Many of us are impressed by the wonders of nature. Others are fascinated with the accomplishments of human achievement.
Well, we say, why choose? Yes, there’s a great deal to admire and marvel at while staring at Niagara Falls or gazing up at the Mighty Matterhorn. But there’s also a great deal of satisfaction to be derived by witnessing the marvels that we as people have been inspired to design and construct, often in harmony with, or as a response to, those natural wonders that surround us.
Some people say they don’t like modern architecture. Too cold, too impersonal. Well, we defy you to look at the seven buildings below and not be awestruck. These monumental structures represent some of the greatest human achievements, not just of modern times, but in the history of architecture itself.
So, hey, if you’re looking for vacation ideas, why not consider some of these magnificent cities and take a few moments to stare in wonder at some of the pinnacles of human architectural achievement.
Central China TV Building – Beijing
CCTV – Central China Television Building
Located in the Beijing Central Business District, the headquarters of China Central Television is a sight to behold. The building is the perfect juxtaposition of big and small, strong and gentle. You could spend hours staring at this building and all of its corners and slopes trying to discern how architects Rem Koolhaas and Ole Scheeren managed to seemingly defy gravity with the building’s design. While touring Beijing, you would also be smart to tour the expansive Beijing Stadium and the elegant National Center for the Performing Arts, additional examples of the city’s commitment to the best in modern architecture.
National Center for the Performing Arts, Beijing by Philip McMaster is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0
Heydar Aliyev Center – Baku, Azerbaijan
Heydar Aliyev Center, Baku Azerbaijan by Istvan is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0
The country of Azerbaijan has invested heavily in its infrastructure and modern architecture since it gained independence from the former Soviet Union. The city of Baku is the epicenter of this break from traditional Soviet architecture with the Heydar Aliyev Center distinguished as the focal point. The modern fluidity of the exterior is brought inside the building, providing an amazing venue to catch a performance. The lighting is particularly notable, shining as a beacon for this newly formed nation.
Lotus Temple – New Delhi
Lotus Temple, New Delhi, India
The Lotus Temple in India is a departure from the norm of historic temples. Located near Nehru Place in South Delhi, this magnificent temple boasts the honor of being one of the most visited religious buildings on the planet, thanks in large part to its welcoming vibe inviting people of all races and religions to enter. The building’s design was inspired by the shape of the lotus flower, a plant that is sacred to most Indians. The architecture is designed to represent the fresh clarity and unity of the Baha’i Faith. The nine reflecting pools surrounding the exterior also represent the leaves of the lotus.
Marina Bay Sands Hotel – Singapore
Marina Bay Sands Hotel, Singapore
Tourists from all over the world come to Singapore for a stay at the famous Marina Bay Sands Hotel. As the most expensive casino property on Earth, this 5-star luxury hotel truly has it all. The property has been integrated on the glittering Marina Bay of Singapore, and features three sky bars, over 2,500 guest rooms, the world’s largest infinity swimming pool, lush gardens, a rejuvenating spa, two theaters, an expo and convention center, and much more. In addition, a number of restaurants will satiate any taste bud.
Burj Al Arab – Dubai
Burj Al Arab, Dubai
At first glance, it is hard to believe that Burj Al Arab is built on an artificial island. Shaped like a sail, this luxury hotel is dripping with elegance and opulence, as befits the opulent feel of the United Arab Emirates in general. Go all out and book a luxury room with al the money you can save when you book cheap flights in September or beyond. Or you can splurge on an indulgent meal at the hotel’s flagship restaurant, Al Mahara. This marvel wraps around a massive aquarium that stretches from the floor to the ceiling. If you cannot afford to book a stay at the Burj Al Arab, you can check out the sunset from the equally stunning Burj Kalifa, currently the world’s tallest building. (Not that you could possibly miss it — it’s 2.722 feet tall.)
Guggenheim Museum – Bilboa, Spain
Guggenheim Bilbao by Julen Iturbe-Ormaetxe is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0
While most people visit the iconic Guggenheim Museum to check out its dozens of exhibitions, the building itself is also an architectural marvel, one of master architect Frank Gehry’s many deconstructivist masterpieces. Nestled along the banks of the Nervión River in Bilbao, Spain, the museum features a balance of limestone, glass, and titanium that blend seamlessly together to create a structure that seems to flow and shift before your very eyes. The bright and airy atrium is a great place to start your tour of this iconic Spanish contribution to modern architecture on a global stage. While you are there, you will also be treated to some of the most important contemporary art pieces in the world.
The Oculus – New York City
Interior of the Oculus, World Trade Center, Manhattan
It’s hard to believe something so awe-inspiring could come out of the tragedy of September 11th. The Oculus is a 335-foot skylight that filters light through to the primary hub of the World Trade Center Transportation Center. The skylight was engineered to allow the maximum light to filter through at 10:28 am each day, the moment that the North Tower collapsed on that infamous day. The Oculus symbolizes that light will always continue to shine even through the darkest days, serving as a memorial to all who lost their lives that day.
Do you have a favorite modern architectural marvel that we missed? Let us know in the comments below!
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