Great architectural structures. The most beautiful buildings in the world
World architecture is full of masterpieces that fascinate with their beauty at first sight. Their majesty, harmony or, conversely, the complexity of forms amaze the imagination and invariably arouse admiration among representatives of various generations and nationalities. Today we will introduce you to architectural pride - the most beautiful buildings collected from all over the world.
10. Taj Mahal, India
The beautiful white marble mausoleum was built in Indian city Agra back in the 17th century. The then ruling emperor dedicated the construction of the tomb to his third wife, who died in childbirth. Attention immediately attracts a huge 35-meter dome on the central part of the Taj Mahal. The mausoleum is made in the traditional Islamic style, most of the elements in its design are borrowed from Persian culture. Today, this beautiful building is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
9. Shwedagon Pagoda, Myanmar
The height of this golden splendor is 98 meters. Four holy vessels with Buddhist relics are immured under the building. Among the buildings of the religion, Shwedagon is considered the richest: it is almost completely decorated with gold, silver and precious stones. By the way, you can enter the territory of the sacred complex only barefoot.
8 Opera House, Australia
This luxurious complex, reminiscent of a shimmering shell, is a symbol of Sydney. During its construction, the budget was increased by as much as 15 times, but the theater was nevertheless completed, despite the enormous costs. During national holidays, the dome structure serves as an arena for staging spectacular light shows. The complex itself consists of two large concert and opera halls, as well as almost a thousand other rooms. Simultaneously in Sydney Opera theatre can fit more than ten thousand people!
7. Flinders Street, Australia
Our next beautiful object is also from the Green Continent. Flinders Street Station is the central railroad station Melbourne. A new station building was built at the beginning of the 20th century, in addition to the directly “station” premises, offices and even a ballroom are also located here, earlier Flinders Street also included a kindergarten. The clock under the main dome of the station is literally a symbol of the meeting in Melbourne.
6. Frauenkirche Church, Germany
This ancient Lutheran church is the third in the list of unique sights of the country. It is located in the city of Munich, which is generally famous for its luxurious architecture. Frauenkirche is the brightest architectural monument in this city. In general, a church has existed on this site since the 11th century, but the luxurious building, which to this day attracts the attention of both believers and ordinary tourists, was rebuilt only in the middle of the 18th century. It is noteworthy that this religious building was built on the orders of the Polish King Augustus 1 as a symbol of the struggle against the power of the Catholic Pope, although Augustus himself was a Catholic.
5. Burj Al Arab Hotel, UAE
A chic skyscraper in the form of a sail, literally standing in the ocean, is one of the symbols of the luxurious and hospitable city of Dubai. Especially for him, an island was artificially created 280 meters from the shore, on which the building is located. With a height of 321 meters, Burj Al Arab is the tallest hotel in the world - and, undoubtedly, the most original and beautiful. Luxury here is present in every millimeter, therefore, according to the general opinion, only five stars are clearly not enough for him.
4. Museum of the Future, Brazil
The rapidly developing city of Rio de Janeiro is changing right before our eyes, surprising even its inhabitants. One of the novelties that have appeared in the city is called the "Museum of the Future" - the author of the project was Santiago Calatrava. He emphasizes that the design of this fantastic structure highlights the magic of Brazil and the richness of the spirit of its people. Mounted on a huge breakwater, the Museum literally hovers above the water. Its "wings" are equipped with panels for generating solar energy, which independently rotate with the course of the sun.
3. Palace of Ferdinand Cheval, France
This beautiful palace with an amazing history is located in the French city of Hauterives. Its author, Ferdinand Cheval, was a simple postman who dreamed of his own castle and made his dream come true with the help of ... ordinary stones. It all started with collecting stones of an unusual shape, from which, in 20 years, Cheval will begin to build his ideal palace. All the time the crazy genius devoted to this matter, and after 33 years a real miracle was born from ordinary stones, cement and wire, which today boldly enters the top three most beautiful architectural wonders of the world.
2. Hallgrimskirkja, Iceland
This Lutheran church in Reykjavik looks very mysterious and magical. In fact, its appearance symbolizes a volcanic eruption. The church with an unpronounceable name for tourists is considered a symbol of Reykjavik. It is located in the very center of the city. At the top there is an observation platform from which you can see the whole city. Simple and harmonious design, full of symbolism - this makes Hallgrimskirkyu the second in the list of the most beautiful buildings in the world.
1. Golden Temple, India - The most beautiful building in the world
The beautiful sanctuary is located in the middle of the lake Amrita-saras, on the banks of which the city of Amritsar is located. Harmandir Sahib is one of the oldest Indian temples, it was founded in the 16th century. The religious building is connected to the shore by a narrow marble bridge - the path from sin to a righteous life. This building got its second name - the Golden Temple - because its facade is completely covered with gilded plates, which makes it seem as if the structure is entirely carved from precious metal.
Speaking of the world's most beautiful masterpieces of architecture, it is impossible to ignore another monument of culture and religion. We deliberately did not include it in the rating in order to emphasize the special place of this building among the most beautiful creations of architecture. We are talking about the Church of the Savior on Blood, located in St. Petersburg.
The temple was built at the site of the assassination of Emperor Alexander 2 on the Field of Mars. Officially, the shrine bears the name of the Church of the Resurrection of Christ, but among the people it is better known as the Savior on Spilled Blood. luxury building It was built entirely with donations from citizens. The walls of the temple are a red brick mosaic with a variety of panels and paintings. The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood occupies a special place in the history and culture of the Russian people, and its splendor allows us to rightfully call the temple the most beautiful building on the planet.
I think that many of you have seen examples of unusual architectural structures or even been inside such creative buildings. But today we will present you with 21 examples of fantastic architectural structures that simply amaze the imagination and surprise with the originality of the idea.
1. Atomium
The building is located in Brussels. The Atomium was built in 1958 by architect André Waterkeyn. The Atomium rises to 102 meters. Externally, the structure looks like an atom. Despite its impressive age, it still looks good, the reconstruction of the Atomium took place from 2004 to 2006. Then aluminum was replaced by steel.
2. Building Barcode
Located in St. Petersburg, Russia. The building is made in the form of a giant barcode. The black stripes of the traditional barcode are replaced by large windows, creating a very realistic look. The building itself is made in red.
3. Foggy building
The foggy building, designed by architects Elisabeth Diller and Ricardo Scofidio, is located on the shores of Lake Neuchâtel in Yverdon-les-Bains, Switzerland. This miracle has dimensions of 60 x 100 x 20 meters, made of metal. Special holes are mounted in the body, spraying water from the lake around the building.
4. Cybertecture Egg
The Cybertecture Egg is located in Mumbai, India. The surface area is 32,000 square meters. The egg-shaped structure is the embodiment of ecological design, an intelligent system and a memorable landmark of the city. In addition to its great design, the egg is equipped with the latest technological advances. The facility is able to monitor the well-being of employees - to measure their weight and blood pressure. The doctor will be notified of any sudden changes in the well-being of the staff.
5. Solar Ark
The Solar Ark is located in Gifu Prefecture, Japan built by Sanyo. It is one of the most impressive solar powered buildings in the world. The building was created as a symbol of "clean energy society" and inside it is the Solar Museum. The Ark includes 5,046 solar panels and produces about 630 kW of power, equivalent to 530,000 kWh of clean energy per year.
