From the Great Wall of China to the Empire State Building, there are fascinating architectural facts about these structures. Here are just a few.
The Great Wall of China Took Over 2,600 Years to Build
A longer stretch of time separates the beginning and completion of the Great Wall of China’s construction than the entire history of Christianity up to the present day. Qin Shi Huang, China’s first emperor in 221-206 BC, developed the concept, drawing on walls built as early as the 8th century BC. Work on new sections, repairs, and expansions continued until 1878.
A Frenchman Built His Ideal Palace With Stones He Collected Himself
In the ultimate example of sustainable architecture, Ferdinand Cheval spent 33 years building Le Palais Idéal in Hauterives. A French postman, Cheval designed and built his ideal palace using a unique variety of durable sandstone that was sculpted over the years by water and natural erosion into remarkable forms.
For those looking for sustainable architects, a firm such as www.quattrodesign.co.uk/architectural-services/sustainable-architecture-design has the expertise to design buildings that reduce environmental impact.
More Money Is Made From The Empire State’s Viewing Decks Than 85 Floors Of Office Space
While the Empire State Building is perhaps the world’s most iconic office property, the real cash flow comes from the stunning vistas it offers. The building’s two observation decks brought in $111 million in a single year, accounting for 40% of total revenue, whereas leasing its office space generated $104 million of total income. This makes the decks a very valuable architectural feature.
