Where heads of state rest their heads All the pomp and circumstance of inauguration weekend provides plenty of reasons why politicians spend years battling for the presidency.
One of the highlights has to be the opportunity to live in the Neoclassical masterpiece at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, designed by Irish-born architect James Hoban, who won a prize to envision a then-new presidential residence in 1792. Arguably the most recognizable buildings in the country, the home and office of the President of the United States, like other such residences across the globe, represents architectural achievement and symbolizes national pride.
The home of any leader offers interesting provenance and telling design details. Searching beyond some of the more well-known seats of power, such as the Kremlin or 10 Downing Street, these select homes of some of the world's most powerful men and women showcase both historic and modern architecture, and help tell the story of a particular country or ruler.
Creative Commons image via Beatriz Marques
Brazil: Palácio da Alvorada (Oscar Niemeyer, 1958)
It's fitting the first permanent structure inaugurated in the new modern city of Brasilia, a joint project of Lucio Costa and Oscar Niemeyer developed at the behest of then-President Juscelino Kubitschek, would be called the Palace of Dawn. Considered one of Niemeyer's greatest achievement in the country's new capital, the palace's profile, formed by the swooping, parab...