why do all the buildings in vancouver look the same
Architecture of Vancouver In the years following World War II, regional variations of modernism began to emerge, known as West Coast-style (particularly West Coast contemporary style). Building constraints in the area led to inventive designs to make construction feasible, as well as to take advantage of the scenery. This led to the development of designs that use complex geometric forms, open-plan layouts, and the desire for natural light, leading to the extensive use of glass.[1] This usage of glass has since proliferated itself into the designs of commercial buildings in Vancouver. Because the region's temperate climate and less-harsh sun makes having large walls of non-heat and sun-reflecting glass feasible, many high-rises in Downtown Vancouver have favoured transparent glass aesthetics. The predominance of glass has led to the city moniker “City of Glass” and "See Through City".[2][3]
Palace of Westminster The decorative scheme of the Royal Gallery was meant to display important moments in British military history, and the walls are decorated by two large paintings by Daniel Maclise, each measuring 13.7 by 3.7 metres (45 by 12 ft): The Death of Nelson (depicting Lord Nelson's demise at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805) and The Meeting of Wellington and Blücher (showing the Duke of Wellington meeting Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815).[77] The murals deteriorated rapidly after their completion due to a range of factors, most importantly atmospheric pollution, and today they are almost monochrome.[88] The rest of the planned frescos were cancelled, and the walls are filled with portraits of kings and queens from George I onwards.[95] Another decorative element with military undertones are the eight statues of gilded Caen stone that flank the three doorways and the bay window of the Gallery, sculpted by John Birnie Philip. Each depicts a monarch during whose reign a key battle or war took place.[77] They are: Alfred the Great and William the Conqueror; Richard I and Edward III; Henry V and Elizabeth I; William III and Anne. The panelled ceiling, 13.7 metres (45 ft) above the floor,[41] features Tudor roses and lions, and the stained-glass windows show the coats of arms of the Kings of England and Scotland.[92]