In this ever so pacing world, there are developments in ways and style one cannot imagine. With the amalgamation of modern technology and advanced software, humankind is at its peak and only targets to get better. In this day and age of the best that a profession has to offer, we must go through some examples of best-curated designs and architectural marvels.
National Museum of Qatar | Architectural Marvels
This museum has an area of 1,66,400 sq. ft. It’s a form of disks interlocking and laid on each other which is inspired by a rock formed in the desert region called ‘desert rose’. The structure’s rise and spread symbolize the rock’s growing organically. The museum is dedicated to Qatar’s cultural, political, and climatical past. The landscape resembles the form of low dunes and gardens depicting oases and sabkhas. Merging with the sky with its neutral tones, the museum celebrates Qatar’s local resources and strengths. (Nouvel, 2019)
Walt Disney Concert Hall
One of the very well-known projects designed by Frank Gehry, this concert hall is one of a kind with stainless steel panels. The appearance of the structure is very dynamic and bold with the auditorium having a seating capacity of 2,265 people. Contrary to many concert halls, this hall breaks social barriers and has no balconies. In a column-free space, the orchestra setting is set in the middle so as to bind the seating and hence the audience, together. The metal-clad facade was saded so as to avoid the glare coming from it. From acoustical treatments to design elements, Gehry had set this concert hall as an impressionable example of deconstructivism. (Crook, 2022)
Burj Khalifa | Architectural Marvels
A skyscraper soaring about the clouds in Dubai is the world’s tallest building standing at 2,717 ft. It is a mixed-used skyscraper dedicated to luxury, tourism, hospitality, and commercial experiences. An observation deck is open for the public on the 124th floor looking over the development surrounding the building which also happens to be the world’s highest observation deck. (Britannica, Britannica, 2022)
Habitat 67
Built-in 1967, this housing structure has 158 residences consisting of 365 pre-fabricated modules. The community housing has 15 various kinds of housing types ranging from one-bedroom studios to four-bedroom units. Each module has access to a roof garden. The unique feature of this settlement is that all the parts of the building, elevator cores, units, and pedestrian street acts as load-bearing mediums. The stacking and composition are such that each module has plenty of air and light ventilation. The residents have been able to modify the module to their needs and the housing settlement is one of a kind case. (architects S. , n.d.)
Cayan Towers | Architectural Marvels
This tower of 75 stories and 1,010 ft. tall is the world’s highest twisting tower. It rotates from bottom to top at a full 90 degrees. A mix-used building, the tower has a retail store on the first two floors and the rest are residences, from a studio apartment to a four-bedroom duplex. Overlooking Marina Bay and the Gulf, the tower’s form reduces heat gain and lessens the wind load, something vital to consider in that temperature. It is an apt expression of art and structure coming forward to make another masterpiece in Dubai’s skyline. (SHAPIRO, 2013)
Museum of the Future
Museum of the Future is an exhibition centre for futuristic possibilities, design, and services. The main three parts of the volume are the void, the building, and the green hill. Designed by Killa design, the exterior facade has Arabic poems forming the windows. It is also a hub to bring researchers, scientists, inventors, and designers together to explore and contribute to this structure and its institution. Having seven floors in total, the first three floors have exhibitions on outer space development, bioengineering, and well-being. The other three floors are to showcase future technological solutions to challenges faced and the last floor is for children. (Wikipedia, 2021)
Millau Viaduct
Designed by British architect Norman Foster, this is the tallest bridge in the world, with a mast of 864 ft. A road bridge deck spanning 7,872 ft wide, it has seven masts each 278 ft high and weighing 700 each. All seven masts have eleven anchored cables that support the deck. Each cable is made from 55-90 steel strands that are protected from corrosion by three times. It is built over the Tarn river. (BridgesDB, n.d.)