6. Building-Basket
The Basket Building is located in Ohio, USA. This is the seven-story corporate headquarters of Longaberger Basket. Inside the building, there is an atrium that soars up into a glass ceiling through which you can see the handles of the basket coming together above the roof.
7. Piano House
The Piano House is located in Hui Province, China. The violin serves as an escalator and entrance to the building. Apparently, the building was built by the local government to attract people to the developing areas of the country. This building is a perfect example of the harmonious combination of music and architecture.
8. Esplanade
The building is located on six hectares of land next to Marina Bay near the Singapore River. It plays the role of a local theater and concert hall, the concert hall is designed for 1600 people, and the theater for 2000 seats.
9. Cube House
The building is a combination of several cubic structures. The architectural composition is located in the Netherlands.
10. Project Eden
The Eden Project is an original structure that attracts many tourists to the United Kingdom every year. At the same time, the structure is the largest greenhouse in the world. Plants from all over the world are collected inside artificial biomes. The project is located 2 km (1.25 miles) from St Blazey and 5 km (3 miles) from the larger city of St Austell, Cornwall.
11. Spiral Forest
Waldspirale is a residential complex in Darmstadt, Germany built in 1990. The name translates as a wooded spiral, it fully reflects the general plan of the building, and the fact that it has a green roof. The architectural structure was designed by the Viennese artist Hundertwasser Friedensreich, the architect M. Springmann Heinz worked on the implementation, and the building was built by the Bauverein company in Darmstadt. The building was completed in 2000.
12. Robotics
The robot building is located in Sathorn, the business district of Bangkok, Thailand. Here is the headquarters of United Overseas bank. The building, which looks like a huge robot, symbolizes the computerization of the banking system in the country. The main features of the building are antennas and eyes, which play an important role both from an aesthetic and practical point of view. The structure was completed in 1986, it is one of the last examples modern architecture in Bangkok.
13. Atlantis
Atlantis (Dubai) is the majestic center of Palm Jumeirah, an artificial island that captures the imagination of people from all over the world with its unimaginable scale. From the moment you arrive, you are immersed in a dazzling world of style, pleasure and luxury. The resort offers relaxation and thrill for couples and families. Activities include unique boat trips, an exhilarating water park, pristine white beaches, world-class cuisine, a spa and more.
14. Revolving Tower
The revolving tower is also located in Dubai. The floors of this architectural composition will rotate around the central axis. It will be a constant movement and change of form, which will allow the inhabitants of the house to independently choose the desired landscape outside the window at the touch of a button. The architecture of the structure provides a very high resistance to earthquakes, since each floor rotates independently.
15. Banpo Bridge
Banpo Bridge is located in Seoul, South Korea. It is the world's longest bridge fountain and has set a Guinness World Record with nearly 10,000 LED nozzles running along both sides of the bridge. Water is sprayed over a distance of 1140 m.
This project is the first of its kind in the world. The bridge has 38 water pumps and 9380 nozzles on both sides, which pump 190 tons of water per minute from the river from a depth of about 20 meters.
16. Palais Bulles
Bulles Palais is located in Cannes, France. In the early eighties, fashion designer Pierre Cardin wanted to buy a house so he could come to Cannes for the summer. While searching, he stumbled upon the construction site of a house being built by architect Antti Lovag for a French industrialist. When the owner died before the Bubble House was completed, Cardin bought the half-finished structure, added his own elements, and completed the building.
17. Solar oven
The solar oven is located in Odeillo, France. The building is a curved mirror (or array of mirrors) that acts as a parabolic reflector, concentrating light at a focal point. The largest solar oven in the world is at Odeillo in the Pyrenees-Orientales, France, opened in 1970.
18. Park Guell
Park Güell is located in Barcelona, Spain. Park Güell is a garden complex with architectural elements located on the El Carmel hill in the Gracia district of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. Park Güell is expertly designed and looks like a scene from a fairy tale. The bright colors and aura of the park is amazing.
IN different countries, on different continents there are many buildings of extraordinary beauty. They were erected by both ancient architects and modern talented architects. The most beautiful buildings in the world that we will present in this article delight with their originality and originality. Undoubtedly, our list will be incomplete, since no one can name the exact number of such structures.
The beautiful buildings of St. Families (Barcelona)
This magnificent building was designed by the famous architect Antonio Gaudi, who devoted more than forty years of his life to his brainchild. Colossal, but still unfinished, with its huge spiers that seem to touch the clouds and stunning facades that resemble sand sculptures, has become a symbol of the city.
This very beautiful building is named so for a reason. The architect planned to crown the Church of St. Families with eighteen cob-shaped towers of various heights, which would become symbols of biblical characters. Twelve towers located above the entrance and at the side facades are the 12 apostles. Above the central part of the cathedral, the tallest tower flaunts, surrounded by smaller ones - these are Jesus Christ and the Evangelists. A little behind them is the second tallest tower, erected in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The building has three facades - the Passion, the Nativity and the Glory facade. Each of them depicts certain moments from the life of Jesus. Gaudí until his death (1926) personally oversaw the progress of construction work. His work was continued by partners and like-minded people. Some ideas of the author have been slightly changed. The construction of the cathedral continues today. Its completion is scheduled for 2026.
Taj Mahal (India)
The most beautiful buildings in the world were often built in ancient times. The famous Taj Mahal began to be built back in 1632 by Emperor Shah Jahan for the burial of his beloved wife.
The world-famous mausoleum complex is located on the southern bank of the Yamuna River. It was built over twenty years and is one of the most striking examples of Mongol architecture, complemented by elements of Indian, Persian and Islamic architecture.
The complex is distinguished by beautiful building facades. They are made of white shimmering marble that changes color depending on the time of day. The Taj Mahal has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1983. This is one of the symbols of India and one of the most beautiful buildings on our planet.
White Temple (Thailand)
The most beautiful buildings on earth amaze with the originality of architectural solutions. Wat Rong Khun, whose name translates as "White Temple", is one of the most recognizable structures in Thailand, and, of course, it is one of the most beautiful religious buildings in the world.
It is located in the vicinity of the city of Chiang Rai. Thousands of tourists come here every year to see this amazing building. The main feature of Wat Rong Khun is its snow-white color, which in this case means the purity of the Buddha, and pieces of glass added to the plaster symbolize the wisdom of the Enlightened One.
The owner of this snow-white miracle, as well as its creator, is a talented artist - Chalermchayu Kositpipat. The construction of the temple began in 1997 and continues to this day. Surprisingly, the temple is built exclusively on personal funds the author, which he collected for twenty years, selling his paintings. Chalermchayu does not accept money from sponsors, so that no one influences his ideas and does not impose conditions.
It is quite natural that one person cannot be engaged in such a grandiose project, therefore the artist's ideas are brought to life by a team led by the chief engineer, who is Chalermchayu's brother.
Burj Al Arab (Dubai)
Photos of beautiful buildings can often be seen on the pages of glossy publications. Burj Al Arab is the most luxurious hotel in the world. He settled down on artificial island, at the beginning of Jumeirah beach. The building, 321 meters high, has sixty floors and looks like a sailboat.
