Barcelona will be the 2nd greatest town in Spain and it’s located at the northeastern segment of Mediterranean coastline of Iberian Peninsula. Spain is moreover a funds of zone called Catalonia. Catalan and Castilian Spanish are two authorized languages of oral in Barcelona. Barcelona is unequivocally a town of Picasso and Miro and it is moreover a home of parks and gardens, beaches and galleries and museums cultured places to eat, a outing to Barcelona may be a tour of discovery. Barcelona is a very dazzling town and moreover deemed as a multicultural town of Spain.
Listed next are a few locations that are unequivocally value to visit:
.The iron relic of Christopher Columbus an confirmation to a Navigator detected of America.
.The Cathedral of Barcelona that is a wonderful example medieval design requires you back in 14th century. The building of cathedral took around 150 years. It spires of cathedral can simply be celebrated sort the Gothic entertain of Barcelona. The medieval arches are so dazzling sculptured. The bell towers of cathedral covered in Gothic pinnacles.
.Barcelona well understands highway is La Ramble situated inside the centre of Barcelona and it unequivocally is well well known in caller and in locals too. Discos, restaurants, pubs, cafes, selling and many a lot more provides are their.
.The Transbordador Aeri del may be a line vehicle float that starts from Barcelona goes to Montjuic. The 5 mins tour provides an confront of extraordinary views of Barcelona architecture. This specific float is unquestionably an exceedingly renouned particularly in tourists.
.One of a unequivocally in vogue playing field of Barcelona is Park Guell. It unequivocally is exceedingly in vogue playing field located at mountain of el Carmel. This playing field was written in 1900-1914. The playing field contains mill structures, multicolored sculptures and captivating buildings.
.The Initial Monday of every month many art galleries and museums opens are giveaway of assign for entry. It includes Picasso Museum, Museu Nacional Art de Catalunya, the Museu Historia de Catalunya, and moreover the Organic History Museum. The Maritime Museum offers a giveaway foyer on Saturdays.
.Montjuic mountain is the largest mountain of south of Barcelona. Many parks, gardens, structures are there for sights of visitors and visitors.
. The Caixa Forum may be a giveaway of assign art art studio with permanent and on vacation events.The Gallery is in a dazzling formulating that includes a coffee shop club and square with an a very great view. All one can attain this place simply by receiving a metro tour train or cab from Placa Espanya.
Beaches
The top appeal for vacationer is Barcelona beache that keeps their high fascination globally, particularly inside the summer time when folks wish to obtain cold down. The competent supply of toilets with completely giveaway showers, concurrently safety is moreover in a concentration for these beaches. Life ensure stations are any and every handful of meters along the shore. The dwindle module is there to show the safety for H2O swimming. The beach suppliers are there for compelling snakes and coconuts inclusive drink and Coke. The food materials is washed together with sells on low prices.
Barcelona is a very renouned town with its strong worldwide reputation, as a town of culture. It’s a great town to discover.
2011年3月3日 星期四
Renaissance Architecture
The Renaissance was the "new birth of learning" that arrived in Europe about fivehundred years ago. The Renaissance did not bring any new ideas in architecture, but it encouraged study of the classical styles of Greece and Rome, and this made architectural design better. modern architecture. Until fifty or seventy-five years ago, the only developments in architecture for hundreds of years had been in design. About two hundred years ago, Robert Adam designed the simple, plain-fronted city house that he first built in London, England, and that was copied in cities throughout Europe and America. In the same period was developed the American "colonial" house seen not only throughout New England but all over the country, and the "southern mansion with its high wooden pillars or columns.
Nearly all houses were the same in construction, with a strong foundation wall of stone or brick, beams (often the trunks of big trees) laid across these walls, and the house built on them. Space was found by building upward-always two or three stories, and often four or five stories. Great public buildings were decorated lavishly, in styles called baroque and rococo. Houses came to have frills and ornaments all over them, and tiny spires and domes wherever the architect could find place for them. We call these decorations "gingerbread" now, and do not think they are very pretty.
