We’re all used to amazing special effects now and computer-generated awesomeness on the big and small screens. That doesn’t stop the pen and paper approach having a unique magic of its very own.
A marketing campaign by Angies List, a site that wants you to get in contact with architects, is using the magic of hand-drawn sketches of iconic architecture from popular geek classics to attract our attention.
Studio Ghibli architecture
Let’s start with Ghilbi as we can imagine these illustrations represent a full circle; they no doubt started as pencil sketches before being animated, inspiring us, and then being re-drawn here again. Both Howl’s Castle and Laputa still, always, look incredible.
Skyrim
The attention to detail in Skyrim is incredible. I’ve watched ants crawl over fallen logs. I’ve explored some of these buildings. Check out HIgh Hrothgar and even Hakkvild’s High Hall.
Star Wars
There’s more than just the Deathstar when it comes to painstakingly designed buildings in Star Wars. There’s a whole galaxy of buildings; contrast the incredible Cloud City to somewhere like Mos Eisley Cantina.
Marvel Cinematic Universe
What’s the most iconic building in the MCU? I would say it’s the Avenger’s Tower, but there are other candidates too; the Asgardian Palace, Tony Stark’s I’ve got a weakness for Doctor Strange’s New York Sanctum.
Harry Potter
After Hogwarts what is your favourite building in the Potterverse? Gringotts? Hagrid’ Hut or perhaps the quirky Lovegood House?
Game of Thrones
Lastly but certainly not least there is Game of Thrones. The TV series begins with the architecture giving it a special focus. I think these drawings remind us of just how challenging some of the sieges in the books must have been – look at The Eyrie or Casterly Rock as hard places to get your army inside!
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