History has not always been kind to the architectural world. Sometimes the greatest contributions architects have left have been destroyed. Great designs and examples of genius architectural engineering have been destroyed through natural catastrophes and through wars. But for every disaster and destruction there have been some that have stood the test of time and have remained to remind us that history can prevail and have remained to serve as reminders that mankind can leave beauty and lasting contributions to history and culture.



The architectural significance of certain periods in history is not lost to us. We see the Wonders of the World and have to marvel at the incredible vision of these gifted draftsmen. The Sistine Chapel, Mount Rushmore, and the Taj Mahal are just three of the greatest examples in architecture that the world has ever seen. Each has stood the test of time and have remained so countless other architects could study the works.

But with the sweet comes the sour. Many incredible works of art have been lost over the years. Mankind is the greatest destructive force in the universe. The Library of Alexandria is a great example from ancient times.

It is believed that Julius Caesar helped bring about the destruction of the library when he set the Egyptian Fleet on fire in his conquest and pursuit of Pompey. While the fire did not destroy all of the structure, it did destroy over 40,000 scrolls and damaged the structural integrity of the building.

The World Trade Towers, for many years, stood as one of the tallest buildings in the world. Soaring to a height of 110 stories and designed by Minoru Yamasaki, the architecture of the twin towers was admired by students of the architectural world and for its inspiration in a plethora of other buildings. On September 11, 2001 the towers were brought down by an act of terrorism. The world of architecture lost one of its greatest examples in the Modern age of design.

The architectural world will forever face challenges. Designers will never know if their works will stand the test of time. Yamasaki never thought his towers would fall to terrorist's machinations and other architects will never plan intentionally for their great works to be destroyed by man or nature.

It happens and nothing can prevent that but they will never stop trying. Some will still last and those that do will be there for future generations, from which to gain inspiration and beauty.