The real modern age in architecture began about seventy-five years ago. Two things made it possible: the strength of concrete reinforced with steel, with which giant skyscrapers could be built; and the elevator, which allowed the skyscraper to be used conveniently. With these developments, architects began to build the great skyscrapers, the office buildings and apartment houses and hotels, that we know today. They were still influenced by old ideas of design. The Woolworth Building, completed in 1913, is quite fancy. The big buildings of Rockefeller Center, by comparison, are very plain.
Even newer buildings-the United Nations and Lever Brothers buildings in New York, for instance-are straight-sided, boxlike forms on which most of the outer surface is glass, not stone or brick as in older buildings. Churches, too, have changed slowly in design. Nearly all of them have continued to follow the needs of older times, when high steeples were needed so that the townfolk could hear the bells ring. Today, with loudspeakers, the steeples are not needed, and modern architects recognize this. Some of the latest places of worship are low, graceful buildings far different from the severe ones of the past. The houses in which people live are changing in the same way. Whenever possible, the architect builds the entire house on one floor, so there will be no stairs to climb. The "ranch house," which has only one story and rambles all over the property, has become a rather popular design.
Nearly all houses were the same in construction, with a strong foundation wall of stone or brick, beams (often the trunks of big trees) laid across these walls, and the house built on them. Space was found by building upward-always two or three stories, and often four or five stories. Great public buildings were decorated lavishly, in styles called baroque and rococo. Houses came to have frills and ornaments all over them, and tiny spires and domes wherever the architect could find place for them. We call these decorations "gingerbread" now, and do not think they are very pretty.
The real modern age in architecture began about seventy-five years ago. Two things made it possible: the strength of concrete reinforced with steel, with which giant skyscrapers could be built; and the elevator, which allowed the skyscraper to be used conveniently. With these developments, architects began to build the great skyscrapers, the office buildings and apartment houses and hotels, that we know today. They were still influenced by old ideas of design. The Woolworth Building, completed in 1913, is quite fancy. The big buildings of Rockefeller Center, by comparison, are very plain.
Even newer buildings-the United Nations and Lever Brothers buildings in New York, for instance-are straight-sided, boxlike forms on which most of the outer surface is glass, not stone or brick as in older buildings. Churches, too, have changed slowly in design. Nearly all of them have continued to follow the needs of older times, when high steeples were needed so that the townfolk could hear the bells ring. Today, with loudspeakers, the steeples are not needed, and modern architects recognize this. Some of the latest places of worship are low, graceful buildings far different from the severe ones of the past. The houses in which people live are changing in the same way. Whenever possible, the architect builds the entire house on one floor, so there will be no stairs to climb. The "ranch house," which has only one story and rambles all over the property, has become a rather popular design.
2011年3月2日 星期三
Ancient Japanese Architecture
As a testament to the quality of ancient Japanese architecture, the oldest surviving wooden structures in the world are located in Nara, Japan. Of the 41 buildings constructed during the Asuka period (538-710 A.D.) the most well-known are the Kondo (Golden Hall) and Goju-no-to (Five story Pagoda). These were constructed as a private temple for the Prince Shotoku, a regent and politician in the Asuka period.
Another well known archaeological site from ancient Japan is the Todaiji in Nara prefecture, Japan. The Todaiji was built to function as the headquarters for regional temples built in surrounding provinces. The Todaiji's main building is the Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall) and is the largest wooden building in the world. Inside the Daibutsuden a 16.2m tall Buddha is enshrined. The current statue of the Buddha was built during the Edo period (1603-1868) and only a few fragments of the original remain.
Buddhist Pagoda's in ancient Japan all shared similar characteristics. The wooden walls were thin and vertical. The structures had multiple stories supported by columns made from cypress trees. Thatched roofs were common as well as large doors and windows strategically placed for the best viewing of external gardens or other natural scenery.
Although Buddhism teaches impermanence, Shinto places importance on purity and youth. For this reason many Shinto shrines in Japan are rebuilt every 20 years, often at great expense, to keep them forever new and also forever ancient in their original form. The Ise shrine in Mie, Japan was rebuilt in 1993 and is on its 61st iteration. It is scheduled to be rebuilt in 2013.
