Buildings, they are often built to serve a single purpose and that purpose is to accommodate the people, but occasionally you come across with a building that is sheer beauty, it is a treat for the eyes, and soothe your aesthetic sense. Such buildings are rare to find but they can offer a visual treat and make you wonder how much we have advanced from stone caves to the glass pillars. Modern architecture is all about making the buildings strong, sturdy, aesthetically pleasing, minimalistic, and a visual treat. It is also about adding the character to the building and utilizing the latest advancements in the field of construction.

Today, we want to celebrate the buildings that challenged the norms and rise as the beauties of the construction world. Let’s dive deep into the world of beautiful buildings, understand what made them special, and appreciate the efforts of architects behind them. Let’s get a glimpse of the buildings that are redefining the word modern architecture for all of us.

  1. Heydar Aliyev Center, Baku

As part of the former Soviet Union, the buildings of Azerbaijan were strongly influenced by sharp edges and strong life. The Heydar Aliyev Centre transformed the construction design of the country from rigid to fluid. The design celebrates the fluidity of Azuri culture and it is inspired by the Muslim calligraphy art. The structure is embracing and welcoming and direct the visitors to different levels of the architecture. It is the mathematical and construction wonders which tell the world that the combination of engineering, science, and inspiration from the culture can really work wonders!

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  1. Harpa Concert Hall, Reykjavik

The Harpa Concert Hall offers a clear of an enormous ocean and the surrounding Reykjavik Mountains. It is a stark difference to the untouched nature and cherished the view in all its beauty. The design of the building is inspired by natured specifically local basalt formations that provided the inspiration for the geometric facade structure. It is a unique combination of glass and steel and makes you wonder how a modern icon like this is complimenting nature!

  1. Milwaukee Art Museum, Wisconsin

Milwaukee Art Museum is known for its characteristics V design and the kinetic structure of the building open and closes like a wing of a majestic bird. The backdrop of a lake act as the perfect blue canvas to compliment the simple whites of the building. The building was designed considering the future need for expansion. It is another design which is inspired by nature, the movable steel louvres are inspired by bird wing, the cabled pedestrian bridge with a soaring mast is inspired by the form of a sailboat, and the curving single-story galleria reminiscent of a wave.

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  1. The Dancing House, Prague

Dancing House is also known as Fred and Ginger because it resembles the dancing figures of Ginger Rogers & Fred Astaire. It was built with the idea that someday it will become the cultural hub of the country. The design of the building is based on deconstructivist architecture. The land it is built upon is also significant as it was destroyed by the U.S. bombing of Prague in 1945. Even though it was built in the 90’s, it is still counted among the most beautiful and modern building. We have yet to see which can match ‘Dancing House’ in fluidity and historical significance.

  1. Petronas Towers, Kuala Lumpur

Petronas Towers once held the title of tallest buildings in the world, but now they are the tallest twin towers. An iconic sculpture of Kuala Lumpur is inspired by the five pillars of Islam and portray the love of President Mahathir for his religion. If you view the top of this mesmerizing icon, you can see that the tower cross-sections reflect the eight-pointed star which is the symbol of the Islamic culture. With the strength of withstanding Hurricane Katrina, it is still a hot spot for the tourist and you really can’t blame them for it!

  1. Burj Khalifa, Dubai

Burj Khalifa is the most recognized buildings indicating how technology can create miracles. It is another creation which is inspired by nature, the design of the building is inspired by a local desert flower known as the Spider Lily. Burj Khalifa houses world’s tallest gallery exhibiting the art of over 80 artists (they are literally flying high). It holds the record of most photographed buildings in the world and that’s definitely an achievement.

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  1. Olympic Stadium, Beijing

Olympic Stadium, commonly known as the ‘Bird’s Nest’ was designed with the idea that every spectator has an amazing view. As the structure hosts almost all games, it was necessary to consider each sport including soccer and athletics. The heights of every row were adjusted individually all thanks to the parametric design software which was the Holy Grail for the design and architecture team.

  1. Mary Axe, London

With an iconic design St. Mary Axe is over three times the height of Niagara Falls. Also known as The Gherkin, the architecture holds multiple awards including the London Region Award, the Emporis Skyscraper Award and the Stirling Prize (It holds more awards than most of the celebrities!). The building is designed aerodynamically to reduce the wind load on the structure and it is covered with diamond cut glass to conserve energy.

  1. Harbin Opera, China

Harbin Opera is another exceptional example of the structure that can embrace the surrounding but still hold its own. With its fluid structure and beautiful scenery, it is one of best ways to enjoy spectacular theatre performance.

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These beautiful and mesmerizing architectures are a window to the past and a reflection of the upcoming future. They are here to stay and make you remember how technological advancement is changing the future of us. From caves to glass building, humans have progressed and there is still more to come. These buildings should be included in your must-visit list as you don’t want to miss the buzz they can evoke in your with their majestic presence. Olympic stadium – here I come!