Report

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Mimi777
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It’s amazing how something so intricate and detailed was designed and built so long ago.

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Even if net-zero is too lofty a goal, architects are urged to implement as many sustainable features as possible. These include well-sealed building envelopes, efficient insulation, multi-panel windows, and energy-efficient appliances and systems.

TMD STUDIO, a London-and-Prague-based group of young professionals operating within the fields of architecture, visualizations, interior design, and research, agrees that sustainable architecture holds the key to an environmentally positive future.

"Only by living more economically with our resources can we hope to protect our environment and climate," TMD STUDIO wrote.

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"By keeping the energy we consume within our buildings for as long as possible, we need less supply in the first place," TMD STUDIO said. "Using less energy to keep us comfortable means that we can become environmentally responsible and more resource-efficient, which are both vital to reducing the effects of climate change."

According to the organization, there are three overriding concerns when designing buildings with better considerations towards ecological impact: the first is the materials used for construction, the second concern is the energy efficiency of the building and the last factor to consider is the location of the building itself.

"The building might be energy efficient and use low impact construction technologies but this would not mean anything if the ecosystem suffers as a result of the building. A greater holistic approach to all of these design factors is becoming more prevalent in mainstream architecture."

#14

This Apartment Building In Tel Aviv, Israel

This Apartment Building In Tel Aviv, Israel

mtlgrems Report

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Mihai Mara
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There's one extra solution if you accidentally lock yourself out: Parkour!

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#15

House In Art Nouveau Style, Brussels, Belgium

House In Art Nouveau Style, Brussels, Belgium

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#16

The Ceiling Of The Shah Mosque In Isfahan, Iran

The Ceiling Of The Shah Mosque In Isfahan, Iran

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Urbany said that housing multiple generations of one's family under one roof was commonplace before the middle of the last century, but after WWII, single-family homes became more popular, spurred by the post-war boom and desire to achieve the American Dream.

"Today, people are living much longer which has created a so-called 'sandwich generation' that's both caring for young children and older parents. Therefore, the demand for housing with features that cater to multi-gen living is growing. According to the AIA survey, the most popular features include first-floor master suites, elevators, and laundry facilities on multiple levels, all of which can be found in Dixon Leasing's extensive portfolio."

#18

Winter Has Come In Iceland. Hallgrímskirkja In Reykjavík. Photo By Gunnar Freyr

Winter Has Come In Iceland. Hallgrímskirkja In Reykjavík. Photo By Gunnar Freyr

dilkur Report

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Anna Banana
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Cool! I've never been to Iceland but somehow this is exactly what I would've expected to see there.

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#19

"Azure Blue Pool" At Hearst Castel, San Simeon, California. It Was Built By Architect Julia Morgan Between 1919 And 1947

"Azure Blue Pool" At Hearst Castel, San Simeon, California. It Was Built By Architect Julia Morgan Between 1919 And 1947

KantKay11 Report

#20

Restaurant On The River Ill Flowing Through The Historic Petite France Quarter Of Strasbourg, France

Restaurant On The River Ill Flowing Through The Historic Petite France Quarter Of Strasbourg, France

ManiaforBeatles Report

#21

Thorncrown Chapel, Arkansas, By E. Fay Jones

Thorncrown Chapel, Arkansas, By E. Fay Jones

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Lastly, we should also keep in mind flexibility. For the most part, families and households are more diverse than ever, meaning one person's need for a formal dining room is another person's demand for a quiet office for their home-based business.

"Homes and layouts that can flexibly accommodate any number of residents, and better yet, evolve with those residents over time, are especially appealing," Urbany explained. "For architects, that can mean creating spaces that are easily divided or expanded with pocket or barn doors. Designers can aid flexibility by incorporating consistent themes and materials throughout."

We might not be colonizing Mars soon, but recent architectural trends are giving plenty of reasons to get excited about the future of construction.

#22

Duomo Di Milano, Italy

Duomo Di Milano, Italy

unloadedquake Report

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kristy sickles
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That had to have taken a looong time to build. So intricate. Absolutely superb!

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#23

Shades Of Blue Highlight This San Francisco Victorian Home

Shades Of Blue Highlight This San Francisco Victorian Home

rockystl Report

#24

Clermont-Ferrand Cathedral In France - Built Entirely Of Black Lava Stone

Clermont-Ferrand Cathedral In France - Built Entirely Of Black Lava Stone

ParaMike46 Report

#25

Grundtvig’s Church In Copenhagen, Denmark. Was Completed In 1940 And Its Design Is A Combination Between A Cathedral And The Style Of Old Danish Country Houses

Grundtvig’s Church In Copenhagen, Denmark. Was Completed In 1940 And Its Design Is A Combination Between A Cathedral And The Style Of Old Danish Country Houses

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#26

Park Royal Hotel Singapore

Park Royal Hotel Singapore

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#28

Windows Inside Dos Bosco Chapel- Brasilia, Brazil

Windows Inside Dos Bosco Chapel- Brasilia, Brazil

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#30

Very Narrow Corner House, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Very Narrow Corner House, Amsterdam, Netherlands

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James016
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've seen this with my own eyes. Took a moment to process it.