The ancient Japanese may not have had access to suitable stone for building, but they were able to build long-lasting structures using wood. Although many famous castles and other well known historical buildings were destroyed by fire in Japan's history, there are many which are still standing today.
Another well known archaeological site from ancient Japan is the Todaiji in Nara prefecture, Japan. The Todaiji was built to function as the headquarters for regional temples built in surrounding provinces. The Todaiji's main building is the Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall) and is the largest wooden building in the world. Inside the Daibutsuden a 16.2m tall Buddha is enshrined. The current statue of the Buddha was built during the Edo period (1603-1868) and only a few fragments of the original remain.
Buddhist Pagoda's in ancient Japan all shared similar characteristics. The wooden walls were thin and vertical. The structures had multiple stories supported by columns made from cypress trees. Thatched roofs were common as well as large doors and windows strategically placed for the best viewing of external gardens or other natural scenery.
Although Buddhism teaches impermanence, Shinto places importance on purity and youth. For this reason many Shinto shrines in Japan are rebuilt every 20 years, often at great expense, to keep them forever new and also forever ancient in their original form. The Ise shrine in Mie, Japan was rebuilt in 1993 and is on its 61st iteration. It is scheduled to be rebuilt in 2013.
The ancient Japanese may not have had access to suitable stone for building, but they were able to build long-lasting structures using wood. Although many famous castles and other well known historical buildings were destroyed by fire in Japan's history, there are many which are still standing today.
American Architecture
To limit modern architecture to that which seems to embody what are called modernistic tendencies would be not only foolish, but arrogant. The architecture which to-day is regarded as unprogressive, a generation from now may be in the van, and no man, be he layman, critic, or designer, can pass an infallible judgment, or even make a good guess, as to what is to be the architecture of the future. Modern American architecture is the American architecture of today.
The mechanical fallacy, or, if we approve it, the mechanical theory, has loomed large in the criticism of modern American architecture. The analogies, most of them superficial, between Gothic architecture and steel construction made it inevitable. Almost as soon as the first timid attempts in the "Chicago construction" appeared, critics at home and abroad began insisting upon the desirability of the design revealing in the skyscraper the system of construction which made it possible.
The history of American architecture is dotted with disasters in polychromatic design. Happily, this difficulty is being recognized and met. The great monuments of color in the past, like Raphael's loggia or Pintoricchio's decorations for the Borgia Apartments, are being studied as such monuments should be studied--not for imitation, but as successful solutions of a problem--and a few monuments of American architecture have just appeared which can compare, in the matter of successful color, with anything that has been done in the past.
A brief sketch, therefore, of the development of American architecture, with especial reference to that side of it which affects modern design, is the necessary prelude to any discussion of the types of buildings, or the tendencies of architecture to-day. The traditions of American architecture date back to the earliest Colonial period. Colonial architecture varied widely, however, period by period, and was influential more in its later phases than its earlier.
The mechanical fallacy, or, if we approve it, the mechanical theory, has loomed large in the criticism of modern American architecture. The analogies, most of them superficial, between Gothic architecture and steel construction made it inevitable. Almost as soon as the first timid attempts in the "Chicago construction" appeared, critics at home and abroad began insisting upon the desirability of the design revealing in the skyscraper the system of construction which made it possible.
The history of American architecture is dotted with disasters in polychromatic design. Happily, this difficulty is being recognized and met. The great monuments of color in the past, like Raphael's loggia or Pintoricchio's decorations for the Borgia Apartments, are being studied as such monuments should be studied--not for imitation, but as successful solutions of a problem--and a few monuments of American architecture have just appeared which can compare, in the matter of successful color, with anything that has been done in the past.
A brief sketch, therefore, of the development of American architecture, with especial reference to that side of it which affects modern design, is the necessary prelude to any discussion of the types of buildings, or the tendencies of architecture to-day. The traditions of American architecture date back to the earliest Colonial period. Colonial architecture varied widely, however, period by period, and was influential more in its later phases than its earlier.