It looks especially impressive in the evening due to perfectly matched lighting.
Catherine Palace (St. Petersburg)
The most beautiful buildings in the world, built in the old days, belonged to the rulers of states. An example of this is magnificent palace Catherine the Great in the suburbs of St. Petersburg Pushkin. The building is made in the Baroque style and has a blue facade. Later, the palace was rebuilt by the Decree of Empress Elizabeth Petrovna and acquired its current appearance.
White, blue and golden colors give the building a festive and solemn look. The facade is decorated with white columns, stucco and figures of Atlanteans. In the northern part of the building rises the five-domed palace church, crowned with gilded domes. The southern wing, where the front porch used to be, has a gilded dome with a star on the spire. In total, 100 kilograms of pure gold were spent on the gilding of all internal and external elements.
Many tourists come to Pushkin, where the stunning palace is located, to see the Amber Room, which is the eighth wonder of the world. But for most tourists, the most bewitching view is the exquisite wing, designed in the classical style by Charles Cameron, the favorite architect of Catherine II.
Church of the Savior on Blood (St. Petersburg)
Another beautiful building located in St. Petersburg. This is a majestic church, which began to be built in 1883 just above the place where Emperor Alexander II was killed. The temple delights with colorful towers, an impressive interior with mosaics and rich exterior decoration.
Golden Temple (India)
The most beautiful buildings are located in India. - This is one of the Sikh shrines. It is located on the site of a former forest lake. Local legends say that the Buddha and Guru Nanak (the founder of the Sikh belief) came to meditate in these places.
Harimandir (Temple of God) was destroyed and rebuilt several times. The shrine acquired its current appearance in the 18th century. The splendor of the building, covered with gilding, a mixture of Muslim and Hindu architectural styles make a huge impression, especially when accompanied by ritual music that comes from the temple day and night.
Chrysler Building (New York)
This Manhattan skyscraper is designed in the Art Deco style. Immediately after the completion of construction, it was recognized as one of the most beautiful not only in New York, but also in the United States. It should be said that this beautiful building is the tallest brick structure in the world.
The stunning skyscraper was erected on the initiative of one of the most famous American managers - Walter Chrysler. In the late twenties of the last century, he decided to build the tallest building in the world for his corporation. The author of the project was William van Alen.
The Chrysler Building is still one of the tallest buildings in the world and one of the most stylish. Polished steel and glass make it light, as if floating in the air. The conical Krupp stainless steel crown sparkles in any weather. Giant lions are located in the corners at the level of the sixty-first floor. And below (on the thirty-first) the skyscraper is decorated with shiny wings. These are the ones that have been installed on the radiators of famous cars since 1929.
Great Mosque (Djenne, Mali)
The most beautiful buildings in the world are sometimes made of the most unusual materials. For example, in the African city of Djenne there is a huge mosque built from ... dirt. It was built by the Dogon, an African people. Raw bricks of its walls were made of earth, clay and sand.
The minarets of this amazing mosque are decorated with ornaments that are classic for these places. I must say that the nature of North Africa is not very favorable to buildings from such an unusual material. In this regard, after each rainy season, local residents gather and restore the cracked and flowing walls.
The mosque was built on the site of a city that flourished in the 13th century. The creation of the modern Great Mosque, located on the market square, dates back to 1906. Each of its towers is crowned with an ostrich egg, a local form of architectural design that is a symbol of success and abundance.
Lotus Temple (India)
The most beautiful buildings in the world are able to amaze with unusual shapes. The main Indian Bahai temple, which was built in 1986, is located in New Delhi, the capital of India. A huge magnificent building made of Pentelian snow-white marble has the shape of a blooming lotus flower. This is one of the most popular
Received many awards in the field of architecture. He has been the subject of many magazine and newspaper articles.
Sheraton Moon Hotel (Huzhou, China)
A 100-meter high-rise hotel with 321 rooms in the city of Huzhou immediately attracts attention with its unusual appearance. Beautiful large buildings always produce a special effect. A huge arch made of white aluminum and glass and with bright illumination at night resembles a building from science fiction films. Panoramic windows offer breathtaking views. The authors of the project were the architects of the local bureau MAD Architects.
Cayan Tower (Dubai, UAE)
The Cayan Tower, which was designed by the American company Skidmore Owings and Merrill, could claim the title of the most beautiful building in the world. The outstanding Spanish architect Santiago Calatrova pioneered the fashion for spiral skyscrapers. An example of such a spectacular reception is the 307-meter skyscraper (residential) Cayan Tower. The 75-storey tower has 495 apartments of various sizes. Perforated screens on the facades of the building protect the residents of the complex from the year-round heat.
Beautiful buildings in Moscow
By the number of beautiful buildings that are unique, our capital occupies a leading place in the world. Let us dwell briefly on the most famous.
Cathedral of Christ the Savior
This amazing temple is recognized by the majority of believers as the main one in our country. It was blown up in 1931, but, fortunately, after 66 years (in 1997) it was restored. The temple can accommodate up to ten thousand people. The most solemn services are held in its premises, and believers have the opportunity to bow to the numerous shrines that are stored here and admire the gilded murals of the interior decoration. The temple has a museum.
St Basil's Church
The stunning building, located on Red Square, is known all over the world, as the cathedral is one of the symbols of the capital. This is not only the most important historical monument of Moscow, but also a very spectacular building, recognized as the most beautiful temple on the planet.
The cathedral consists of nine temples, the thrones of which were consecrated in honor of the holidays that fell on the days of the decisive battles for Kazan. Tourists from all over the world come here to admire the well-known monument of Russian architecture with their own eyes and visit the branch of the historical museum.
World Travel
2725
02.09.16 10:17
A picturesque landscape with waters of turquoise rivers, mountains, caves, emerald meadows, bright flowers is the work of nature (well, or a skilled landscape designer). But the most famous buildings and structures were built by people. Skyscrapers of New York and ancient Gothic churches, palaces and luxurious tombs, temples of Melpomene and urban towers made of glass and modern materials - from Alaska to Tokyo, city landscapes are decorated with the creations of talented architects. There are hundreds of the most famous buildings in the world, so our list cannot cover them all!
Heart of Mecca
When Muslims pray, they turn their faces towards the Kaaba. sacred place their pilgrimages. This black granite cuboid is located in Saudi Arabia, in the center of Islam's most revered mosque, Al-Masjid al-Haram in Mecca. Every Muslim dreams of visiting the Kaaba at least once in his life. The walls of granite bricks are decorated with golden ligature, the dimensions of the structure are small: 11.03 by 12.86 m. The floor of the Kaaba is made of marble and limestone. Initially, it had two doors (for entry and exit) and one window, now there is only one door, and the window was walled up. Previously, the Kaaba was open to all pilgrims, but due to the huge number of visitors, admission was limited.
Throwing up the sails
One of the most iconic buildings in the world is the Sydney Opera House, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. With a length of 185 m and a width of 120 m, the giant has a unique design (the design of the Danish architect Jorn Watson won 232 competing projects). You look at it, and it seems that the wind blows huge light sails. The construction of the building began in 1959, ten thousand workers were involved, and still the facility was able to open only after 14 years. Now the theater is the hallmark of the largest Australian city.
