Design
99 Amazing Buildings
99 Amazing Buildings
Built and Yet to be Built That's the only rule to this article. The greatest inspiration is unlikely to come from the plain two storey house next door - the best inspiration will come from imaginative designs that are not always viable for any number of reasons. 37. Guangzhou Opera House, China
Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid won an international design competition to draw up plans for the free-standing concrete auditorium, which is constructed with exposed granite, steel and glass. 40. Parasol, Seville, Spain
The world's largest wooden structure, at 150 x 70 metres, the Metropol Parasol, includes six parasols in the form of giant mushrooms. The design is inspired by the vaults of the Cathedral of Seville and the ficus trees in nearby Plaza de Cristo de Burgos. 43. Calakmul Building, Mexico City
Also known as La Lavadora (The Washing Machine), The Calakmul is in the newest part of Mexico City's urban area. |
38. The Shard, London, UK
The Shard was the tallest building in Europe for a short period before the Mercury City Tower of Moscow overtook it it last year. It has 72 storeys and is 308 metres in height. 41. Absolute World, Ontario, Canada
A residential tower block complex in the five tower Absolute City Centre development in Mississauga, Ontario. The building is still being constructed. 44. Cyberstructure Egg, Mumbai, India
The latest design by James Law Cybertecture International is for Vijay Associate (Wadhwa Developers) and is planned for Mumbai, India. |
39. Private Residence, California, USA
Built as a home for legendary actor Bob Hope in the 1970s. Hope was alleged to have said, "Well at least when they come down from Mars, they’ll know where to go." 42. Taipei 101, Taiwan
The Taipei World Financial Centre was the world's tallest building from 2004 until the opening of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai in 2010. Designed by C.Y. Lee & Partners and constructed primarily by KTRT Joint Venture. 45. Alexandria Library, Egypt
Plans for the largest antiquity and public research library in the Middle East began in 1987. A UNESCO sponsored competition saw Norwegian company Snøhetta win the bid. The $230m project was contributed to by countries around the world. The building was opened in 2002. It is hoped that the library will house 20m books. |