Literature has forever been enticing. The surreality which transports us to our dreamy wonderland, as we get all lost in that mystifying world of words and rhetorics is one experience that cannot be paralleled. And yet, it is within the bounds of literature to not remain confined to something abstract. Stunning pieces of literary architecture have sprung up in destinations across the world. These masses of wonder are at times decorative, but sometimes can imply things so profound that it actually leaves us dumbstruck.
Architecture and writings may seem only remotely related. But architecture manning the literary sphere is not so much of a rarity. Especially when you take into consideration the stunning street murals that have held the world view every now and then.
The merit of literary architecture as an art form resides in its poignant utterances of social issues. Even while being eternally just a medium of expression, literature can do much to utter every stigma in its fold.
Maybe, the pursuit of literary architecture and its growing observance lies deep within its spirit. Its impact is far reaching and the effects more pronounced.
Interestingly therefore, numerous motifs and murals through literature dot the world. The most genius minds at work behind these pieces of stunning literary architecture surely deserve all the accolades for their insight.
Let’s have a look at some of the most prominent examples of literary architecture from around the world.
LYON MUNICIPAL LIBRARY, FRANCE
A fresco style mural decorates the facade of the famous library in France in coordination with the beauty of the picturesque city.
KANSAS CITY LIBRARY, MISSOURI
Incorporating public view of how they envisage their favorite fantasy to be, the City Library of Kansas put up huge book replicas as the boundaries of their parking space.
LODZ, POLAND
The fact that knowledge, and therefore books are the ‘key’ to growth finds ample reflection in this delightfully pragmatic art depiction.
TYUMEN, RUSSIA
A Russian art group Color of the City transformed a schoolyard into a vibrant book shelf in a fun interpretation of literary delights.
LITERARY ARCHITECTURE IN RUSSIA
Books are the pillars of every ‘architecture‘, metaphorically as well. And what better way than this to depict the profound foundation of knowledge?
TOWER OF BABEL, ARGENTINA
The Tower of Babel is constructed with 30,000 books, celebrating the myth of the original tower which explains the prevalence of numerous languages in the world lexicon.
ESCH-SUR-ALZETTE, LUXEMBOURG
Nature is beauty and reading is bliss. No wonder then that this particular mural, inspired by a picture, soothingly calms our soul while transporting us to a paradise of joy.
USTRON PUBLIC LIBRARY, POLAND
Showcasing the interiors of the Trinity College in London, this piece of literary architecture spans 500 square feet of the Ustron Library’s seven walls.
DUBLIN, IRELAND
A somewhat different take on the ‘genre’ of literary architecture, this book tower in Dublin was set up as part of a street campaign of Dublin City Council. Aimed at luring the younger generation into the fascinating book world, this unique ‘mural’ features books with scannable bar codes.
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO
Banned Books Week 2015 could not have been ‘mourned’ more effectively. And this mural on Poor Richard’s Bookstore is certainly one spectacular celebration of the might of literature and art.
SHAKER HEIGHTS, OHIO
Depicting the people and history of the neighbourhood of Loganberry Books Store in which the mural is depicted, this pleasant piece of literary exploit is a sheer delight mainly because of the theme and the setting catering to a die hard book aficionado.
Of course, there exist several other depictions of literary architecture that are as surreal as they could be.And it is an undeniably eye catching and unique exploration of the vista of art- encompassing literature and architecture in one solid frame to arrive at such masterpieces that are nothing short of phenomenal.
Source: EBOOK FRIENDLY
