13 Of The Most Enchanting Man-Made Wonders In Arizona
By Monica Spencer|Published February 23, 2016
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Monica Spencer
Author
Monica is a Diné (Navajo) freelance writer and photographer based in the Southwest. Born in Gallup and raised in Phoenix, she is Tódich'ii'nii (Bitter Water People) and Tsi'naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). Monica is a staff writer for Only In Your State, photo editor for The Mesa Legend, and previously a staff writer for The Navajo Post. You can reach her at monica.d.spencer@gmail.com.
Arizona is filled to the brim with an amazing amount of natural beauty, and I think we can each think of our own list of examples. But what about examples of human-made beauty? Buildings naturally come to mind but gardens, farms, art installations and bridges could also be included in that category.
Today, I’m providing you with a list that shows of some examples of how humans have left their own beautiful mark in history. Check it out:
Please note, the White House Ruin Trail is temporarily closed.
Not just a building but an entire self-contained city, Arcosanti has some incredibly unique and stunning architecture developed by Italian architect, Paolo Soleri.
If the collection and arrangement of desert plants isn't quite enough for you to love, then the winter art installations at this Phoenix garden will definitely have you wanting to visit. The botanical garden in the past has seen massive installations, such as this by Dale Chihuly.
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4. Desert View Watchtower
Charlie Gza/Flickr
This structure was designed by architect Mary Colter in the style of old Pueblo dwellings to look like it has always stood at the edge of the Grand Canyon.
No, we're not talking about that popular '60s band but instead a door-covered art installation that sits in Scottsdale. If you've ever wondered what it would be like to stand inside a kaleidoscope then you will want to visit this art installation.
In case you didn't already know, this bridge was originally installed in London in 1830 and was the inspiration behind the song "London Bridge Is Falling Down." Today, it spans across a canal on the Colorado River in Lake Havasu City.
It's a shame that Arizona doesn't have many standing examples of Art Deco architecture because it happens to be one of my favorite architectural styles. Luhrs Tower along Washington in Phoenix is a stunning example of this and will soon be revived as a hotel.
Arizona is pretty lucky to have not one but a half dozen standing examples of Frank Lloyd Wright's architecture. Taliesin West served as FLW's winter home, studio, and school for 22 years until his death in 1959.
Who knew the desert could be home to not only many gardens but many beautiful examples of them? This one in Tucson is known for not only its variety of desert flora but also for its dramatic setting against the Santa Catalina Mountains.
I bet in its prime, this Anasazi structure looked stunning sitting inside Canyon de Chelly. Even all these centuries later, it still looks pretty amazing.
If only we had more beautiful examples of architecture, art and engineering in Arizona. Let me know what else you would add to this list by leaving a comment below!
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