Naval Architecture
Naval architecture is the design and engineering of marine vessels. These vessels include not only government navy ships and submarines, but leisure boats such as yachts. Naval architecture is hardly a new discipline, since it technically began during ancient navigational times. Viking ships and American steamboats are both historical examples of naval architecture. Today, naval architecture is more of an engineering science since architects rely on mathematics to design new naval vessels.
When constructing naval vessels, naval architects study the science of fluids. They study buoyancy, displacement of water, waves, stability, and streamlining. As concerns the naval structure, they study its weight distribution, resistance, and maneuverability. Their studies also include naval construction materials and interior components, along with dry-docking and launching operations. Yet, no matter how much work architects put into research, all naval structures operate in unstable marine environments. Even the most structurally sound ships may become damaged or sink due to storms, tsunamis, and other environmental calamities.
Even in antiquity, naval architects recognized that streamlining their ships made for a smoother course at sea. At some point in time, architects used the adjective "fair" to describe a vessel's regular, fluid shape from its fore to aft. The opposite of a "fair" shape was a "bulky" or "ungainly" shape. Today, all naval vessels have the same basic shape, even extremely large aircraft carriers.
When designing ships, naval architects first provide a safe foundation through the ship's hull. The hull is the specially curved bottom of the ship. The hull's basic purpose is to supply buoyancy to the ship so it safely floats on water. Its elongated shape, with the pointed ends of the bow and stern, protects the ship against sinking, since the shape distributes weight evenly throughout the vessel. The hull is by far the most essential component of naval architecture.
When designing hulls, architects check for several requirements. First, they check that the hull can displace water effectively, which means that the boat displaces an amount of water equal to the boat's weight. This gives the vessel greater efficiency and stability. Architects also check that the hull is as streamlined as possible so it causes minimal resistance to the water, which produces fewer ship-rocking waves. Checking for resistance is especially important for ships that operate at high speeds, such as speedboats and military ships. Lastly, architects make sure that their ships heed buoyancy and gravity principles, the most prominent of which is Archimedes' Principle of Buoyancy.
When designing the hull, architects ensure that the shape of the hull fits the ship's purpose. For instance, a round hull is efficient and stable, though it is not ideal for high speeds. In contrast, the deep-V hull performs well at high speeds because it "slices" through even choppy waters.
Besides the hull, naval architects design operating features atop the hull. These may include sails, steering mechanisms, propellers, engines, and the like. They may also install double-containment facilities to ensure the ship's cargo, such as oil, does not leak into the water. Some naval architects pay special attention to the ship's safety features, such as fire escapes, lifeboats, and storm shelters. Moreover, they troubleshoot problems related to rust, material degradation, and environmental hazards.
Architects who want to specialize in naval architecture have a wide selection of educational options. First, they may attend government schools such as the US Coast Guard Academy or the US Naval Academy, where they can gain premium understanding of military vessels. They may also choose from several universities that offer courses of study in naval architecture or marine engineering. These universities include the University of California-Berkeley and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. It is recommended that students attend such schools because naval architecture demands extremely specialized knowledge. Other students can earn certificates in marine engineering technology from technical colleges.
Many naval-architecture students take internships throughout college to give them an edge at architectural entry-level jobs. These internships also help them narrow down what specialization of naval architecture suits them. They often work as interns at architecture firms or shipyards where they learn computer-aided design (CAD), which is essential to naval architecture. More and more entry-level naval architects work at architecture design services firms that consult other businesses.
Learning CAD is absolutely necessary for entry-level employment because almost all naval architects use it day-to-day. In naval architecture, CAD takes into account Archimedes' Principle and other naval equations that go a long way to provide naval stability. Therefore, it is required that naval architects gain significant CAD experience before applying to jobs after graduation. The most widely used CAD software for naval architecture is AutoCAD.
Since ships are still the main mode of import-export transportation, there are a fair number of entry-level naval jobs in architecture. Some entry-level jobs are not full-time but contracting or consulting jobs are more common for seasoned professionals. Most entry-level architects work at shipyards or architectural/engineering firms as architects' assistants. They earn average incomes of $50,000 per year.
