The Architect's Journal, which last week brought us the fun list of the 10 best buildings from the Star Wars universe, has followed up with a ranking of the best architecture to be found in video games. The list includes clever write ups, noting the applicable real-world parallels. Here's the list, and images of a few winners:
1. Azeroth, World of Warcraft
World of Warcraft was pretty much a no-brainer. As AJ writes:
"The stunning diversity of buildings of Azeroth secures it the top spot. Towering Gothic structures recall the 'dreaming spires' of Oxford given a subversive geometrical revamp. The architecture of the Blood Elves, on the other hand, has softer, more organic influences. Similar to Gaudi's Parc Guell or Sagrada Familia, nature is expressed in stylised form--the very essence of Art Nouveau."
2. The City, Sim City
3. Liberty City, Grand Theft Auto IV
AJ:
Liberty City is Richard Rogers' worst nightmare: a city designed for those in love with cars. The former adviser to the London Mayor, should he visit, is more likely to be mowed down by an out-of-control automobile than sip an overpriced latte in a pedestrianized piazza peppered with parasols. Yet, despite the evident dangers, people flock to live here. Perhaps its the dramatic sunsets, the coastal location or Liberty City's aesthetic affinity with the Big Apple. Just don't call it an Eco-town!
4. Halo, Halo II
5. Scumm Bar, The Secret of Monkey Island
6. The House, Jet Set Willy
7. Architecture Island, Second Life
Architecture Island, which is run by Keystone Bouchard, was intended as a place for actual architects to explore ideas--they have even held design seminars there. But as AJ writes:
"The only real let-down of this eccentric architectural smorgasbord is a couple of randomly placed wind turbines that expose Bouchard as falling into the trap of sustainability-as-afterthought."
8. Tetris
9. Castle Wolfenstein, Return to Castle Wolfenstein
10. Marioland
As AJ notes, there's a perfect parallel to the architecture of Marioland--with its bright colors and chunky geometries--in the architecture of F.A.T., a brilliant London firm whose made its name propounding fantasy-land whimsy. For example, here's their design for a housing project in England:
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