Source and credit: @zqlee

Looking for art inspiration ideas? You’re in the right place. In this post, we’ll be exploring some of the most amazing architecture the world has to offer. From the wildly experimental Soviet bus stops to the bold plans of the Hundertwasserhaus in Vienna, there’s something for everyone here.

The world is full of art inspiration if you know where to look. We’ve curated some of our favorite examples below to help you develop your own practice. Remember, amazing things happen when you dare to dream!

Soviet Bus Stops – Christopher Herwig Photos

Source and credit: herwigphoto 

Conjure an image of Soviet-era architecture in your mind. Chances are you pictured foreboding slabs of concrete as far as the eye can see. Thanks to the work of photographer Christopher Herwig, we can safely say that this image is far from accurate.

Herwig traveled across former Soviet territories, capturing the wildly inventive bus stops that were installed by the communist regime. These structures are a testament to creativity, architectural innovation, and flair for the sake of flair.

The Barbican Centre London

Source and credit: montcalmroyallondoncity

The ever-controversial Brutalist style of architecture had reached its peak of popularity in 1980s Britain. During this time, a remarkable location, The Barbican Centre, was first dreamt up by Peter Chamberlin, Geoffry Powell, and Christoph Bon.

The center was first designed as a council estate for the wealthier middle classes at the time. Clandestine layouts, towering structures, and discombobulating walkways were employed to create a space that was a safe haven for residents and a confusing mystery to strangers.

Everything from medical facilities to libraries to grocery stores to recreational buildings was all housed inside the center. Residents never had to leave their tiny pocket of London! Today, the Barbican is home to a world-renowned arts and theatre space with a few bustling restaurants and residential flats thrown in for good measure.

Hundertwasserhaus Vienna

Source: © Bwag/Commons on Wikipedia

Friedensreich Hundertwasser began his artistic career as a painter in the 1950s. His eye for ‘natural forms of decay’ soon led him to develop a unique approach to residential architecture. Hundertwasser envisioned residential homes that worked in harmony with nature rather than disrupting it.

To this end, he designed blocks of residential housing in Vienna that employed several unique features to help them integrate more smoothly with the local ecosystem. For example, space and encouragement were made for residents to decorate their balconies with local plant life.

Sagrada Família

Credit and source: From SBA73 on Wikipedia 

This is an architectural project so monumental that it’s still in progress. Since 1882, this remarkable building has been under construction in Barcelona. The architect Antoni Gaudí was responsible for the project’s fusion of gothic revival, art nouveau, and modernist styles.

From spectacular sprawling spires to breathtaking stained glass windows, this building is well worth a visit and has truly earned its classification as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. When it comes to art inspiration ideas, it doesn’t get much better than this!

Gants Hill East London

Source: Sunil060902 on Wikipedia

The architecture of Moscow’s metro system is known around the world for its artistic flair and opulence, but did you know that a tube station in East London feels like it was lifted straight out of the Russian capital?

When plans for Moscow’s metro system were first underway, several prominent figures from the London Underground were asked for advice and design ideas. These British engineers brought a flavor of these plans home with them. The result? The striking design of Gants Hill tube station in East London!

SOA Arts – Your Art Inspiration Generator!

Still hungry for ideas? Use us as your art inspiration generator! We’ve got more than a decade’s worth of experience in producing, curating, and commissioning incredible artwork for your business or collection.

Get in touch today and we’ll be happy to help!

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