Pantheon of Wonder

Essay

Abstraction of Colorful Light

10 Ways to Design Architecture that Defies Gravity (Slideshow)

by Maria Lorena Lehman

Slideshows

Architecture Drawing

Architects are constantly defying gravity. We built into and with the sky, and the way in which we engage it says a lot about our work. Building upward involves more than just getting your occupants to look up.

The following is a 10 image slideshow presented with hopes to inspire you to think about the sky creatively. These captured moments, ranging in complexity, illustrate just how delicate the balance is between our built forms and the sky which surrounds us.

Here are ten ways to built into and with the sky, to defy gravity and to help you design architecture that is more balanced, harmonious and awe-inspiring.

How To Build Into the Sky…

Continue the Conversation


If this essay stirred a question, illuminated an idea, or touched something deeper in your own creative journey, I invite you to continue the conversation.


Each month, I reserve a small number of private one-on-one conversations for readers seeking thoughtful guidance and deeper dialogue around creativity, architecture, music, meaning, purpose, or the work they feel called to bring into the world.


These are not coaching sessions, business consultations, or productivity workshops. They are dedicated spaces for reflection, creative guidance, intellectual exploration, and discerning what comes next.


People often bring:


• A creative project or new venture

• Questions of purpose and calling

• Architecture, art, music, or writing pursuits

• Career transitions and life crossroads

• Ideas they wish to develop more deeply

• Simply a desire for meaningful conversation


Whether you are an artist, designer, architect, composer, writer, educator, founder, or lifelong learner, our conversation will be shaped around what matters most to you.


A thoughtful exchange of ideas, questions, and possibilities.

Limited availability each month.


Warmly,

Maria Lorena Lehman


Founder of MLL ATELIER

Author of PANTHEON OF WONDER

Continue the Conversation


If this essay stirred a question, illuminated an idea, or touched something deeper in your own creative journey, I invite you to continue the conversation.


Each month, I reserve a small number of private one-on-one conversations for readers seeking thoughtful guidance and deeper dialogue around creativity, architecture, music, meaning, purpose, or the work they feel called to bring into the world.


These are not coaching sessions, business consultations, or productivity workshops. They are dedicated spaces for reflection, creative guidance, intellectual exploration, and discerning what comes next.


People often bring:


• A creative project or new venture

• Questions of purpose and calling

• Architecture, art, music, or writing pursuits

• Career transitions and life crossroads

• Ideas they wish to develop more deeply

• Simply a desire for meaningful conversation


Whether you are an artist, designer, architect, composer, writer, educator, founder, or lifelong learner, our conversation will be shaped around what matters most to you.


A thoughtful exchange of ideas, questions, and possibilities.

Limited availability each month.


Warmly,

Maria Lorena Lehman


Founder of MLL ATELIER

Author of PANTHEON OF WONDER

Maria Lorena Lehman has received the following awards and has been seen in the following publications: