Across the world, Architects have designed some of the most unique structures and buildings we’ve ever seen. Design styles such as post-modern, Neofuturist and contemporary have been explored boldly, resulting in some amazing creations which are definitely pleasing to the eye! As an Architecture lover myself, I've always been fascinated and inspired by unique buildings which push beyond normal societal design expressions and delve into a new era of bold design.
Here are 6 completed projects worth visiting in person:
Metropol Parasol, Jürgen Mayer - Setas de Sevilla, SpainThis beautiful wooden structure is located in the old quarter of Seville IN Spain. The structure accommodates an archaeological museum, farmers market, an elevated plaza, bars and restaurants. The Metropol Parasol was actually created in response to a problem within the city. Itl was intended to bring life to the city again following the destruction of the old marketplace in Seville, which left a huge void in the urban character of the city. It’s definitely worth a visit!
The Vessel, Thomas Heatherwick - New York City, New YorkNew York certainly isn't short of landmarks, however this is one that I would recommend visiting. The Vessel is a copper-surfaced stairwell interwoven together providing 154 flights of stairs. 80 landing platforms within the structure provide spaces for visitors to rest or enjoy new perspectives of New York city from different heights and angles.
Dancing House, Vlado Milunić and Frank Gehry - Prague, Czech RepublicThe design style of the Dancing House is known as ‘deconstructivist’’ due to its unusual shape. I have personally visited it myself and it stands out amongst the other surrounding buildings in the area. The “dancing” shape itself is supported by various sizes and shapes of concrete panels and on the top of the building lies a large metal twisted structure known as ‘Medusa’. The building itself accommodates shops, a hotel, and a small cafeteria, offices and a restaurant. The restaurant on the top level provides guests with an amazing panoramic view of the city, surrounding river, and the nearby castle.
Bridge Pavilion, Zaha Hadid - Zaragoza, SpainBy my favourite world renown Architect, The Bridge Pavilion is a unique 270-metre-long covered bridge that sits over the river Ebro in spain. It successfully and innovatively connects the local neighbourhood with the exposition site. I love this bridge because it’s not only a bridge. At the same time it is a multi-level exhibition area! It is a great seamless arrangement of a pedestrian bridge and exhibition halls.
Guggenheim Museum, Frank Ghery — Bilbao, SpainWhen it comes to Frank Ghery, you can trust him to design outside the norm. His design boldness through the Guggenheim Museum has definitely attracted the interest of many with almost 4 million tourists visiting the museum during the Museum’s first three years of operation. This museum is seamlessly integrated into the urban context in spain. The building itself is made of titanium, limestone and glass. The design features of random curves on the exterior are designed to catch the light and react to the sun and the weather. At the time, the building's complex and daring architecture was unusual for a large-scale cultural institution but now its uniqueness is celebrated.
Port Authority Building, Zaha Hadid - Antwerp, Belgium This building was previously a derelict fire station but through Zaha’s innovation, it has been renovated into a HQ building for the Port Authority. I love this building because it’s a great blend between old and new architecture. The old is identified with the existing fire station building from the early 20th century, while the new is recognisable in the multifaceted shape of the extension on top.