Naval architects who have worked for five years or more may advance to managerial or consulting jobs. Many of them also opt for self-employment if they have solid track records. Some naval architects may also choose to gain master's degrees in naval architecture or marine engineering. They may also join naval-architecture professional associations, like the Society of Naval Architects & Marine Engineers, to further their education. Yet, substantial marine engineering experience tends to boost advancement prospects the most. These associate architects earn about $77,000 after five years, then perhaps $90,000 after 10 or more years.
When constructing naval vessels, naval architects study the science of fluids. They study buoyancy, displacement of water, waves, stability, and streamlining. As concerns the naval structure, they study its weight distribution, resistance, and maneuverability. Their studies also include naval construction materials and interior components, along with dry-docking and launching operations. Yet, no matter how much work architects put into research, all naval structures operate in unstable marine environments. Even the most structurally sound ships may become damaged or sink due to storms, tsunamis, and other environmental calamities.
Even in antiquity, naval architects recognized that streamlining their ships made for a smoother course at sea. At some point in time, architects used the adjective "fair" to describe a vessel's regular, fluid shape from its fore to aft. The opposite of a "fair" shape was a "bulky" or "ungainly" shape. Today, all naval vessels have the same basic shape, even extremely large aircraft carriers.
When designing ships, naval architects first provide a safe foundation through the ship's hull. The hull is the specially curved bottom of the ship. The hull's basic purpose is to supply buoyancy to the ship so it safely floats on water. Its elongated shape, with the pointed ends of the bow and stern, protects the ship against sinking, since the shape distributes weight evenly throughout the vessel. The hull is by far the most essential component of naval architecture.
When designing hulls, architects check for several requirements. First, they check that the hull can displace water effectively, which means that the boat displaces an amount of water equal to the boat's weight. This gives the vessel greater efficiency and stability. Architects also check that the hull is as streamlined as possible so it causes minimal resistance to the water, which produces fewer ship-rocking waves. Checking for resistance is especially important for ships that operate at high speeds, such as speedboats and military ships. Lastly, architects make sure that their ships heed buoyancy and gravity principles, the most prominent of which is Archimedes' Principle of Buoyancy.
When designing the hull, architects ensure that the shape of the hull fits the ship's purpose. For instance, a round hull is efficient and stable, though it is not ideal for high speeds. In contrast, the deep-V hull performs well at high speeds because it "slices" through even choppy waters.
Besides the hull, naval architects design operating features atop the hull. These may include sails, steering mechanisms, propellers, engines, and the like. They may also install double-containment facilities to ensure the ship's cargo, such as oil, does not leak into the water. Some naval architects pay special attention to the ship's safety features, such as fire escapes, lifeboats, and storm shelters. Moreover, they troubleshoot problems related to rust, material degradation, and environmental hazards.
Architects who want to specialize in naval architecture have a wide selection of educational options. First, they may attend government schools such as the US Coast Guard Academy or the US Naval Academy, where they can gain premium understanding of military vessels. They may also choose from several universities that offer courses of study in naval architecture or marine engineering. These universities include the University of California-Berkeley and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. It is recommended that students attend such schools because naval architecture demands extremely specialized knowledge. Other students can earn certificates in marine engineering technology from technical colleges.
Many naval-architecture students take internships throughout college to give them an edge at architectural entry-level jobs. These internships also help them narrow down what specialization of naval architecture suits them. They often work as interns at architecture firms or shipyards where they learn computer-aided design (CAD), which is essential to naval architecture. More and more entry-level naval architects work at architecture design services firms that consult other businesses.
Learning CAD is absolutely necessary for entry-level employment because almost all naval architects use it day-to-day. In naval architecture, CAD takes into account Archimedes' Principle and other naval equations that go a long way to provide naval stability. Therefore, it is required that naval architects gain significant CAD experience before applying to jobs after graduation. The most widely used CAD software for naval architecture is AutoCAD.
Since ships are still the main mode of import-export transportation, there are a fair number of entry-level naval jobs in architecture. Some entry-level jobs are not full-time but contracting or consulting jobs are more common for seasoned professionals. Most entry-level architects work at shipyards or architectural/engineering firms as architects' assistants. They earn average incomes of $50,000 per year.
