01
18000 BCE
Spain
Rock Art at Altamira
Walls as canvases of history
The Altamira caves reveal humanity's timeless connection to walls as canvases. Discovered in 1868, these subterranean galleries showcase prehistoric wall art that revolutionised our understanding of interior aesthetics. Nature's first accent wall explodes with ochre and charcoal imagery of bison, horses, and enigmatic symbols. The ancient walls, whispering design wisdom across millennia, demonstrate how vertical surfaces can create immersive environments transcending mere functionality. In modern interior design, we continue this legacy, using walls as a powerful storytelling medium.
Cave wall with the polychrome bison, useo de Altamira, P.Saura | Diorama of the Altamira cave- A work by the sculptor Josep Font, Jordiferrer
02
1400 BCE
Peru
The Inca Walls of Sacsayhuamán
Walls of unparalleled precision
In Peru, the Inca civilisation's masterpiece at Sacsayhuamán showcases walls of unparalleled precision. Massive limestone blocks fit so tightly that not even a blade of grass can penetrate, demonstrating the Incas' mastery of stonework. The mortar-free marvel stands as a testament to walls as both functional and artistic triumphs.
The invention of fired bricks around 4000 BCE marked another milestone in wall construction. This innovation allowed for more durable, versatile structures across cultures.
Limestone blocks of Sacsayhuamán. Martin St-Amant
03
770 BCE
China
The Great Wall of China
Walls of monumental defence
Walls have long been humanity's shields, evolving from ancient fortifications to modern barriers. The Great Wall of China remains a symbol of defensive architecture, its stone structure deterring invaders for centuries. Today, barriers like the Israel-West Bank wall and the proposed US-Mexico border wall reflect modern efforts to enforce boundaries and address security concerns.
Likewise, The Green Wall of China, launched in 1978, combats desertification and deforestation in Northern China. Stretching thousands of kilometres, this ecological barrier of trees and shrubs protects against sandstorms and erosion, representing a major environmental conservation effort.
Great Wall of China. Jakub Hałun
04
200 CE
China
Chinese Hand Painted Wallpaper
Walls as storytellers
Ancient Chinese hand-painted wallpapers on silk or paper transformed interiors, adorning walls with intricate scenes of daily life, mythology, and nature. Symbols like dragons and peonies reflected cultural beliefs, transforming walls into active storytellers. Walls at eye level hold immense potential for beautification. Today, wallpapers have evolved from hand-painted masterpieces to mass-produced designs, ranging from traditional motifs to modern aesthetics. Digital printing allows for precise replication of historic patterns, making ancient Chinese themes accessible worldwide. Despite the shift to mechanisation, the elegance and storytelling of these early wallpapers continue to inspire contemporary interior design, blending cultural heritage with modern tastes in homes around the globe.
Chinese Wallpaper adorning the walls of a lounge Daderot
05
467 CE
Rome
Castle Garderobes
‘Poo’werful walls
Medieval castle walls served multiple functions, including innovative sanitation solutions. Privy chambers, ingeniously integrated into the fortification's structure, jutted from castle walls. The clever wall design with masonry shafts, often buttressed or nestled within tower junctions, directed waste outside through strategically positioned openings. The integration of toilets into castle walls showcased the medieval master builder’s brilliance in maximising limited space while maintaining hygiene.
Such innovations underscored medieval architect's dual mastery of engineering and defence, ensuring that even the necessities of daily life contributed to the formidable resilience of their strongholds against potential invaders.
Garderobes of Peveril Castle Dave Dunford
06
1100 CE
Japan
Japanese Shoji Screens
Walls of versatility
Shoji screens, with wood frames and translucent panels, diffuse light and connect interiors to nature. Paired with tatami storage walls (tana), which integrate shelving and cabinets, these elements optimize space while maintaining elegance. Together, they embody Japan's design ethos, where walls serve as multifunctional features, blending form, function, and cultural aesthetics with timeless simplicity.
A Japanese ‘Tana’ Angelina Earley| A drawing depicting a Suzuki Harunobu sliding Shoji Screen.
07
1392 CE
South Korea
Hanok Houses
Walls woven with wood
Hanok houses of Korea exemplify the artful use of wood walls in traditional architecture, harmoniously blending wooden frames with natural surroundings. The walls serve as both functional elements and cultural canvases. Intricately crafted wooden walls, often featuring exquisite joinery without nails showcase Korean artisans' mastery and reflect the region’s deep-rooted cultural values.
The walls of Hanok houses are more than mere partitions. Composed of wooden frames filled with earth and straw, these walls regulate indoor humidity and temperature naturally. Sliding wooden doors and windows integrated into the walls allow for flexible space arrangement and seamless indoor-outdoor flow.
