Habitat 2024, May

30 most powerful photos that make you think

30 most powerful photos that make you think

“You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is like an ocean, and a few dirty drops cannot make the whole ocean dirty,”said Mahatma Gandhi. The human heart is multifaceted and the manifestation of people's feelings and aspirations is no less diverse. This selection of photographs reflects a person's indomitable desire to live, to give love, but at the same time - what despair and grief he can feel. This is the history of mankind, good and bad, as it is

Incredible Scotland: 35 views of stunning beauty

Incredible Scotland: 35 views of stunning beauty

Scotland is not only kilts and bagpipes, it is a country with a powerful culture, stunningly beautiful nature, magnificent sights, this is one of those places that you will never regret visiting, but you will strive here again and again

Why did a millionaire Mason turn a farm into a palace, and what came of it

Why did a millionaire Mason turn a farm into a palace, and what came of it

Once in Portugal, a millionaire Mason bought a piece of land that changed many owners. He planned to build a castle there, but discovered many underground passages and grottoes that kept their secrets. Much in the dungeons of Quinta da Regaleira was created by the mystic master, but something really appeared in time immemorial. Today wells, labyrinths and mysterious symbols of the "Masonic farm" Quinta da Regaleira attract tourists from all over the world

What a house built by the richest man in St. Petersburg looks like: Kelkh's Mansion

What a house built by the richest man in St. Petersburg looks like: Kelkh's Mansion

In St. Petersburg there is a building gorgeous in its beauty, pomp and originality - this is the Kelkh mansion. Those who have not yet been in it should definitely visit it to see the clearest example of eclecticism in architecture. Well, just see what you can think of and build if you have not just a lot, but a lot of money. The house once belonged to the richest spouses. Alas, what is easy given is easy and taken away. The owner of the mansion, Alexander Kelkh, went bankrupt and was arrested after the revolution. And here is the house

How an extravagant centipede skyscraper appeared in Moscow, and what the new settlers thought of it

How an extravagant centipede skyscraper appeared in Moscow, and what the new settlers thought of it

You can joke that residential houses "on legs" appeared in Russia in the era of Baba Yaga. But seriously, such buildings first gained popularity in the 20-30s of the last century. One of the most interesting such architectural projects is the Moscow high-rise building on Begovaya Street. The people called this house "House-centipede". However, whatever they call him

House-glass in St. Petersburg: why were communal buildings similar to corn built in the city on the Neva

House-glass in St. Petersburg: why were communal buildings similar to corn built in the city on the Neva

Glass houses became one of the experiments of Soviet modernism in the second half of the last century. Several such skyscrapers were built in St. Petersburg (and then still in Leningrad). The most famous is located in Kupchin at the address: Budapeshtskaya street, 103. This cylindrical building is also called the "house-corn". And its tenants, like corn seeds, huddled in cramped cells-rooms. What to do - initially everything here was arranged according to the principle of a house-commune

The riddle of Alexander the Great: Why was the "flight of Tsar Alexander" popular in Russia and throughout the Christian world

The riddle of Alexander the Great: Why was the "flight of Tsar Alexander" popular in Russia and throughout the Christian world

On the land of the former Drutsk appanage principality, which arose in the 11th century on the way "from the Varangians to the Greeks", a unique pectoral cross was found. From this period, few crosses with the image of the Crucifix have come down to us, the image of the Crucifix is much more common on encolpions, but this is not the main thing. It is not for nothing that the cross from Drutsk was found on the way from the "Varangians to the Greeks", some "Varangian", Scandinavian features are present in the design of the cross, but this is not what makes it unique. Of particular interest is th

Why the idea of communal houses, or the absurd fantasies of Soviet architects, did not take root in the USSR

Why the idea of communal houses, or the absurd fantasies of Soviet architects, did not take root in the USSR

A hundred years ago, when, after the abolition of private property, Soviet workers moved from barracks to mansions and apartment buildings confiscated from the "bourgeoisie", everyday communes began to appear in the young Soviet country. The architects received an order for completely new projects for the country - residential buildings with public reading rooms, canteens, kindergartens and communal kitchens. The role of separate premises where a young Soviet family can retire has faded into the background. It is clear that this idea turned out to be true