In honor of the World Exhibition
But even a child can easily name the symbol of Paris. erection eiffel tower was timed to coincide with the opening of the World Exhibition in Paris (1889). The 324-meter beauty was named after the engineer Gustave Eiffel, whose design office designed and built the tower. All work took 2 years. 2 months and 5 days. This is not only the most famous building (rather, structure) in France, but also one of the most popular attractions in the world - more than 7 million people come here every year.
On the Manhattan skyline
The 102-story building, adorning the New York Manhattan skyline, was designed by architect William F. Lamb. The construction of the ambitious skyscraper began in 1929 and was completed in 410 days. For almost forty years, the Empire State Building was the tallest building in the metropolis. The giant's 85 floors are offices and commercial space, while the remaining 16 are an Art Deco tower. There are two observation decks - on the 86th floor, open, with a 360-degree view of New York, and a smaller, closed one, on the 102nd.
Guarded by gargoyles and chimeras
The most famous buildings in the world include the Catholic Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris, the residence of the Archbishop of Paris. This magnificent architectural monument reaches 35 meters in height, 130 in length and 48 in width. In 1163, this Gothic miracle found its foundation, and the modern form - only in 1345. The temple is known not only for architectural delights and sculptures of chimeras and gargoyles, but also for one of the largest organs and bells in the world. The facade of the shrine is decorated with three lancet entrances, two towers and a giant stained-glass rose window.
The brainchild of a blinded architect
St. Basil's Cathedral with its unique domes is the same symbol of Moscow and Russia as the Eiffel Tower in Paris. He grew up on Red Square in the middle of the 16th century in memory of the capture of Kazan. The initiator of the construction was Ivan the Terrible, who wanted to perpetuate his victory. Since the Kazan khans fell on the eve of the Feast of the Intercession Holy Mother of God, the temple was consecrated in honor of him (although we call the architectural monument easier - St. Basil's Cathedral). There are several versions of who was the architect of the cathedral. According to one of them, the king ordered the architect's eyes to be gouged out so that he could not repeat the masterpiece. Although, most likely, this is just a beautiful creepy legend.
Gaudí's groundbreaking house
There are several houses in Barcelona that could claim a place in the ranking of the most famous buildings in the world, and all of them were designed by the brilliant Spanish (Catalan) architect Antoni Gaudí. We settled on the Mila House (Casa Mila), built in the early 20th century for a wealthy couple. The area of each floor is 1323 sq. m, they are apartments, offices, a museum, a cafe, an exhibition hall. Because of its unusual facade, Casa Mila is popularly nicknamed "La Pedrera" ("quarry"). This was the last "domestic" creation of Gaudi, after which he began the project of the Sagrada Familia temple. At one time, the architect was criticized for modernist design, but he came up with many structural innovations, including an attic with arches, an unusual terrace, courtyards, an underground garage. In 1984, the house was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List - the first of the objects of the twentieth century.
You will dream of the sky of London! With "Shard"
Shard is the most modern building in our top. This is an 87-story skyscraper that soared into the London sky and fit well into the Victorian ensemble (which includes the Tower Bridge). The construction of the Shard was started in 2009, and in 2012 it was opened by the Prime Minister of Qatar (the building belongs to this state) Bin Yassim Hamad bin Jaber Al Thani. The architect Renzo Piano conceived the project as an obelisk or spire, as if emerging from the waters of the Thames. The tallest building in the British capital has 11,000 glass panels and 56,000 sq. meters of a facade made of special glass, which is why it got its name.
dubai giantess
The 309-meter "Shard" will seem like Gulliver in the land of giants, if you put it next to the Dubai Burj Khalifa tower, which grew up in the capital of the emirate in 2009. The tallest and one of the most famous buildings on the planet was designed by Adrian Smith, inspired by the shape of the tropical hymenocallis flower. The Dubai attraction is proud of several features: it has the highest observation deck in the world, an elevator that covers the longest distance (there are 57 elevators in the building, and only one goes from the bottom to the top - service). The height of the Burj Khalifa is 828 meters (according to other sources - 829.8 m), and the weight of the structure is 500 tons.
This is how women should be honored!
We looked at the visiting card of Sydney, Dubai, the capitals of France, Russia, India's turn came. The first line of the ranking of the most famous buildings in the world is occupied by the most exquisite and amazing - a miracle of white marble that grew on the Jumna River in Agra in the middle of the 17th century. A masterpiece of Persian, Indian, Arabic and Mughal styles was intended to cherish the memory of the beloved wife of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. The mausoleum of the beautiful Mumtaz Mahal is not only her tomb, later the ruler himself joined his wife, who could not stand 14 (!) Childbirth. Since 1983, the Indian architectural gem has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, and later became one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The 240-meter building with four minarets and five domes was erected by more than 22 thousand workers, and a special type of marble was chosen for the construction. Thanks to this (and inlays of semi-precious stones), the Taj Mahal turns pink in the morning, becomes milky white in the evenings, and at night it turns silver in the light of the moon. In front of the façade is a marble pool reflecting the magnificent building.
Old or new, with complex or simple structures, these buildings are undoubtedly the most incredible in the world. There are attractive, there are unusual, and there are just crazy buildings that do not look like anything. Sometimes it is even difficult to immediately understand what is in front of you - a house or something else?
Lotus Temple
(Delhi, India)
The main Bahai temple in India and neighboring countries, built in 1986. Located in New Delhi, the capital of India. A huge building made of snow-white Pentelian marble in the shape of a blossoming lotus flower is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Delhi. Known as the main temple of the Indian subcontinent and the main attraction of the city.
The Lotus Temple has won several architectural awards and has been featured in numerous newspaper and magazine articles. In 1921, the young Bombay Baha'i community asked 'Abdu'l-Bahá for permission to build a Baha'i temple in Bombay, to which the answer was allegedly given: "By the will of God in the future, a majestic temple of worship will be erected in one of the central cities of India," that is, in Delhi. .
"Khan Shatyr"
(Astana, Kazakhstan)
A large shopping and entertainment center in the capital of Kazakhstan, Astana (architect - Norman Foster). Opened on July 6, 2010, it is considered the largest tent in the world. The total area of "Khan Shatyr" is 127,000 m2. It houses retail and entertainment complexes, including a supermarket, a family park, cafes and restaurants, cinemas, gyms, a water park with an artificial beach and wave effect pools, service and office premises, a parking lot for 700 cars and much more.
The highlight of "Khan Shatyr" - beach resort With tropical climate, plants and a temperature of +35°C all year round. The sandy beaches of the resort are equipped with a heating system that creates the feeling of a real beach, and the sand was brought from the Maldives. The building is a giant tent 150 m high (spire), constructed from a network of steel cables, on which a transparent ETFE polymer coating is fixed. Thanks to its special chemical composition, it protects the interior of the complex from sudden temperature changes and creates a comfortable microclimate inside the complex. "Khan Shatyr" entered the top ten world's best eco-buildings according to Forbes magazine Style, becoming the only building from all over the CIS, which the publication decided to include in its hit parade.