Neuschwanstein Castle | Architectural Marvels
Located in Germany, this castle was constructed in the 19th century. It was made by King Ludwig II for Richard Wagner. The word ‘Neuschwanstein’ literally translates to ‘New Swan Castle’ and it is perched on top of a hill. Along with the fantastic view and magnificence of it, the interior system and technology of this castle were way ahead of their time. The insides of the castle are rich with the history and art possessions of the king. The surroundings are utterly beautiful with the castle overlooking a valley. (Britannica, 2022)
Marina Bay Sands Hotel
Marina Bay Sands is an integrated resort that is a central core for urban development in Marina Bay, Singapore. The 55-story level hotel has 2600 rooms and has a 1.2 hectares park on top of the three towers. The area has various exhibition halls, convention centres, theatres, a casino, and an event area. It has been a major tourist destination for garden city. (Safdie architects, 2011)
The Twist | Architectural Marvels
Perched in the forest of Kistefos Sculpture park in Norway, the total area is 3200 sq. ft. The structure is mainly conceived of a beam that rotates 90 degrees, creating a contemporary gallery space inside, which is contextual. The twist connects the vertical and horizontal galleries at two ends and the surface of the glass reflects the river and the forest beyond. (architects, 2019)
Hagia Sofia
Hagia Sofia is an important cultural and historical monument in Turkey’s history. Built in the 6th century, it has been designated as a mosque and a museum consequently over the years. The structure carries elements of both empires under which it prospered, Byzantium and ottoman. The architecture, structure, and ornamentation of this structure are unlike any other. (Britannica, Britannica, 2022)
The Atomium
Situated in Laeken, Belgium, the Atomium is 326 ft. tall and in shape is like an iron crystal. It is a structure of such a complex and gigantic dimension, it has always attracted a crowd. There are nine spheres, each 57 ft. in diameter, and are united by a steel structure. Although only six out of nine spheres are accessible to the public, the insides have everything from museums, elevators, restaurants, and exhibition areas. The views that Atomium offers are stunning, making it a must-visit. (We build value, 2021)
La Sagrada Familia | Architectural Marvels
The most iconic and celebrated design of the renowned architect Antoni Gaudi. Under construction, even after a century of commencing it, every part of this church is embedded with elements and forms very complex yet very intricately carved. The angles of the columns, arches, and vaults can leave one in awe and the facades have a unique corbelling and elements by sculptures trusted by Gaudi. Every carving and element is a representation of Christianism. This church has been the eye that has seen decades of change and development around its city and within. (Jonas, 2013)
Palm Jumeirah
This artificial island is offshore and connected to the mainland by a bridge. The shape of this manmade island, when viewed from above, is that of a palm tree, with its trunk as the means to reach the places on the island and the fronds where hotels, houses, and leisure spaces are located. Palm Jumeirah houses the most luxurious resort, hotels, and fine dining options in Dubai. 1380 acres of land was created in all the parts of the spread within a 5 km area. (Lewis, 2017)
Tokyo Sky Tree | Architectural Marvels
The broadcasting and communications tower is the world’s tallest freestanding tower. It has a height of 2,080 ft. There are two viewing galleries in the tower. Spanning across two floors these viewing areas and connected by a ramp, giving you a 360-degree view and two restaurants on top of that. With columns made of reinforced concrete and steel tubes for the framework, this tower brings a dynamic change to Tokyo’s skyline. (Lewis, Britannica, 2019)
Statue of Unity
Another record-breaking structure, the Statue of Unity is a staggering figure literally standing tall at 582 ft. Built as a symbol of respect for the ‘Iron Man of India’, the statue is divided into five zones, three accessible to people. The three zones contain viewing areas, exhibition galleries, and a memorial garden. It provides splendid views of the Sardar Sarovar dam. The statue has been a booster for tourism and urban development in the area. (Gujarat tourism, n.d.)
Changi International Airport
This airport has been titled as ‘world’s best airport’ for eight years in a row. Singapore is usually referred to as the garden city, the designers brought it all along to the airport. It offers areas for entertainment and leisure. A lifestyle hub connects all the terminals with nature, architecture, and art blended. (Visiting Singapore, n.d.)
Al Khazneh | Architectural Marvels
This is an elaborate form of a temple in the desert of Petra carved out of a sandstone rock face. Al Khazneh translated as ‘The treasure’ was built in the 1st century and was originally a mausoleum of the Nabatean King Aretas IV. Many of the architectural elements have eroded away due to the thousand years that have passed in between. Each and every sculpture are mythological figure related to the afterlife. (Wikipedia, n.d.)
Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia
It is a site that serves as both a major performing arts facility and an urban development landmark. It houses an auditorium seating for operas and theatre production along with a music hall and a gallery to exhibit fine and decorative artworks. There is a Valencia Opera House designed by Santiago Calatrava on a 86- acre piece of land. The spaces have advanced technology to view and produce high-class theatre and music. (group, n.d.)
Borobudur Temple | Architectural Marvels
This temple is a UNESCO-recognised site in Indonesia. It is one of the most incredible Buddhist monuments built during the 8th and 9th centuries. The main temple is located in the centre with a pyramidal structure with a stupa on top. It is surrounded by 72 stupas containing a statue of Buddha inside. (UNESCO, n.d.)
References:
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Wikipedia. (2021). Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Museum_of_the_Future