Naval architects who have worked for five years or more may advance to managerial or consulting jobs. Many of them also opt for self-employment if they have solid track records. Some naval architects may also choose to gain master's degrees in naval architecture or marine engineering. They may also join naval-architecture professional associations, like the Society of Naval Architects & Marine Engineers, to further their education. Yet, substantial marine engineering experience tends to boost advancement prospects the most. These associate architects earn about $77,000 after five years, then perhaps $90,000 after 10 or more years.
2011年3月1日 星期二
Urban Architecture
What is urban architecture you ask? Urban architecture comprises of buildings made for an urban setting. Design considerations for these setting include, the practicalities of life, housing and workplace capacities, the harmony between form and function and energy-efficient design.
Architecture is like any artform in that it sees and follows trends. With changes affecting where and how people work, as well as the world's depleting environment, the demands of tenants and homeowners are changing, and architects must ensure that their designs address those demands. For instance, advances in telecommunications have made it possible for people to live and work in the same place.
As a result, more and more buildings that include shops, restaurants, and services in their foyers are being developed. Similarly, with so much pressure and pollution threatening the well-being of the planet, many companies and individuals have tried to build sustainable features into their properties and make use of renewable energy. This might mean including solar panels on a home, or it might mean building a garden on the roof of an office tower.
An example of new sustainable housing developments, is that being built in Toronto's Regent Park. This 12-storey, 85-unit co-operative seeks to provide an alternative to the majority of condominium towers going up in the city, made mostly of glass. Most units have private terraces, hallways are naturally lit, and the roof is completely covered in grass.
Although we have described some of the most common demands of urban architecture, it can also refer to any kind of innovative design. In Rotterdam for instance a market was built in the shape of a tunnel. Designed by MVRDV and developed by Provast, the development of the market made waves in the city and the world of urban architecture. The halls of the market are covered with LCD screens playing fruit and vegetable images. The arches of the market are ten stories high and comprised of 228 apartments available for rent or purchase.
One of the greatest examples of innovative and environmentally friendly architecture is Mangal City. Mangal City is a series of futuristic skyscrapers built in London. They are inspired by the complex ecosystem created by the mangrove tree. The skyscrapers comprise of modular pod capsules which shift throughout the day to adapt to environmental and contextual conditions.
Architecture is one of the most exciting parts about a city. It's always interesting to visit a new place and see the style of buildings that make it up. Of course, for every urban building that's built there are many shade structures, environmentally friendly canopies, and pow wows that people can easily add on to the outside of their homes, and office towers and schools can put in their courtyards.
Architecture is like any artform in that it sees and follows trends. With changes affecting where and how people work, as well as the world's depleting environment, the demands of tenants and homeowners are changing, and architects must ensure that their designs address those demands. For instance, advances in telecommunications have made it possible for people to live and work in the same place.
As a result, more and more buildings that include shops, restaurants, and services in their foyers are being developed. Similarly, with so much pressure and pollution threatening the well-being of the planet, many companies and individuals have tried to build sustainable features into their properties and make use of renewable energy. This might mean including solar panels on a home, or it might mean building a garden on the roof of an office tower.
An example of new sustainable housing developments, is that being built in Toronto's Regent Park. This 12-storey, 85-unit co-operative seeks to provide an alternative to the majority of condominium towers going up in the city, made mostly of glass. Most units have private terraces, hallways are naturally lit, and the roof is completely covered in grass.
Although we have described some of the most common demands of urban architecture, it can also refer to any kind of innovative design. In Rotterdam for instance a market was built in the shape of a tunnel. Designed by MVRDV and developed by Provast, the development of the market made waves in the city and the world of urban architecture. The halls of the market are covered with LCD screens playing fruit and vegetable images. The arches of the market are ten stories high and comprised of 228 apartments available for rent or purchase.
One of the greatest examples of innovative and environmentally friendly architecture is Mangal City. Mangal City is a series of futuristic skyscrapers built in London. They are inspired by the complex ecosystem created by the mangrove tree. The skyscrapers comprise of modular pod capsules which shift throughout the day to adapt to environmental and contextual conditions.
Architecture is one of the most exciting parts about a city. It's always interesting to visit a new place and see the style of buildings that make it up. Of course, for every urban building that's built there are many shade structures, environmentally friendly canopies, and pow wows that people can easily add on to the outside of their homes, and office towers and schools can put in their courtyards.
2011年2月28日 星期一
Tibetan Architecture
When speaking about Tibetan architecture we primarily refer to three types of structures - first, the palace or fortress, second, the monastery and temple, and third, the house.
There are other structures built that may employ characteristic elements of uniquely Tibetan style, namely stupas. Stupas are on one hand repositories of remains of distinguished deceased monks and lamas, or their personal, considered holy, objects. Stupas also represent spiritual diagrams or symbols of Buddhist interpretation of the elements of universe and body of Buddha. Inherently the stupas in Tibet proper share design characteristics found elsewhere, namely south of the Himalayas whence Buddhism spread from and with it brought certain features that are repeated throughout all Buddhist cultures of Asia.
The so called palaces are best represented by the massive Potala Palace in Lhasa. While referred to as palace, Potala had indeed been the seat of Tibet's spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama. It had been Dalai Lama's principal residence and the institution of religious study thus housing key temples, shrines and living quarters of the monks. Structurally the massive building sits atop a prominent hill with a commanding view and intrinsically possesses defensive elements of a fortress with inclined walls, a feature found in all forms of Tibetan architecture.
Patterned on the Potala design there is a similar structure found in Leh Ladakh, known as the Little Tibet of India. The Leh Palace was an actual king's palace as well as a fort and it is constructed of stone and rammed earth, though Ladakh village houses are mostly built of an adobe style of brick.
A design related to palace types of structures are dzongs, which are found throughout Buddhist world of the region at large, from Tibet to Ladakh, Nepal, Sikkim and Bhutan. In the outer provinces or countryside of the Buddhist Himalayas the dzongs were strongholds of the local landowners or governing noblemen and typically are the largest structures, often built on higher ground.
In Bhutan dzongs were and to this date continue to house principal government offices and the monasteries within their walls stage the key monastic festivals, namely Tshechus and Dromchoes. Three of the fines dzongs in Bhutan are those of Thimphu, Paro and Punakha. While some temples within the dzongs, known as lhakhangs in Bhutan, are open to the public, some are reserved only for worship by the King.
Monasteries typically also employ a fortress style of design. Most often monasteries were built in the center of villages and would be the largest structures. Throughout the greater region of the Himalayas they would often be pained in different color than the village houses, usually deep crimson as opposed to houses that would be whitewashed. But it is not uncommon to find the monasteries located in remote areas, away from the villages, on the periphery of villages or in remote locations altogether, for example next to steep cliffs in which case the cliffs would often be studded with man-made meditation caves, serving as meditation retreats for the monks.
Village house architecture is in general of two styles. When the villages are dispersed settlements, the individual houses are relatively free-standing structures but always displaying the fortress-style of inclined walls.
Opposite style of houses developed in compact villages, where houses are constructed attached to one another horizontally, hugging the contour of a mountain, and when built on steep slopes the houses connect vertically allowing one to traverse from one rooftop to another in either direction, horizontally as well as vertically, as if navigating steps.
Fine examples of village dzong architecture can be found throughout the rain shadow valleys of the Nepal Himalayas, in the lateral valleys behind the principal chain of the High Himalaya, for example in the side valley of the upper Kali Gandaki en route to Muktinath.
In either case the Tibetan house design repeats essentially same functions. The ground level of the house is reserved for livestock and fodder, and for storage of farming implements and carrying baskets. Second level contains the kitchen and living quarter, as well as bedrooms. In larger homes the bedrooms would be on a third floor, which would then also have a prayer room with a house altar. Being flat, roofs constitute essential living and working area of the house. This is where people gather, women weave, dry grains, or household members just rest enjoying warm winter sun on cold days when staying at daytime on a rooftop is preferable to cold interior.
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