The opening of the Khan Shatyr shopping and entertainment center took place as part of the celebration of Astana Day with the participation of the President of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev. During the opening ceremony, a concert was held by the world performer, the Italian tenor of classical music Andrea Bocelli. The most interesting thing in this amazing place Any Tyumen citizen can visit: Astana is only a nine-hour drive away.
Guggenheim Museum
(Bilbao, Spain)
Designed by American architect Frank Gehry, the Guggenheim Museum is a magnificent example of the most innovative architecture of the 20th century. Constructed from titanium, it is adorned with wavy lines that change color under the sun's rays. The total area is 24,000 m2, 11,000 of which are devoted to exhibitions.
The Guggenheim Museum is a true architectural landmark, a piece of daring configuration and innovative design that provides a seductive backdrop for the artwork it houses. This building has changed the world's view of modern architecture and museums and has become a symbol of the rebirth of the industrial city of Bilbao.
(Minsk, Belarus)
The history of the National Library of Belarus begins on September 15, 1922. On this day, the Belarusian State and University Library was founded by the Decree of the Council of People's Commissars of the BSSR. The number of readers has been constantly increasing. During its history, the library has changed several buildings, and soon it became necessary to build a new large and functional library building.
Back in 1989, a competition was held at the level of the republic for designing a new library building. The "glass diamond" by architects Mikhail Vinogradov and Viktor Kramarenko was recognized as the best. On May 19, 1992, by the Decree of the Council of Ministers, the Belarusian State Library received the status of a national library. On March 7, 2002, the President of the Republic signed a decree on the construction of the building public institution"National Library of Belarus". But its construction began only in November 2002.
The opening ceremony of the "Belarusian diamond" took place on June 16, 2006. President of Belarus Alexander Grigoryevich Lukashenko (who, by the way, received a library card No. 1) noted at the opening ceremony that “this unique building combines the austere beauty of modern architecture and the latest scientific and technical solutions.” Indeed, the National Library of Belarus is a unique architectural, construction, software and hardware complex, built in accordance with the latest scientific and technical developments and aimed at meeting the information and socio-cultural needs of society.
The new library building houses 20 reading rooms, which are designed for 2000 users. All halls are equipped with electronic departments for issuing documents, modern equipment that allows scanning and copying documents, printing from electronic copies. The halls have computerized workplaces, workplaces for visually impaired and blind users, equipped with special equipment.
crooked house
(Sopot, Poland)
IN Polish city Sopot on Heroes Monte Cassino Street is one of the most unusual houses on the planet - Crooked House (in Polish - Krzywy Domek). It seems that it either melted in the sun, or it is an optical illusion, and this is not the house itself, but only its reflection in a huge crooked mirror.
A crooked house is really crooked and does not contain a single even place and corner. It was built in 2004 according to the project of two Polish architects - Shotinsky and Zalevsky - impressed by the drawings of the artists Jan Marcin Schanzer and Per Oskar Dahlberg. The main task of the authors before the customer, which was the Resident shopping center, was to create such an appearance of the building that would attract as many visitors as possible. In the design of the facade, the most different materials: from glass to stone, - and the roof of enameled plates resembles the back of a dragon. Doors and windows are equally asymmetrical and bizarrely curved, giving the house the appearance of some kind of fabulous hut.
The crooked house works around the clock. During the day, a shopping center, cafes and other establishments are open here, and in the evening - pubs and clubs. In the dark, the house becomes even more beautiful. In 2009, the building was recognized as one of the seven wonders of the Tricity, which includes the cities of Gdynia, Gdansk and Sopot. According to a recent poll The Village of Joy The crooked house topped the list of the fifty most unusual buildings in the world.
teapot building
(Jiangsu, China)
In China, the construction of the cultural and exhibition center Wuxi Wanda Exhibition Center, made in the form of a clay teapot, is nearing completion. This building has already officially entered the Guinness Book of Records as the tallest teapot in the world. The choice of this form is not accidental: clay teapots have been considered symbols of the Celestial Empire since the 15th century. They are still produced in Jiangsu Province, where the Wuxi Wanda Exhibition Center is located. In addition to the manufacture of clay teapots, China is also famous for its elite varieties of tea.
Real estate developer The Wanda Group announced that it has spent 40 billion yuan ($6.4 billion) to build the cultural and exhibition center. The result is a structure with an area of 3.4 million m2, a height of 38.8 m and a diameter of 50 m. Outside, the building is sheathed with aluminum sheets, which provide the necessary curvature of the frame. In addition to them, stained-glass windows of various sizes play an important role.
Exhibition halls, a water park, a roller coaster, and a Ferris wheel will be located in the Wuxi Wanda center. In addition, each of the three floors of the building will be able to rotate on its own axis. The cultural and exhibition center is part of the Tourism City shopping and entertainment complex, the construction of which is planned to be completed by 2017.
"Habitat 67"
(Montreal, Canada)
An unusual residential complex in Montreal was designed by architect Moshe Safdie in 1966-1967. The complex was built for the start of the Expo 67 exhibition, one of the largest world exhibitions of that time, the theme of which was houses and residential construction.
The basis of the structure is 354 cubes built on top of each other. It was they who made it possible to create this gray building with 146 apartments, where families live who have exchanged a quiet house in a residential area for such a non-standard house. Most apartments on the roof of the neighbor downstairs have a private garden.
Brutalism is considered the building style. Habitat 67 was built over 45 years ago, but it still impresses with its scale. This is, without a doubt, one of the few modern utopias that not only came true, but also became very popular and was even recognized as elite.
dancing building
(Prague, Czech Republic)
Office building in Prague in the style of deconstructivism consists of two cylindrical towers: conventional and destructive. Jokingly called "Ginger and Fred", the Dancing House is an architectural metaphor for the dancing couple Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire. One of the two cylindrical parts, which expands upward, symbolizes a male figure (Fred), and the second visually resembles a female figure with a thin waist and a skirt fluttering in dance (Ginger).
Like many deconstructivist buildings, the building contrasts sharply with its neighbor - a solid architectural complex turn of the XIX-XX centuries. The office center, which houses several international companies, is located in Prague 2, on the corner of Resslova Street and the embankment. On the roof is french restaurant overlooking Prague La Perle de Prague.
forest spiral building
(Darmstadt, Germany)
Unique building German city Darmstadt was donated by the Austrian genius Friedensreich Hundertwasser in 2000. Painted in different colors, a magical house from a children's fairy tale with floating lines of a curved facade, it looks into the world with 1048 windows of non-repetitive shapes, sizes and decor. Real trees grow from some of the windows.
This original building in the form of a horseshoe, spiraling upwards, is called "an unusual house among the usual monotony." It was built in a "biomorphic" style, although, in fact, it is a real residential 12-storey complex, or rather, a kind of fabulous green village. It includes not only a house with 105 comfortable apartments, but also a quiet courtyard with artificial lakes, figured bridges and paths trodden right in the grass; artistically designed playgrounds; closed parking lots; shops; pharmacy and other elements of developed infrastructure.
upside down house
(Szymbark, Poland)
The unique house, which stands on the roof, is decorated in the socialist style of the 1970s. An upside-down house evokes strange sensations: the entrance is on the roof, everyone enters through the window, and the guests walk along the ceiling. The interior is decorated in the style of socialist realism: there is a lounge with a TV and chest of drawers. There is also a table made of the longest solid board in the world - 36.83 m. Of course, the Guinness Book of Records did not ignore him.