The profound relationship between walls and wood extends globally. Japan's wooden temples, like Horyu-ji built in 601 CE, demonstrate walls as guardians of tradition and spirituality. Scandinavian timber churches showcase walls as protectors against harsh climates while harmonising with nature.
In modern architecture, wooden walls continue to evolve. The Tamedia Office Building in Switzerland built in 2013 uses engineered wood to create walls that are both structural marvels and sustainable design statements. These contemporary interpretations honour wood's timeless appeal while pushing architectural boundaries.
From Hanok to high-rises, wooden walls embody the intersection of tradition, innovation, and environmental stewardship, proving that walls can be closely rooted in our culture and reach.
A Hanok house woven with wood. Bgag
08
1475 CE
Rome
Historic Library Walls
Walls imparting human knowledge
In many venerable libraries, walls are guardians of knowledge. The Vatican and Angelica libraries cradle centuries-old manuscripts and rare books, becoming a labyrinth of intellectual treasures, sanctuaries of knowledge and cultural legacy. Each shelf whispers tales of scholarly pursuits and ancient wisdom, echoing Rome's profound scholarly heritage. These library walls encapsulate the essence of learning and the relentless pursuit of wisdom, bridging past and future. They stand as silent sentinels, guarding the past and inspiring generations to come with the boundless possibilities of human intellect and discovery.
Bibliotheca Angelica, Rome’s oldest open Public Library. Sharon Lapkin
09
1506 CE
Vatican City
St. Peter's Basilica
Walls of scale and character
The walls of St. Peter's Basilica, a Baroque marvel, draw inspiration from the Roman Pantheon but with key modifications by Michelangelo. Massive piers rise from the ground, their robust forms concealing ingenious support systems. Flying buttresses, hidden within the walls' thickness, transfer the colossal dome's weight outward, allowing the walls to become both the backbone and the canvas of architectural brilliance.
The Sistine Chapel's walls, adorned with frescoes by Michelangelo and Renaissance masters, depict Biblical scenes, including the Last Judgement, enveloping visitors in a vivid narrative that showcases the grandeur of these historic buildings.
Interior view of St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, from Vedute di Roma drawn by Giovanni Battista Piranesi. | Harris Brisbane Dick Fund The frescoes adorning the walls of the Sistine Chapel. Dennis Jarvis
10
1727 CE
India
City Walls of Rajasthan
Walls of colour and identity
Rajasthan's city walls vividly reflect its cultural heritage. Jaipur's pink walls evoke warmth and hospitality, Jodhpur's blue hues represent Brahmin heritage, Udaipur's white walls symbolize purity, and Jaisalmer's golden fortifications blend with the desert. These walls are more than boundaries—they tell stories of history, status, and environmental wisdom, making each city a visual and historical treasure.
The Golden Glow of Jaisalmer. Daniel Mennerich | The Blue City of Jodhpur. Daniel Mennerich
11
1800 CE
England
Victorian Era influences
Walls celebrating an epoch
Victorian-era walls epitomised opulence and functionality through intricate design elements. Room dividers, adorned with elaborate carvings and luxurious textiles, transformed spaces into intimate settings while showcasing period grandeur. Wainscoting, featuring wooden panels and decorative dado rails, added texture and elegance to walls, marking a transition to upper sections with flair. The architectural elements not only defined spaces but also reflected the era's fascination with ornate details and functional beauty, making Victorian interiors iconic for their blend of practicality and aesthetic richness.
The RMS Olympic's smoking room styled in Victorian Era interiors. Robert Welch
12
1809 CE
Paris
Catacomb Skull Walls
Walls as ossuary memorials
Walls can become extraordinary repositories of human presence, as seen in the Paris Catacombs. Former limestone quarries were transformed into a vast ossuary for six million, creating a macabre yet respectful memorial that highlights walls' profound practical and symbolic roles.
In contrast, Seattle's Gum Wall in Post Alley, once a nuisance, evolved into a colourful tourist attraction. This unconventional wall shows how public interaction can transform ordinary surfaces into vibrant, participatory art.
The Skulls and Bones stacked artfully Alberto Trentanni | The Gum Wall in Seattle Victorgrigas
13
1837 CE
London
Modular Walls
Walls of flexibility
Modular walls date back to 1837 when architect John Manning designed the first prefabricated home. Manning’s design, shipped in units for easy on-site assembly, captivated the locals and sparked an interest in modular construction. In the 1940s, Jean Prouvé advanced the concept with the Maison Tropicale, featuring modular aluminium panels and partition walls, designed for easy assembly and adaptability in diverse environments. Today, modular walls continue to evolve, offering adaptable, eco-friendly solutions for various built spaces.