How the Crimean Bridge survived from the time of the Tatars' raids to the present day

How the Crimean Bridge survived from the time of the Tatars' raids to the present day

More recently, only one was associated with the words "Crimean Bridge", famous all over the world, including thanks to the footage from the March of German prisoners of war in 1944. In a sense, the Crimean Bridge has already happened, and more than once, to get in the way of those who tried to conquer Moscow. True, then it was not a bridge, but a ford, and it was located far outside the city

20 most mysterious peoples in the world, the origin of which scientists argue today

20 most mysterious peoples in the world, the origin of which scientists argue today

Despite all the attempts of historians and ethnographers to create a clear picture of the development of some peoples, many secrets and white spots still remain in the history of the origin of many nations and nationalities. Our review contains the most mysterious peoples of our planet - some of them have sunk into oblivion, while others live and develop today

"Queen of Human Hearts": Why did the British adore Princess Diana

"Queen of Human Hearts": Why did the British adore Princess Diana

Diana Spencer, Princess of Wales, mother of Princes William and Harry, could have turned 58 on July 1, but 22 years ago her life was tragically cut short. She was called "the queen of human hearts" - none of the members of the royal family enjoyed such love among the people. Why did Lady Dee deserve such adoration during her lifetime, and why the British, after her untimely death, still grieve for her - further in the review

The mystery of the death of Princess Diana: unexpected details two decades later

The mystery of the death of Princess Diana: unexpected details two decades later

21 years ago, on the night of August 31, 1997, Princess Diana died in a car accident in the center of Paris. She was so popular and loved by the people that she earned the nickname "queen of hearts", and her tragic death haunts the British to this day. The circumstances of this car accident were so strange that they raise doubts about the official version of what happened. On the eve of the 20th anniversary of the death of Princess Diana, several scandalous investigations were published that made a lot of noise

Why Prince Harry was called the "Wild Child" and other little-known facts about Princess Diana's youngest son

Why Prince Harry was called the "Wild Child" and other little-known facts about Princess Diana's youngest son

The sons of Prince Charles and Princess Diana have always attracted the attention of both the media and ordinary people. It seems that Prince Harry is still not used to the fact that the paparazzi are literally hunting him. In fact, the Duke of Sussex is able to surprise with the variety of his interests and very ambiguous behavior

Why did the grandchildren of Queen Elizabeth II, Prince William and Harry, who were friends for many years, quarreled?

Why did the grandchildren of Queen Elizabeth II, Prince William and Harry, who were friends for many years, quarreled?

Previously, the two grandsons of Queen Elizabeth II were very friendly with each other for many years. The relationship between the princes was never discussed, and, in general, there was nothing to talk about: the brothers did not conflict, and after the death of Princess Diana in 1997, Harry and William became even closer. Why has everything changed so much over the past few years, and princes William and Harry have become almost enemies?

Royal New Years: How The Windsors Celebrate The Most Magical Winter Celebration

Royal New Years: How The Windsors Celebrate The Most Magical Winter Celebration

New Year and Christmas are undoubtedly the most beloved holidays in the whole world. They are associated with a belief in magic and a childishly direct expectation of a miracle. Monarchs in this regard are no different from ordinary people, perhaps only with the exception of cases related to congratulating the citizens of their state. True, this year the pandemic made its own adjustments to the conditions of the celebration

Why Prince Harry and Meghan Markle had a falling out with the royal family, and how Elizabeth II reacted to it

Why Prince Harry and Meghan Markle had a falling out with the royal family, and how Elizabeth II reacted to it

The other day, millions of viewers around the world could watch the revelations of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry on the air of the Oprah Winfrey show. There were many rumors around the program, but the Dukes of Sussex were very determined. They wanted, finally, to talk about what tormented them for many months. But simultaneously with the announcement of the upcoming interview in the UK media, accusations against Meghan Markle appeared, and an investigation was even launched

