Federico Babina illustrates the imaginary architecture of movie director-designed homes
all images courtesy of Federico Babina.

The Maijishan Grottoes are a series of 194 caves cut in the side of the hill of Majishan in Tianshui, Gansu Province, northwest China. This example of rock cut architecture contains over 7,200 Buddhist sculptures and over 1,000 square meters of murals. Construction began in the Later Qin era (384-417 CE).

Four young, trendsetting architectural offices from Denmark, Holland and France along with PensionDenmark are the clever ones behind the Iceberg – a unique house building, sporting 11 pinnacles, situated at the outermost corner of Aarhus Harbour, thus having a spectacular view of Aarhus Bay and Kalø Cove and Aarhus City.

Harris & Ewing Inc. photographed people, events, and architecture, particularly in Washington, D.C., during the period 1905-1945. Photo: Tests of Curtiss Palne for Army, Single Control. Created by Harris & Ewing. Published in 1912.

In this Monday, October 5, 2015 photo, a thick blanket of early morning fog partially shrouds the skyscrapers of the Marina and Jumeirah Lake Towers districts of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Dubai's rapid transformation from a desert outpost into one of the world's most architecturally stunning cities is mapped out in the Marina. Where just 15 years ago there was empty, flat land, today a bustling neighborhood thrives centered around a canal and an impressive skyline that pierces through the clouds. (Photo by Kamran Jebreili/AP Photo)

A young Muslim girl looks on as an elder helps her tie her hijab before the Eid al-Fitr prayer at Masjid Jamek Cina Muslim Klang on March 31, 2025, in Selangor, Malaysia. The mosque, inspired by the Great Mosque of Xi’an, blends Chinese and Islamic architectural influences, reflecting the nation’s rich cultural harmony. Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, is a time of prayers, family reunions, and celebration for Muslims worldwide. (Photo by Annice Lyn/Getty Images)

Lucy the Elephant is a six-story elephant-shaped example of novelty architecture, constructed of wood and tin sheeting in 1881 by James V. Lafferty in Margate City, Atlantic County, New Jersey, United States, two miles (3.2 km) south of Atlantic City, in an effort to sell real estate and attract tourists.