The construction of the building took more time and money than for the erection of a conventional house of the same size. The foundation required 200 m³ of concrete. The author of the project was asked many times if his project is related to commercial purposes. The answer was always a stubborn "no". However, the house-shifter turned out to be a commercial success.
Not only Poles, but also foreign tourists come to test their strength and look at an interesting building. Through the attic window, you can enter the house and, carefully maneuvering between the chandeliers, walk around the rooms. Some sources claim that the developer was going to use the new building as his own home. Whether this is so is not known, but the upside-down house in Shimbark did not become residential.
However, there is nothing to complain about: the line of tourists who want to walk inside does not dry out, so there is no quiet life and there would be no speech. A few years ago, in the vicinity of the house, there was even a kind of gathering of local Santa Clauses, who not only discussed their problems, but also practiced getting inside the house through a pipe, since, fortunately, it rests on the ground.
Wat Rong Khun
(Chiang Rai, Thailand)
Wat Rong Khun, better known as the "White Temple", is considered one of the most recognizable temples in Thailand and undoubtedly one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. The temple is located outside the city of Chiang Rai and attracts a large number of visitors, Thai and foreign. This is one of the most visited attractions in Chiang Rai and the most unusual Buddhist temple.
Wat Rong Khun looks like an ice house. Because of its color, the building is noticeable from afar, besides, it sparkles in the sun thanks to the interspersed pieces of glass in the plaster. The white represents the purity of the Buddha, while the glass symbolizes the wisdom of the Buddha and the Dharma, the Buddhist teachings. They say the best time to visit the White Temple is at sunrise or sunset, when it is beautifully reflected in the sun.
The construction of the temple began in 1997 and continues to this day. It is being built by Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat using his own funds from the sale of paintings. The artist refused sponsors: he wants to make the temple the way only he wants.
basket building
(Ohio, USA)
The basket building was built in 1997. The weight of the structure is approximately 8500 tons, the weight of the supporting supports is 150 tons. Nearly 8,000 m3 of reinforced concrete was used in the construction. Effective area buildings - 180,000 square feet. The basket is located on the territory of about 20,000 square feet (approximately 2200 m2) and completely copies one of the trademarks of its owner.
When the architect of the project, Nikolina Georgievsha, found out about what was ahead of her, she exclaimed: “Wow! I have never done this before!" Indeed, this building cannot be called standard in any way. Unlike other buildings, it expands upwards. This made it possible to significantly increase the working space of the offices: the building is designed for a staff of 500 employees. Not bad, considering that the building also has a seven-story atrium with an area of 3300 m2, around which the offices are located. In addition, the first floor is occupied by a theater-like auditorium with 142 seats. The building claims to be a bit pompous: the design includes two slabs attached to the building with the owner's trademark, covered with 23 carat gold.
(Sanji, Taiwan)
The strange and wonderful town of Sanji in Taiwan is an abandoned resort complex. The houses in it were shaped like a flying saucer, so they were called UFO houses. The city was purchased as a resort for US military personnel serving in East Asia.
The original idea of building such houses belonged to the owner of the Sanjhih Township plastics company, Mr. Yu-Ko Chow. The first building license was issued in 1978. The design was developed by Finnish architect Matti Suuronen. But in 1980, construction was halted when Yu-Chow declared himself bankrupt. All efforts to resume work came to nothing. In addition, several serious accidents occurred during construction due to the supposedly disturbed spirit of the mythical Chinese dragon (as superstitious people claimed). Many believed that the place was haunted. As a result, the village was abandoned and soon became known as a ghost town.
Stone house
(Fafe, Portugal)
House Casa do Penedo in the mountains of Portugal, erected between four boulders, resembles a Stone Age dwelling. Standing on the outskirts of the hut was built in 1974 by Vitor Rodriguez and was intended for relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The desire for simplicity did not make the members of the Rodriguez family hermits, but brought them closer to a natural lifestyle without frills. Electricity was never brought into the house; candles are still used for lighting. The room is heated with a fireplace carved into one of the boulders. The stone walls serve as a continuation of the interior decoration: even the steps leading to the second floor are carved right into the stones.
The stone hut, reminiscent of the dwelling of the characters from the American animated series The Flintstones, blended so seamlessly into the surrounding landscape that it aroused great interest among architects and tourists. The curiosity of local residents and passing travelers forced the Rodriguez family to leave the house. Now no one lives in the hut, but the owners sometimes visit their unusual house. Only in this case there is a chance to see unusual interiors, at other times it is impossible to get inside Casa do Penedo.
central Library
(Kansas City, Missouri, USA)
Located in the heart of Kansas City, this is one of the first projects to regenerate the city and its historical and tourist value. Residents were asked to remember the most famous books that are somehow connected with the name of Kansas City, and they selected twenty fiction books over the course of two years. The appearance of these titles was incorporated into the innovative design of the Central City Library to encourage visits.
The library building looks like a bookshelf, on which giant books are laid out. Each of them reaches a height of seven meters, and a width of about two. Now at the disposal of the library are not only the most modern technologies and excellent quality of service, but also conference rooms, cafes, observation hall and much more. Kansas City Public Library is different unique architecture which strikes the imagination. Today it is the pride of the people of the city of Kansas. Its construction was one of the most significant events on the way to turning a provincial town into a prosperous metropolis. The library has ten branches, the main of which is the largest and has special funds. The library's arsenal is 2.5 million books, attendance is more than 2.4 million customers a year.
The history of the library begins in 1873, when it opened its doors to readers and immediately became not only a source of educational resources, but also an excellent alternative to other entertainment establishments of that time. The public library has moved many times, and in 1999 it was moved to the former building of the First National Bank. The century-old building was a real masterpiece of craftsmanship: marble columns, bronze doors and walls richly decorated with stucco. But still it required reconstruction. With the help of public-private partnerships, raised funds from the state and municipal budget, as well as sponsorship, the doors of the Kansas Public Library were opened in 2004 in the form in which it is now.
solar oven
(Odelio, France)
A stunning structure that looks like a furnace and, in fact, is one, the Solar Furnace in France is designed to generate and concentrate the high temperatures required for various processes. This happens by capturing the sun's rays and concentrating their energy in one place.
The structure is covered with curved mirrors, their radiance is so great that it is impossible to look at them. The structure was erected in 1970, as the most suitable place Eastern Pyrenees were chosen. To this day, the Furnace remains the largest in the world. The array of mirrors is entrusted with the functions of a parabolic reflector, and a high temperature regime in the focus itself can reach up to 3500°C. You can adjust the temperature by changing the angles of the mirrors.
Using a natural resource such as sunlight The solar oven is considered indispensable for obtaining high temperatures. And they, in turn, are used for various processes. Thus, the production of hydrogen requires a temperature of 1400°C. Test modes of spacecraft and nuclear reactors provide for a temperature of 2500°C, and without a temperature of 3500°C it is impossible to create nanomaterials. In a word, the Solar Furnace is not just an amazing building, but also a vital and efficient one. At the same time, it is considered an environmentally friendly and relatively cheap way to get high temperatures.