"Moorish Castle" in Irkutsk: How an Arabian-style building appeared in Siberia

"Moorish Castle" in Irkutsk: How an Arabian-style building appeared in Siberia

There is an amazing house in Irkutsk. It is very elegant and original and is called a Moorish castle. And on its facade you can see the names of the great explorers of the North and Siberia. The money for the construction of the building at the end of the 19th century was collected by all of Russia, which is not surprising, because this is the building of the oldest museum in our country, the exhibits of which are unique. But today we will not talk about the rich fund of the famous Museum of Local Lore, but about the amazing architecture of its building, as if

How British royalty celebrate their birthdays

How British royalty celebrate their birthdays

All over the world, on their birthday, people arrange noisy parties or quiet family holidays in the circle of their closest people. And the Windsors in this regard do not differ at all from thousands of people on earth. True, they have their own traditions and a lot of privileges that allow them to organize a truly large-scale event. But at the same time, members of the royal family of Great Britain use this opportunity very rarely

10 museums in the world that you can visit today without violating the self-isolation regime

10 museums in the world that you can visit today without violating the self-isolation regime

The coronavirus pandemic has forced many people around the world to make adjustments to their plans. Habitual travel became inaccessible, as well as visits to theaters, exhibitions, museums. Fortunately, modern technology makes it possible to expand your horizons and get acquainted with many works of art without leaving your own apartment. During the quarantine, museums of the world have opened access to virtual tours of their expositions

A comic series of shots from a photographer who is quarantining with his ex-wife and mom

A comic series of shots from a photographer who is quarantining with his ex-wife and mom

Here's a truly bizarre coincidence: the photographer was quarantined with his mother and ex-wife. Three of us in a kopeck piece. This is not the beginning of a comedy series at all, but a real story. However, he would not have been a photographer if he had not tried to take advantage of this situation. An unusual experience inspired him to create a comic series of images of the chaotic life of three people. Yes, yes, he began to arrange comic photo shoots in the apartment

How to beat your son-in-law: shocking wedding customs around the world

How to beat your son-in-law: shocking wedding customs around the world

Every country in the world has its own traditions and rituals, which have been observed for centuries and passed down from generation to generation. Their sacred meaning is forgotten over time, and now many of them seem, if not strange, then ridiculous. The diversity and difference of cultures perfectly demonstrate wedding rituals and customs of different countries

"I want Larisa Ivanovna!": How the Soviet comedy "Mimino" was filmed

"I want Larisa Ivanovna!": How the Soviet comedy "Mimino" was filmed

After the release of the tape "Mimino" the song "Chito Grito …" was sung by the whole USSR, and the phrases of Valiko and Rubik were sorted out into quotes. The story of a simple village pilot who fell in love with a metropolitan flight attendant fell in love with the audience. The uncomplicated story was watched with interest, storming the cinemas, where the film went with invariable sold out. Today we will talk about how the legendary comedy was created

How an American blogger exchanged an ordinary invisible hairpin for a house in just 14 moves

How an American blogger exchanged an ordinary invisible hairpin for a house in just 14 moves

In 2005, a Canadian blogger became famous all over the world for exchanging an ordinary red paperclip for a two-story farmhouse in 14 deals. Now his "feat" has decided to repeat the 29-year-old Demi Skipper from San Francisco. And she also wants to domain home. The essence of the experiment is that you exchange a cheap thing for a slightly more expensive one, and the next one for an even more valuable one. And so on until you have something that you can easily exchange for a whole house

What secrets does the 19th century merchant tower keep in Nizhny Novgorod and how it has survived to this day

What secrets does the 19th century merchant tower keep in Nizhny Novgorod and how it has survived to this day

For a long time this house-teremok on Dalnaya Street remained a unique example of the ancient wooden architecture of Nizhny Novgorod. Now we can only see a copy of it. The original is preserved in photographs. This "fairy house" is unique in that it is the only wooden building of Nizhny Novgorod, erected in the "ropetovschina" style and decorated with such a rich decor, which stood in the city until the 2010s. True, they began to actively restore it only when the president was "reminded" of the mansion

Crazy and "human" buildings of the genius Frank Gehry, which amazed the whole world

Crazy and "human" buildings of the genius Frank Gehry, which amazed the whole world

His buildings are known all over the world and leave no one indifferent: the Dancing House in Prague, the Brain Health Center in Las Vegas and many other projects of this architect, on the one hand, have won world awards, and on the other, they look like a figment of a sick imagination. They look really crazy. And at the same time, they fascinate. It is clear that only a very extraordinary person could come up with such a thing. After all, it's not for nothing that Frank Gehry is recognized all over the world as the largest architect of our time

What are the secrets of the most fashionable landmark of the Enlightenment: Crazy creations of the architectural genius Desert de Retz

What are the secrets of the most fashionable landmark of the Enlightenment: Crazy creations of the architectural genius Desert de Retz

The Desert De Retz, created between 1774 and 1789 by Monsieur de Montville, was one of the most famous places of its time. A crazy mix of decorative pavilions and buildings with whimsical architectural elements made this place quite famous in its day. In order to see this miracle, all the mighty of this world came there. Today, unfortunately, it is difficult to imagine all the former glory of this estate and the example of perfection that was then Desert de Re

In which houses of St. Petersburg you can see unique historical stained-glass windows today

In which houses of St. Petersburg you can see unique historical stained-glass windows today

Some of the front doors of St. Petersburg are famous for their magnificent stained-glass windows, each of which is unique. This is the real wealth of the northern capital, which deserves special attention. You look at the windows with such vivid pictures - and it seems that the former owners of the houses ordered this beauty specifically in order to cheer themselves up during the rainy gray days. However, they say that they were created just to "disguise" dull, unsightly courtyards. There are no houses with stained-glass windows in St

What 7 magnificent medieval castles in Europe looked like before they fell into ruins

What 7 magnificent medieval castles in Europe looked like before they fell into ruins

During the quarantine, we are deprived of the opportunity to travel, but no one canceled the virtual exploration, right? Therefore, we will go on a fascinating journey through the most magnificent European castles, which keep centuries of incredibly rich history in their ruins. After many centuries of decline, wars and historical reconciliation, most of the castles have turned into ruins, and now they are only a pale shadow of their former glory. What did they look like during their heyday?

What secrets does the "Masonic mansion" keep in St. Petersburg and what do the secret symbols on its facade mean?

What secrets does the "Masonic mansion" keep in St. Petersburg and what do the secret symbols on its facade mean?

As soon as this house is called - and "Masonic mansion" and "casket house" and "brick castle". Schreter's house on the Moika Embankment in St. Petersburg immediately attracts attention. It was as if it was brought to us from some old European street. Who built it here and why? Even more mysterious is the fact that on its main facade you can see Masonic symbols - stucco images in the form of a triangle and a compass

A beehive house in Moscow: a shocking project of the Soviet architect Melnikov, recognized in the world as a genius

A beehive house in Moscow: a shocking project of the Soviet architect Melnikov, recognized in the world as a genius

This cylindrical building with windows that look like diamonds, or honeycombs, and even resembling carbon nanotubes, is considered a classic of the avant-garde, and despite its external simplicity, it was created brilliantly from an architectural point of view. The name "House-beehive" was given to the creation of the talented architect Melnikov not only because the project is somewhat reminiscent of a honeycomb. For all its simplicity, the building is very robust, economical and comfortable. And here's what is surprising: it was built almost a hundred years ago

How the oldest blogger on Earth celebrated 109 years

How the oldest blogger on Earth celebrated 109 years

The world's oldest blogger grandmother, Dagni Karlsson from Sweden, celebrated her 109th birthday. As a real Internet star, she was quick to share her birthday story with subscribers. At 109, Dagny is very active, her posts are filled with humor, and she hopes to become an example for other retirees

Churches Built by an Atheist: Le Corbusier's Strange Religious Buildings

Churches Built by an Atheist: Le Corbusier's Strange Religious Buildings

Le Corbusier is one of the most famous and at the same time scandalous architects of modernism: geometric projects of glass and concrete, a proposal to demolish and rebuild several world capitals, a revolution in modern architecture, history with attribution. But it was he, an atheist and a rebel, who in the last years of his life designed … churches

