The Wells Cathedral at night. Photo 99370146 © Roger Utting | Dreamstime.com
Architecture is meant to be admired, but there’s a special group of buildings that don a spectacular aura after sunset.
Contrary to what most people think, the best time to photograph a monument may not be in broad daylight, as some structures reveal their true magnificence only under the cloak of night. To spotlight these nocturnal wonders, building materials provider Buildworld conducted an intriguing analysis, diving into over 10 million Flickr photos to pinpoint the globe’s most photographed buildings after dark.
The study sifted through thousands of iconic buildings, ranking them based on the proportion of night-time photos per 1,000 snaps. The analysis spanned continents, revealing a diverse array of structures that come alive at night, from arts and government buildings to monuments and cathedrals.
Image courtesy of Buildworld
Topping the global list is the Markthal in Rotterdam, Netherlands, hailed by the Guardian as the “Sistine Chapel of fresh produce.”
The Markthal at night. Photo 127602851 © Peter De Kievith | Dreamstime.com
This architectural marvel, encompassing a vast market hall under an illuminated arch, sees 37% of its 11,000-square-meter (118,000-square-foot) mural captured in nighttime photos.
Empire State Building at night. Photo 45292004 © Haveseen | Dreamstime.com
In the US, the Empire State Building in New York City leads the nocturnal photography scene, with 191 night shots per 1,000, largely thanks to its iconic, color-changing tower lights.
In the UK, Wells Cathedral in Somerset stands as the most photographed building at night, showcasing its historic architecture in electric up-lighting.
Asia’s crown goes to the Bank of China Tower in Hong Kong, a beacon in the night with 281 photos per 1,000 taken after dark.
Bank of China Tower at night. Photo 28596539 © Simon Zenger | Dreamstime.com
Beyond their primary purposes, these buildings are canvases for light and shadow, transforming the night sky into a backdrop for their illuminated artistry. Copenhagen’s early winter sunsets and its annual Light Festival further highlight the city’s architectural beauty, while the Empire State Building’s LED system dazzles with over 16 million colors.
The UK’s night-time gems, like Shakespeare’s Globe, blend centuries of historic charm with modern lighting, while Asia’s contemporary buildings, like the National Museum of Singapore, meld the past with the present in their luminous displays projected through festivals in the dark.
National Museum of Singapore during the Singapore Night Festival. Photo 105619461 © Rodney Ee | Dreamstime.com
These buildings prove that architecture is not just a daytime affair. As night falls, they morph into illuminated spectacles, captivating photographers and onlookers alike.
Check below to find the most photographed buildings in the dark across various continents, and read the full study here.
Europe
Image courtesy of Buildworld
North America
Image courtesy of Buildworld
United Kingdom
Image courtesy of Buildworld
Asia
Image courtesy of Buildworld
[via Buildworld, images via various sources]
by rrollins
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