Modular Wall Panels being erected on-site Library of Congress |The Modular Wall Panels of Maison Tropicale by Jean Prouve. Steve Cadman
14
1900 CE
USA
Reinvention of Wall Construction
Walls of Modernist innovation
In the early 20th century, architects like Le Corbusier and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe revolutionised wall construction by rejecting traditional methods. Embracing modernist principles, they introduced new materials and innovative techniques. The pioneers experimented with open floor plans, utilising curtain walls and advanced structural systems that reduced the need for load-bearing walls. This approach led to the creation of light-filled, flexible spaces, transforming the architectural landscape. Their work signified a departure from conventional architecture, allowing fluidity and transparency that enabled buildings to break free from the rigid constraints of the past.
Villa Savoye by Le Corbusier Rory Hyde
15
1961 CE
Germany
The Berlin Wall
Walls of revolution and peace
The Berlin Wall and Belfast's Peace Walls, though not traditional architectural marvels, are powerful symbols of historical conflict and reconciliation. Erected in 1961, the Berlin Wall divided East and West Berlin, representing the Cold War's ideological split until its fall in 1989, a global symbol of liberation. Similarly, Belfast's Peace Walls, built in the late 1960s during ‘the Troubles,’ aimed to separate Catholic and Protestant communities to reduce sectarian violence. Today, these barriers, once symbols of division, are transforming into canvases for public art, reflecting hope and ongoing peace efforts in Northern Ireland.
Peace Line in Belfast, separating a Protestant Ross and Catholic neighbourhood.
16
1962 CE
USA
Beginnings of Digital Wall Dialogues
Walls of digital evolution
The evolution of digital walls began with Nick Holonyak Jr.'s invention of the first digital screen in 1962. However, it wasn't until U2's 1997 PopMart tour that large-scale digital video walls revolutionized stage design, despite their low resolution. By the 2000s, advancements in LED technology brought higher resolutions, lower power consumption, and flexible screen designs. Today, LED walls are integral to concerts, theaters, and corporate events, creating immersive experiences for audiences globally.
LG Video wall. Doug Kline
17
1965 CE
USA
Infinity Mirrored Room
Walls altering perception
Infinity mirrored walls originated with artist Yayoi Kusama, renowned for her immersive installations. Beginning in the 1960s, Kusama's mirrored rooms use endless reflections to create surreal, infinite spaces. These mirrored walls blend art and perception, offering mesmerising experiences that challenge conventional understandings of space.
Contemporary artists like Lucas Samaras and Iván Navarro have continued this exploration, utilising mirrored walls to manipulate light and space, and creating immersive art that engages and inspires modern audiences.
The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away David Zwirner, N.Y, Installation by Iván Navarro Jean-Pierre Dalbéra
18
1973 CE
Australia
Sydney Opera House
Walls that sculpt and sail
Walls that sculpt iconic landmarks go beyond mere form; they carve out breathtaking interior experiences and define the essence of space through their unique acoustics and grand scales. The Sydney Opera House, a masterpiece by Jørn Utzon, features sail-like shells adorned with a million gleaming ceramic tiles, casting a dazzling silhouette against Sydney Harbour. These tiles not only enhance its visual allure but also contribute to its acoustic perfection, making every performance inside unforgettable.
Frank Gehry's Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, completed in 1997, boasts titanium-clad walls that undulate like molten metal, reflecting the surrounding landscape with fluid grace. These dynamic forms not only captivate the eye but also transform the museum's interior spaces, creating an atmosphere of constant drama discovery and innovation.
In Los Angeles, the Disney Concert Hall stands as a beacon of modernity and functionality. Designed by Frank Gehry, its stainless-steel panels not only shimmer in the California sun but also serve a dual purpose: optimising acoustics and weather protection. This synergy of aesthetics and functionality embodies the hall's dynamic elegance, where every surface plays a role in shaping an extraordinary auditory and visual experience for concert-goers. Walls in buildings like the Louvre Pyramid in Paris and Burj Al Arab in Dubai blend innovative design, shaping exterior presence and interior ambience with enduring cultural significance.
Sydney Opera House concert hall interiors. Nick-D
19
1982 CE
USA
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Walls reflecting poignance
Designed by Maya Lin and dedicated in 1982, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., is defined by its striking black granite walls that stand as a poignant tribute to those who served and died in the Vietnam War. Its walls inscribed with over 58,000 names, create a powerful narrative of sacrifice and loss. The reflective surface of the walls allows visitors to see their own reflections alongside the names, creating a deeply personal and introspective connection. The memorial's wall is perhaps one of the most profound in recent times, serving as a living canvas that honours the fallen and invites contemplation. This makes the memorial a moving experience of remembrance and reflection.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Mnanian Reflections of Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Mariordo
20
1992 CE
India
Amdavad ni Gufa
Walls commemorating artistic collaborations
Amdavad ni Gufa, an underground art gallery in Ahmedabad designed by architect Balkrishna Vithaldas Doshi, transforms walls into vibrant canvases of artistic expression. Its undulating, cave-like walls and domes mimic natural forms, serving as dynamic surfaces for Maqbool Fida Husain's murals. These murals, interacting with light and shadow, create a constantly shifting visual experience. The space blurs the lines between architecture and art, offering an immersive sensory journey for visitors.