The Beggar Slave Who Enriched Europe or the History of Vanilla

The Beggar Slave Who Enriched Europe or the History of Vanilla

In the modern world, vanilla is still one of the most expensive spices, but it is available to almost everyone. There were times when this spice was extremely rare and fabulously expensive. The homeland of these magic pods could not cope with the growing demand, the price grew exponentially. The spice was, in the truest sense of the word, royal. She is still very popular. Such an unusual, spicy, exquisite aroma, without which it is impossible to imagine any bakery

Top food itineraries: 7 countries worth visiting for gourmet travelers

Top food itineraries: 7 countries worth visiting for gourmet travelers

Gastronomic tourism is a happy young direction, but it already has its adherents and admirers. Of course, today you can taste dishes of any cuisine without leaving your own country. However, the popularity of gastronomic tourism is not just about delicious food. It is also an acquaintance with the traditions of hospitality that are unique for each country, the opportunity to attend food festivals, attend a tasting excursion and take part in a master class where they will not teach

A Flea Market Story: How Housewife Rachel Asheville Chased Her Dream and Created Her Own Interior Style

A Flea Market Story: How Housewife Rachel Asheville Chased Her Dream and Created Her Own Interior Style

Lace, angels, antique furniture, crystal chandeliers and roughly plastered white walls - the extravagant shabby chic style has won the hearts of many connoisseurs of antiquity and drew a barrage of criticism from fans of minimalism. And his victorious march around the world began thirty years ago, in the town of Santa Monica, when a young mother began a rebellion against the domestic routine

The ancient city of Matera is one of the first settlements in Italy

The ancient city of Matera is one of the first settlements in Italy

In the southern part of Italy, in the province of Basilicata, there is a small, beautiful and ancient city that few people know about. Matera has existed in the canyon of the Gravina River since prehistoric times (since the Neolithic). Due to the unique historical part of the city called "Sassi", Matera is also sometimes called the "Underground City"

The secret of rusty "pieces of iron" on the streets of St. Petersburg: What are these "relics of the past" for and where can you see them?

The secret of rusty "pieces of iron" on the streets of St. Petersburg: What are these "relics of the past" for and where can you see them?

Not everyone will pay attention to a small rusty "piece of iron" installed horizontally at the entrance to some old building right under their feet. But in the century before last it was a very necessary detail. In those days, when there were no asphalt roads in the cities and the shoes of passers-by were very often dirty in the mud, people wiped their feet on such pieces of iron. And these plates were called - decrottoirs. On the streets of St. Petersburg you can still see these "vestiges of the past", although there are not so many of them left

What is the secret of the oldest hotel in the world, which has been operating for over 1300 years

What is the secret of the oldest hotel in the world, which has been operating for over 1300 years

In our time of actively developing tourism, it will not be difficult to open your hotel if you have the money and desire. But making it profitable, and even keeping it afloat, is not so easy. However, the owners of the Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan Hotel managed to achieve the impossible. Their brainchild has been working since 705 (!) Years, having survived dozens of generations of guests and owners. And this despite the fact that the hotel is located not at all in a popular seaside resort and not even in the capital. What is the secret of such a long life of this vacation spot?

80-year-old british woman filed for divorce due to her husband pretending to be deaf for many years

80-year-old british woman filed for divorce due to her husband pretending to be deaf for many years

A high-profile divorce proceedings began in the British city of Manchester. Dorothy Dawson, now 80 years old, filed for divorce from her 84-year-old husband Barry, with whom they lived together for 62 years. During this time, the couple raised 6 children, and they had 13 grandchildren. The reason for the divorce was not trivial - the woman found out that her husband, who for many years pretended to be deaf and did not utter a single word, hears perfectly and can speak. It's just that all these years he didn't want to listen to her chatter

Why Kim Kardashian, DiCaprio and other celebrities have frozen their Facebook and Instagram accounts

Why Kim Kardashian, DiCaprio and other celebrities have frozen their Facebook and Instagram accounts

Social networks have long and firmly entered our lives. For single people, communication on the Internet becomes the only outlet where they can find friends and communicate, and for celebrities this is another type of advertising, a way to draw attention to their person. On September 16, 2020, many famous personalities announced a boycott of social networks. Among them are Leonardo DiCaprio and Naomi Campbell, Kim Kardashian, Katy Perry and others