“Music is liquid architecture. Architecture is frozen music.”
What do you think the German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (GUR-tuh) meant by that? How would you define architecture?
Architects design buildings. So architecture isn’t the same as building. It’s deciding how something will be built. Architects think about how a building will function. They also think about its beauty. Both aspects need to work together.
Architects for Hire
How might these famous architects have advertised their skills and work?
Andrea Palladio, born 1508
“I’m bringing classical back! Want columns decked with triangles? These old styles were used in Greek and Roman temples. Half-moon arches over windows let in light and look elegant. If you want these for your fancy country house, I’m your guy!”
Gian Lorenzo Bernini, born 1598
“Hire me if you’re in the market for buildings with big feelings. Just look at my court in front of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. It sends a message: Rows of columns curve. It’s like the church has big, open arms—everyone is welcome!”
Thomas Jefferson, born 1743
“I didn’t just write the Declaration of Independence. I also taught myself all about architecture. I designed the state capitol building of Virginia and my mansion, Monticello. Where’d I get my ideas? From Andrea Palladio. New world, old style!”
Gustave Eiffel, born 1832
“I’m mainly an engineer. But I can still make something beautiful from metal. At first, people called my famous tower the ‘skinny pyramid of iron ladders.’ But now the Eiffel Tower is the most popular tourist attraction in Paris, France. I also helped design a little present for America. You may have heard of it: the Statue of Liberty.”
Antoni Gaudí, born 1852
“Want a house that feels like it grew out of the ground? How about one with dragon scales? My buildings look fun—but that doesn’t mean they were easy to design. They are very complicated! It has taken more than 140 years to build the church, Sagrada Familia, in Barcelona, Spain. It might be finished in 2026—finally!”
What does your dream house look like? Here’s Thomas Jefferson’s . . . and here’s mine! Send us your sketches at worldkidseditor@gwnews.com.
—Chelsea Boes, WORLDkids Editor, in Asheville, North Carolina
This is Chelsea Boes’ dream house. Try drawing your own. (Chelsea Boes)
