Interesting Architectures around the World

Buildings are no longer mere structures serving a purpose, but impressive sculptures, and pieces of art. The best designs possess an almost indescribable quality, a latent connection to space, and above all, an incredible imagination. From the ancient pyramids of Giza to the magnificent Taj Mahal, architecture has managed to astound the world time and again. While some structures are ordinary with no unique characteristics, a few buildings now and then, manage to create a mark in the world with their extraordinary design and concept. 

This article familiarises you with a few such recent structures and the interesting concepts behind their design. 

1. The Vessel

Designed by Thomas Heatherwick, the controversial structure, called The Vessel, is an interactive sculpture with an accessible network of stairs, landings, and an elevator till the top. The building has a riveting backstory, where the architect went to great lengths (constructed a 20 feet high barricade in Italy where the fabrication took place) to keep the design a secret. The pieces were brought to the site, bit by bit, via the Hudson River. 

The basic concept for the bizarre design was to create harmony between the surrounding glass and steel structures. The structure is the central attraction of the Hudson Yard, which is why it expands upwards, in contrast to the buildings around. With the usage of a non-corrosive steel coating, the surface acts as a mirror, reflecting the movement and action on every layer in the 150 feet tall structure, thereby generating an interactive experience. With over eighty landings, the design provides 154 different ways to reach the top. 

While the project received criticism and acclaim equally from the public as well as critics, due to its extravagant design and budget it is undoubtedly unique and original. The generation of a public realm encouraging families and friends to interact is the primary objective of this exquisite building. 

2. Harpa Concert and Conference Center

Located in Iceland, The Harpa Concert Hall takes inspiration from the northern lights and the beautiful scenery of the country. Sited on the border between sea and land, it is not a mere building, but an artistic sculpture, reflecting the life of Reykjavik city. The building comprises of large halls, placed beside each other, administration offices, meeting rooms, entrance foyer, and rehearsal halls. 

The largest auditorium seats around 1800 guests, and is named Eldborg, based on a volcanic crater in the country. Sound chambers around the hall help in regulating reverberation time and add 30 percent to the volume. 

The iconic façade is inspired by the crystalline basalt columns found in the country. The geometric design is composed of twelve-sided polyhedrons, called quasi bricks. The amalgamation of regular and irregular blocks lend a chaotic, dramatic, and unpredictable pattern with a mesmerizing output. The glass blocks reflect the surrounding harbour and the sky, generating a colourful wall of light at night. The colours appear different, according to the way the light hits them, making the building feel alive with the change in weather, time, season, as well as the position and movement of the viewer. The unique play of light and colour unites art and culture to become one of the greatest attractions and landmarks in Iceland. 

3. Gardens by the Bay

Gardens by the Bay is one of a kind garden project, located in Singapore. Spanning over 101 hectares, the complex comprises three distinct gardens. Drawing inspiration from orchid, the masterplan is a fusion of technology, nature, and the environment. Along with stunning architectural structures, the complex offers light and sound shows, forests, lakes, and a host of dining experiences.

Eighteen supertree structures line the garden, towering to a height of 50 meters, with thousands of plant species cladded like veins. Bridges or walkways connect the trees at 20 meters high. Each tree is comprised of rainwater storage tanks and pumps that cool themselves and two huge greenhouses. 

The two dome-shaped greenhouses or biomes, both have a different concept. While one is a flower dome, comprised of plants and flowers from the Mediterranean region, the other is based on the cloud forest concept and represents the Tropical Montane climatic region. The novel horticulture themed leisure destination has become a landmark for Singapore, cherished and loved by locals and tourists. Located in the heart of downtown Marina Bay, Gardens by the Bay transports you to fantasy land complete with flora, fauna, lights, and a lifetime experience.