Five Buildings For The Ages

When does a building become more important than its purpose? Why do some buildings become such reference points that they may never be torn down? After all, many works of architectural merit and structural solidity have been destroyed in the name of war or progress (witness New York City's Pennsylvania Station). Some buildings, it seems, put down foundations in the psyche of their location; they may grow old but will never become dated. Le Corbusier's chapel at Ronchamp is a certain survivor. Here are five others likely to outlive us all. --By Belinda Luscombe

HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANK, 1985 Architect: Norman...