Architecture can say a lot about a country’s culture and way of life. Around the world, there have been amazing architectural designs, some of which challenge the laws of gravity and others try to defy conventional human wisdom. Through unique design concepts and different structural shapes, buildings have ample inspiration to create unbelievable futuristic spaces not only of living but to work and play. Below are some of the world’s most iconic yet interesting architectural designs:
KHAZAR ISLANDS – AZERBAIJAN
The competition for the world’s tallest building has been an ongoing one as different countries take to construction to express architectural wonders. Khazar islands is a man-made gigantic complex located in the Caspian Sea about 23Kms from Baku- the capital of Azerbaijan. This project is a trendsetter when it comes to development on reclaimed land. The island is lobster shaped and covers about over 2000ha and is home to the world’s new tallest buildings, hotels, yacht club, airport and residential units.
BURJ AL ARAB – DUBAI
The Burj al Arab is one of the most decorated 7-star hotel located in Dubai measuring 321 meters on an artificial island. This high-tech landmark was built in 1994 and resembles a sail of a dhow which is about to head into the Persian Gulf. The building is notable for several complex engineering such as the inverted steel cone suspended near the roof and new architectural lighting fixtures that make this creation nothing short of spectacular.
AGORA GARDEN TOWER – CHINA
The Agora garden tower is a brilliant 20-story luxurious building in Taipei, China. It’s an eco-friendly construction that is designed to be fully self-sufficient with gardens on each floor. The building is made out of recycled material and resembles the double-helix shape of DNA that twists from the bottom to top. The building seems to rotate 90 degrees along its profile as you move up.
PETRONAS TOWERS – KUALA LUMPUR
Petronas Towers are twin skyscrapers that were built in 1993 and measure 170 meters above the ground. The buildings have been an iconic landmark in Kuala Lumpur and easily acts as a symbol for the fast-growing economy. Previously, the Petronas Towers held the title of the tallest building in the world between 1998-2004.
LEANING TOWER OF PISA – ITALY
This has got to be the most remarkable architectural designs in Europe. It’s famous for its tilt which occurred when the tower began to lean during the construction after the soft ground on one side was unable to support the weight of the structure. Currently, the building leans at just 4 degrees after restoration work was done in 2001. Unfortunately, it’s estimated that the tower is likely to collapse in the next 75-100 years.
EMPIRE STATE BUILDING – NEW YORK
The Empire State Building has endured as a timeless monument in New York City. This distinctive building is a 103-story skyscraper that is often featured in many films and television shows. The construction began in 1930 and perhaps the most impressive thing is that it only took 14 months to complete, a timeline that was unimaginable considering the magnitude of the building. The Empire State Building was once the world’s tallest building until 1971.
TAJ MAHAL – INDIA
The Taj Mahal was built in 1632 as a tomb for the Emperor’s wife after she passed on after delivering their 14th child. The design is widely considered one of the most beautiful buildings ever created that embodies a combination of Persian, Turkish and Indian styles.