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#31

Fallingwater Under Snow, Designed By Frank Lloyd Wright In 1935

Fallingwater Under Snow, Designed By Frank Lloyd Wright In 1935

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Full of Giggles
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you ever find yourself in Phoenix, Arizona, I highly recommend taking a Frank Lloyd Wright tour or catch a performance at Gammage Auditorium at Arizona State University. The man was a genius.

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#32

19th Century Italianate Orangery Of The Castle Ashby House, Northamptonshire, East Midlands, England

19th Century Italianate Orangery Of The Castle Ashby House, Northamptonshire, East Midlands, England

ManiaforBeatles Report

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Grumble O'Pug
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

At prep school we took classes in an orangery. Basically a converted greenhouse

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#33

The Stunning Shah-I-Zinda Necropolis In Samarkand, Uzbekistan

The Stunning Shah-I-Zinda Necropolis In Samarkand, Uzbekistan

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Nea
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wont stop taking pictures here. So captivating each tile.

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#34

The Entrance To A Nightclub In Seoul, South Korea Designed By Mdrdv

The Entrance To A Nightclub In Seoul, South Korea Designed By Mdrdv

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#35

Neo-Gothic House In Budapest Circa 1894

Neo-Gothic House In Budapest Circa 1894

GronWorld Report

#36

Mr Thomas’s Chop House. Manchester. Mills And Murgatroyd. 1901

Mr Thomas’s Chop House. Manchester. Mills And Murgatroyd. 1901

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#38

Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria, Germany

Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria, Germany

RemoteLostControl Report

#40

Trinity College, Dublin. Geology Building Designed By Thomas Deane And Benjamin Woodward

Trinity College, Dublin. Geology Building Designed By Thomas Deane And Benjamin Woodward

Ashgenie Report

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Samantha PandaNotBored
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love the blue brick, that almost looks silver in different lights . Very nice

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#41

The National Shrine Basilica Of Our Lady Of Las Lajas In Nariño, Colombia

The National Shrine Basilica Of Our Lady Of Las Lajas In Nariño, Colombia

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#42

Hotel In The City Of Quebec, Canada

Hotel In The City Of Quebec, Canada

juanralucard Report

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Chich
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have to get back to Quebec city. It has been years.

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#43

19th Century Double-Gallery House In New Orleans, Louisiana

19th Century Double-Gallery House In New Orleans, Louisiana

ManiaforBeatles Report

#44

Les Espaces D'abraxas, Noisy-Le-Grand, France

Les Espaces D'abraxas, Noisy-Le-Grand, France

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Anna Banana
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is certainly intersting and different but I don't find it pretty nor would I like to live there.

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#45

Art Nouveau Doorway

Art Nouveau Doorway

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#47

This Apartment Building In Singapore

This Apartment Building In Singapore

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Gandalf the Pink
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Amazing. What if buildings could replace as much plantlife as they remove. Oxygen making skyscrapers!

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#48

Wedekindhaus, A Half-Timbered Renaissance Style House With Carved Oak Facade Originally Built In 1598 By The Merchant Hans Storre, Then Later Completely Destroyed During A Wwii Air Raid Before Being Rebuilt In The 1980s. Hildesheim, Lower Saxony, Germany

Wedekindhaus, A Half-Timbered Renaissance Style House With Carved Oak Facade Originally Built In 1598 By The Merchant Hans Storre, Then Later Completely Destroyed During A Wwii Air Raid Before Being Rebuilt In The 1980s. Hildesheim, Lower Saxony, Germany

ManiaforBeatles Report

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Bettie-Jean Neal
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd love to see a painting or sketch of the original to compare with how it was rebuilt.

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#49

Well Court, Designed As Model Housing For Local Workers And Finished In 1886 In Dean Village, Edinburgh, Scotland

Well Court, Designed As Model Housing For Local Workers And Finished In 1886 In Dean Village, Edinburgh, Scotland

ManiaforBeatles Report

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kristy sickles
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Whomever looks after this place is very good at their job! Very well maintained!

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#50

Warsaw University Of Technology Main Building (1899)

Warsaw University Of Technology Main Building (1899)

Dreeewno Report

Note: this post originally had 112 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.