Architecture that defines a city Whether it?s a schoolhouse or a soaring skyscraper, architecture shapes an urban dweller?s on-the-ground experience of their city?not to mention how the city is perceived by visitors and beyond.
The most recognizable, archetypal, or historic buildings often earn icon status, each telling its own story about the past and present of the city that surrounds it. Of course, a building doesn?t have to be centuries old to be iconic. That?s why incredible contemporary structures, such as Seattle?s Central Library, also grace this list of the most iconic buildings around the U.S.
The 14 picks below were chosen by Curbed editors across the country, who each picked just one structure to represent their cities. While no doubt many worthy contenders have been left off, this roundup does provide a compelling snapshot of some of the best architecture on offer from coast to coast. The Texas State Capitol Building in Austin

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The Texas State Capitol Building in Austin.

Curbed Austin:
?Opened in 1888 (it replaced a more diminutive structure destroyed by fire in 1881), the Texas Capitol was intended to make a grand statement. Modeled after the U.S. Capitol in a Neo-Renaissance style that features the domes, columns, plasterwork, and pediments often associated with classical architecture, it?s just a tad taller than the building that houses our nation?s legislature.?
But the State Capitol?s most impressive ele...