Architecture and Violence

[dvdmsy]

I'm doing a bit of research in order to compile a group of stories relating to architecture and violence. Not necessarily accidental death (Hoover Dam construction) nor human sacrifice (Teotihuacan), mind you, but acts of violence that are a bit more "romantic". For instance, how the hands of the architect of Taj Mahal were allegedly removed by the Emperor so that he (the architect) could never design a building its equal (there's more to that story, but you get the point). What do you think? Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

[Bedhead]

There is a story that Louis XIV was so impressed with his finance minister's new mansion that he had him thrown in jail. He then commissioned the architect to build Versailles.

More details at:

http://www.gayot.com/travel/france/vaux_le_vicomte.html

[JHoward88]

Originally Posted by dvdmsy

I'm doing a bit of research in order to compile a group of stories relating to architecture and violence. Not necessarily accidental death (Hoover Dam construction) nor human sacrifice (Teotihuacan), mind you, but acts of violence that are a bit more "romantic". For instance, how the hands of the architect of Taj Mahal were allegedly removed by the Emperor so that he (the architect) could never design a building its equal (there's more to that story, but you get the point). What do you think? Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

Wow. I never heard that story before. That is one heck of a way to reward talent.