Two of the most unusual and iconic structures in North America are actually adjacent to one another, on the Seattle Center grounds, just north of downtown Seattle.

The Space Needle was opened in 1962 for the Seattle World’s Fair held that year. Following the inspiration of artist Edward E. Carlson, Architect John Grahm actually completed the design a mere 18 months before opening day. Following the Century 21 theme of the fair, Grahm created a flying saucer atop a 500 foot tower (or perhaps landing pad). Nearly fifty years later the structure still appears futuristic.

The Experience Music Project was designed by Frank Gehry, and completed in 2000. Inspired by the shapes and colors of the electric guitar, Gehry created an amorphous exterior shell covered by 21,000 metal shingles, each a unique shape and size.

Taken together, these two timeless structures are a photographer’s dream. The book is Volume 4 in Hoard’s “Seeing Seattle” series.