"Robert Ripley's House"
(Niagara Falls, Canada)
Ripley's House in Orlando is an illustration not of a technical revolution, but of a natural disaster. This house was built to commemorate the magnitude 8 earthquake that hit here in 1812.
Today, the supposedly cracked building is recognized as one of the most photographed in the world. "Believe it or not!" (Ripley's Believe It or Not!) is a patented network of so-called Ripley's Auditoriums (museums of strange and incredible things), of which there are more than 30 in the world.
The idea belongs to Robert Ripley (1890–1949), an American cartoonist, entrepreneur and anthropologist. The first traveling collection, Ripley's Auditorium, was presented in Chicago in 1933 during the World's Fair. On a permanent basis, the first museum "If you want - believe it, if you want - no!" was opened after the death of Ripley, in 1950 in Florida, in the city of St. Augustine. The Canadian Museum of the same name was founded in 1963 in the city of Niagara Falls ( Niagara Falls, Ontario) and still has a reputation as the best museum in the city. The Auditorium building was built in the form of a falling Empire State Building (New York) with King Kong standing on the roof.
shoe house
(Pennsylvania, USA)
The shoe house in Pennsylvania (York County) was conceived by a very successful businessman, Colonel Mahlon N. Heinz. At that time, he owned a thriving shoe company, which included about 40 shoe stores. At that time, Heinz was already 73 years old, but he loved his business so much that he commissioned an architect to create unusual structure shoe shaped. This was in 1948. Already in 1949, the dream of a shoe businessman was realized, and the restless Mahlon N. Heinz was able not only to admire the extraordinary building, but also to settle there.
The length of this house is 12 m, height - 8. Its facade was made as follows: first a wooden frame was created, which was then poured with cement. Surprisingly, even the mailbox of this house is made in the shape of a shoe. There are shoes and bars on the windows and doors. Near the house there is a dog kennel, which was also made in the form of a boot. And even on the sign, located on the road, there are shoes. But in fact, the shoe house has such an orientation only from the outside. Inside, this is quite a comfortable dwelling, quite cozy and spacious. On the side of the house, there is an external staircase (most likely a fire escape) that allows access to all five tiers of the unusual building.
dome house
(Florida, USA)
After a series of devastating hurricanes and tropical storms in Florida (USA), which left Mark and Valeria Sigler homeless every time, they decided to build a house that could withstand the pressure of the elements and at the same time be beautiful and comfortable. The result of their work was a house with an unusually strong construction and unique design.
For people living in coastal zone, it is very important that they have somewhere to return after the storm. Ordinary houses are very often destroyed to the ground, while the "Dome House" can stand as if nothing had happened even under a wind rushing at a speed of 450 km / h. At the same time, the Siglers' house fits perfectly into the surrounding landscape: the dome is the best suited to the surroundings of dunes, ponds and vegetation. The construction of the building is made of modern environmentally friendly materials that can last for several centuries.
cube buildings
(Rotterdam, the Netherlands)
A number of unusual houses were built in Rotterdam and Helmond according to the innovative design of the architect Piet Blom in 1984. Blom's radical decision was that he turned the box of the house by 45 degrees and placed it at an angle on a hexagonal pylon. There are 38 such houses in Rotterdam and two more super-cubes, and all the houses are articulated with each other. From a bird's eye view, the complex has an intricate appearance, resembling an impossible triangle.
The houses consist of three floors:
● Ground floor - entrance.
● First - living room with kitchen.
● Second - two bedrooms with a bathroom.
● Upper - sometimes a small garden is laid out here.
The walls and windows are inclined at an angle of 54.7 degrees with respect to the floor. The total area of the apartment is about 100 m2, however, about a quarter of the space is unusable due to the walls, which are at an angle.
Burj Al Arab Hotel
(Dubai, United Arab Emirates)
A luxury hotel in Dubai, the largest city in the United Arab Emirates. The building stands in the sea at a distance of 280 m from the shore on an artificial island connected to the land by a bridge. With a height of 321 m, the hotel was considered the tallest hotel in the world, until another Dubai hotel appeared - the Rose Tower - 333 m high, which opened in April 2008.
The construction of the hotel began in 1994; it opened to visitors on December 1, 1999. The hotel was built in the form of a dhow sail, an Arab ship. Closer to the top is a helipad, and on the other side is the El Muntaha restaurant (from Arabic - “highest”). Both are supported by cantilever beams.
Towers "Absolute"
Like any other rapidly developing suburb in North America, Mississauga is looking for its new architectural appearance. The Absolute Towers have become a new opportunity to respond to the needs of an ever-expanding city, to create a residential landmark that will claim to be something more than just efficient housing. They can create a permanent emotional connection for residents with their hometown. Such a structure can be safely included in the list of the most beautiful skyscrapers peace.
Instead of the simple, functional logic of modernism, the design of the towers expresses the complex multiple needs of contemporary society. These buildings are much more than just a multifunctional machine. It is something beautiful, human and alive. The towers serve as an important gate to the city, located at the intersection of two main city streets.
Despite the special status of these towers as significant landmarks, the emphasis in the project was by no means on their height, as is the case with most of the tallest buildings in the world. Due to the design features, continuous balconies surround the entire building, eliminating the vertical barriers traditionally used in high-rise architecture. Towers "Absolute" rotate in different projections at different levels, combined with the surrounding landscapes. The aim of the designers was to provide a good 360-degree view from any point of the building, as well as to ensure the contact of residents with natural elements, awakening in them a reverent attitude towards nature. The height of tower A with 56 floors is 170 m, and tower B with a height of 50 floors is 150 m.
Pabellon de Aragon
(Zaragoza, Spain)
A building that looks like a wicker basket appeared in Zaragoza in 2008. The construction was timed to the full-scale exhibition "Expo-2008", dedicated to the problems of water shortage on the planet. The pavilion of Aragon, literally woven of glass and steel, is crowned with strange-looking structures placed on the roof.
As conceived by its creators, the building reflects the deep trace that five ancient civilizations left on the territory of Zaragoza. In addition, inside the building you can learn about the history of water and how man learned to manage water resources on the planet.
(Graz, Austria)
This museum-gallery of contemporary art was opened as part of the European Capital of Culture program in 2003. The concept of the building was developed by London-based architects Peter Cook and Colin Fournier. The facade of the museum was designed by realities:united using BIX technology as a 900 m2 media installation consisting of luminous elements that can be programmed with a computer. It allows the museum to communicate with the surrounding urban space.
The installation has won a number of awards. The BIX façade was conceived when the rest of the building was already being developed. In addition to the late deadlines, it was difficult to integrate into the concept of other authors. In addition, the facade, without a doubt, became the dominant element of the architectural image. The design architects accepted the façade design because it was based on their original ideas for a large luminous surface.
Concert hall
(Canary Islands, Spain)
One of the most famous and recognizable buildings in Spain, the symbol of the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, one of the most significant works of modern architecture and one of the main attractions of the Canary Islands. The opera was designed by Santiago Calatrava in 2003.