The subterranean gallery - Amdavad ni Gufa Vastushilpa Consultants | M F Hussain’s Art adorning the insides of the space Pratyush Thaker
21
1900 CE
Prague
Dancing House
Walls of unconventionality
Designers and engineers occasionally redefine the concept of structurally efficient walls. The Dancing House, or "Ginger and Fred," in Prague, designed by Vlado Milunić and Frank Gehry, features undulating curves that defy conventional design, transforming a vacant riverfront plot into a sculptural landmark. Similarly, Rotterdam's Cube Houses, designed by Piet Blom in 1973, feature angular walls that tilt and lean at unconventional angles, evoking playfulness. Both buildings inspire young designers to explore the versatility and creative potential of walls.
The Dancing House in Prague. Diego Delso
22
2010 CE
Shanghai
SEED Cathedral
To wall or not to wall
Walls can transcend solidity, creating boundaries that intrigue and inspire deeper dialogue. At the 2010 Shanghai Expo, the UK Pavilion's Seed Cathedral featured 60,000 acrylic rods, each with a seed at its tip, forming a shimmering, dynamic surface. Similarly, Wolfgang Buttress' The Hive (2016) used thousands of hexagonal aluminium panels embedded with LED lights that responded to real-time beehive data, offering an immersive connection to nature. These walls act as messengers, conveying ideas in innovative, interactive ways.
SEED Cathedral. Carsten Ullrich
23
2011 CE
Denmark
Your Rainbow Panorama
Walls that stand out
Enclosed by gently curved glass panels, the translucent rainbow-themed walls atop the ARoS museum, 'Your Rainbow Panorama,' is a 150-metre circular walkway, standing 3 metres high. The installation invites visitors into an interactive experience, allowing them to stroll leisurely while interacting with the shifting colours of light along the rooftop perimeter.
Similarly, the Al Bahr Towers (2012) seamlessly integrate traditional Islamic design into modern functionality with a dynamic façade system. Thousands of kinetic modules adjust throughout the day, responding to the sun's angle to optimise energy efficiency. This innovative design not only reduces solar heat gain but also ensures ample daylight and unobstructed views for building occupants, blending cultural inspiration with cutting-edge technology.
Ernst Giselbrecht + Partner's Kiefer Technic Showroom showcases architectural innovation with a dynamic facade that adapts to outdoor conditions, optimising the internal climate. The facade allows users to personalise their spaces through controls, presenting a new appearance as the day progresses. This innovation turns the building into a dynamic sculpture that regulates its internal environment by having walls that quite literally ‘stand out’!
The coloured glass panels of Your Rainbow Panorama.
The world's largest computerised facade on the Al Bahr towers in Abu Dhabi. | Inhabitat Kiefer Technic Showroom. Courtesy of Ernst Giselbrecht + Partner.
24
2012 CE
Azerbaijan
Heydar Aliyev Centre
Walls as a cultural interface
Designed by Zaha Hadid and completed in 2012, the Heydar Aliyev Centre showcases flowing, undulating walls that dissolve the distinction between inside and out. Hadid's parametric design ethos shines through in the building's seamless, white surfaces, creating a continuous and fluidic spatial experience.
Jean Nouvel's National Museum of Qatar (2019) mimics the organic form of a desert rose, with interconnected galleries featuring undulating, sand-coloured walls. These walls evoke the desert's fluidity, enhancing movement and serving as a striking backdrop to Qatar's cultural heritage.
Heydar Aliyev Centre. Milos Martinovic
25
2030 CE
Saudi Arabia
The Line Project
Walls of future
The Line Project epitomises Saudi Arabia's pioneering vision for urban sustainability within the NEOM megacity. Designed as a linear city stretching hundreds of kilometres along a single, uninterrupted axis, The Line emphasises the strategic use of walls to delineate and define spaces. These walls not only facilitate efficient infrastructure and transportation but also enhance the city's integration with its natural environment. By prioritising innovative wall design, The Line sets a precedent for future cities, showcasing how architectural boundaries can shape sustainable, interconnected urban landscapes
The proposed visualisation of The Line Project. Courtesy of NEOM
