Tagged: photography

the picture

SoKo and Japan 295

January 2010

Injeongjeon Hall, a South Korean National Treasure, is the throne hall of Changdeokgung Palace, it was used for major state affairs including the coronation of a new king and receiving foreign envoys. Originally built in 1405, it was rebuilt in 1610 after being burned down during the 1592 Japanese invasion, and a third time in 1804 after being destroyed by a fire.

Changdeokgung Palace, “Prospering Virtue Palace” — is set within a large park in Seoul.  It is one of the “Five Grand Palaces” built by the kings of the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897).  The buildings of Changdeokgung blend with the natural topography of the site instead of imposing themselves upon it. It, like the other Five Grand Palaces in Seoul, was heavily damaged during the Japanese occupation of Korea (1910-1945). Currently, only about 30% of the original structures survive at Changdeokgung.

the picture

the picture

Lucerne, Switzerland’s history began sometime in the 6th century and has been a city since 1178. Hundreds of years of history are evident in its skyline. This view was captured from the Zeitturm (clock tower), part of the medieval city ramparts known as the Musegg Wall and Towers in 2006.

Layers of history create a unique built environment which gives a feeling and sense of place to a city – or a even a skyline.