The Auditorio de Tenerife building is located in the city center, close to marine park Cesar Manrique, the city port and the twin towers of Torres de Santa Cruz. There is a tram station nearby. You can enter the opera hall from two sides of the building at once. The Auditorio de Tenerife has two terraces overlooking the sea.
coin building
(Guangzhou, China)
IN Chinese city Guangzhou is a unique building in the form of a huge disk with a hole inside. It will house the Guangdong Plastics Exchange. Now the final cosmetic work is going on here.
At 33 floors and 138 meters high, the coin-shaped building has an opening with a diameter of almost 50 meters, which has a functional, and not only design, value. The main shopping area will be located around it. The fact that the building has already become one of the main attractions of Guangdong is obvious. However, opinions are divided about its symbolic meaning.
The Italian company that developed the project claims that the form was based on jade discs owned by ancient Chinese rulers and nobility. They symbolized the high moral qualities of a person. In addition, together with its reflection in the Pearl River, on which the building stands, it forms the number 8. According to the Chinese, it brings good luck. However, many citizens of Guangzhou saw in this building a Chinese coin, symbolizing the desire for material wealth, and among the people this building has already been nicknamed the "disc of the prodigal rich." No word yet on when the building will be open to the public.
"Stone Cave"
(Barcelona, Spain)
Construction began in 1906, and in 1910 the five-story building had already become one of the most famous buildings in Barcelona. The locals dubbed it "La Pedrera" - a stone cave. Indeed, the house resembled a real cave. When it was created, Gaudí basically abandoned straight lines. The five-story residential building was erected without a single corner. The architect did not make walls as load-bearing structures, but columns and vaults, which gave him unlimited scope in the layout of rooms, the ceiling heights of which are different.
In order to get enough light into each room with such a complex layout, Gaudí had to make several courtyards with light ovals. Thanks to these numerous ovals, windows and undulating balconies, the house looks like a block of solidified lava. Or on a rock with caves.
Music building
(Huainan, China)
Piano House consists of two parts depicting two instruments: a transparent violin rests on a translucent piano. The unique building was built for music lovers, but it has nothing to do with music. An escalator is located in the violin, and an exhibition complex is located in the piano, in which the plans of streets and districts of the city are presented to the attention of visitors. The object was created at the suggestion of local authorities.
The unusual building seeks to attract the attention of Chinese residents and numerous tourists to the new developing area, which has become the most iconic object. Thanks to the continuous glazing of the facades with transparent and tinted glass, the premises of the complex receive the maximum possible natural light. And in the dark, the body of the object is hidden in the dark, leaving visible only the neon contours of the silhouettes of giant "tools". Despite its popularity, the building is often criticized as a kind of postmodern kitsch and a typical student project, in which there is much more shocking than art and functionality.
CCTV Headquarters
(Beijing, China)
The headquarters of CCTV is a skyscraper in Beijing. The building will house the headquarters of China Central Television. Construction work began on September 22, 2004 and was completed in 2009. The architects of the building are Rem Koolhaas and Ole Scheeren (OMA).
The skyscraper with a height of 234 m consists of 44 floors. The main building is built in an unusual style and is a ring-shaped structure of five horizontal and vertical sections, forming an irregular lattice on the facade of the building with an empty center. The total floor area is 473,000 m².
The construction of the building was considered a daunting task, especially given its location in an earthquake-prone area. Because of its unusual shape, it has already acquired the nickname "pants". The second building, the Television Cultural Center, will house the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, a visitor center, a large community theater and exhibition space.
Amusement park Ferrari World
(Yas Island, Abu Dhabi)
The Ferrari Theme Park is housed under a 200,000 m² roof and is the largest indoor theme park in the world. Ferrari World officially opened on November 4, 2010. It is also home to the world's fastest pneumatic roller coaster, the Formula Rossa.
The emblematic roof of Ferrari World was designed by Benoy architects. It was designed based on the profile of the Ferrari GT. Ramboll provided the structure design, integrated planning and urban design, geotechnical engineering, and building facade design. The total roof area is 200,000 m² with a perimeter of 2200 m, and the area of the park is 86,000 m², making it the largest theme park in the world.
The roof of the building is decorated with the Ferrari logo measuring 65 by 48.5 m. This is the largest company logo ever created. 12,370 tons of steel were used to support the roof. In its center is a hundred-meter glazed funnel.
Innovative residential complex Reversible-Destiny Lofts
(Tokyo, Japan)
As conceived by the architect, the apartments in the complex he created are designed in such a way that their inhabitants are always on the alert. Uneven multi-level floors, concave and convex walls, doors that can only be entered by bending over, sockets on the ceiling - in a word, not life, but a continuous adventure. Relax in such conditions will not succeed.
A person is constantly struggling with the environment, so there is simply no time left to mope or think about sores. What is it - shock therapy or a joyful game, is not yet clear. But restrained and subservient to traditions and taste, the Japanese are ready to pay twice as much for uncomfortable apartments than for comfortable and familiar ones located in the same area. It is interesting that all the "apartments" are rented, they are not for sale. Moreover, the 83-year-old Buddhist nun and popular writer Jakute Setouti, who was the first to live in a new house, claims that since the move she began to feel younger and much better.
"Slim House"
(London, Great Britain)
An unusual residential building, also known as "Slim House", is located near the Natural History Museum in South Kensington (London). This house became famous throughout the world due to its wedge-shaped shape, or rather, the width of one of the sides of the building - a little more than a meter.
At first glance, the incredibly narrow structure of the building is just an optical illusion. Despite this, The Thin House has become very popular with Londoners and tourists. The reason for such an architectural idea is not accidental. Passes right behind the house railway line South Kensington tube station.
Due to the unusual design of the house, the apartments do not have a standard rectangular shape, but a trapezoid shape. For narrow rooms it is necessary to select non-standard furniture. In any case, despite a number of shortcomings, apartments in a “thin” structure are very popular among those who want to acquire new housing.
Air Force Academy Chapel
(Colorado, USA)
The striking exterior of the Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel in Colorado Springs caused some controversy when it was completed in 1963, but it is now considered one of the finest examples of modern American architecture.
The Cadet Chapel, made of steel, aluminum and glass, has 17 pointed spiers, reminiscent of jet fighters taking off into the sky. Inside there are two main levels and one basement. There is a Protestant chapel with 1200 seats, 500 seats catholic chapel and a 100-seat Jewish chapel. Each chapel has a separate entrance, so sermons can be held simultaneously without interfering with each other.
The Protestant chapel, which occupies the upper level, has stained-glass windows between the tetrahedral walls. The colors of the windows vary from dark to light, representing God coming from darkness into light. The altar is made of a smooth marble slab 15 feet long, shaped like a ship, symbolizing the church. The pews are designed in such a way that the end of each pew resembles the propeller of a World War I aircraft. Their backs are topped with a strip of aluminum, similar to the leading edge of a wing of a fighter plane. The walls of the chapel are decorated with paintings that are divided into three groups: brotherhood, flight (in honor of the Air Force) and justice.
On the lower level are multiver rooms, defined as places of worship for cadets of other religious groups. They are left without religious symbols so that they can be used by many people.
