Popular architectural structures. The most famous buildings in the world. Northern River Station

Old or new, with complex or simple structures, these buildings are undoubtedly the most incredible in the world. There are attractive ones, there are unusual ones, and there are just crazy buildings that are unlike anything else. Sometimes it can even be difficult to immediately understand what is in front of you - a house or something else?

Lotus Temple

(Delhi, India)

The main Bahai temple of India and neighboring countries, built in 1986. Located in New Delhi, the capital of India. A huge building made of snow-white Pentelic marble in the shape of a blooming lotus flower is one of the most popular attractions among tourists in Delhi. Known as main temple Indian subcontinent and the main attraction of the city.

The Lotus Temple has won several architectural awards and has been featured in numerous newspaper and magazine articles. In 1921, the young Bombay Baha'i community asked 'Abdu'l-Bahá for permission to build a Baha'i temple in Bombay, to which the answer was allegedly given: "By the will of God, in the future a majestic temple of worship will be erected in one of the central cities of India," that is, in Delhi .

"Khan Shatyr"

(Astana, Kazakhstan)

A large shopping and entertainment center in the capital of Kazakhstan, Astana (architect - Norman Foster). Opened on July 6, 2010, it is considered the largest tent in the world. total area"Khan Shatyra" - 127,000 m2. It houses retail, shopping and entertainment complexes, including a supermarket, a family park, cafes and restaurants, cinemas, gyms, a water park with an artificial beach and wave pools, service and office premises, parking for 700 spaces and much more.

The highlight of “Khan Shatyr” – beach resort with a tropical climate, plants and a temperature of +35°C all year round. Sandy beaches The resorts are equipped with a heating system that creates the feeling of a real beach, and the sand is brought from the Maldives. The building is a giant 150 m high tent (spire), constructed from a network of steel cables, on which a transparent ETFE polymer coating is fixed. Thanks to its special chemical composition, it protects the interior of the complex from sudden temperature changes and creates a comfortable microclimate inside the complex. “Khan Shatyr” entered the top ten world eco-buildings according to Forbes Style magazine, becoming the only building from the entire CIS that the publication decided to include in its hit parade.

The opening of the Khan Shatyr shopping and entertainment center took place as part of the celebration of Astana Day with the participation of the President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev. During the opening ceremony, a concert by world performer, Italian tenor of classical music Andrea Bocelli took place. The most interesting thing about this amazing place Any Tyumen resident can visit: Astana is only a nine-hour drive.

Guggenheim Museum

(Bilbao, Spain)

Designed by American architect Frank Gehry, the Guggenheim Museum is a magnificent example of the most innovative ideas in 20th century architecture. Constructed from titanium, it is decorated with wavy lines that change color under the sun's rays. The total area is 24,000 m2, 11,000 of which are dedicated to exhibitions.

The Guggenheim Museum is a true architectural landmark, a showcase of daring configurations and innovative design that provides a seductive backdrop to the artworks housed within. This building changed the world's view of modern architecture and museums and became a symbol of the rebirth of the industrial city of Bilbao.

National Library

(Minsk, Belarus)

The history of the National Library of Belarus begins on September 15, 1922. On this day, by the Decree of the Council of People's Commissars of the BSSR, the Belarusian State and University Library was founded. The number of readers was constantly increasing. Over the course of its history, the library has replaced several buildings, and soon the need arose to build a new large and functional library building.

Back in 1989, a competition for designs for a new library building was held at the republican level. The “glass diamond” by architects Mikhail Vinogradov and Viktor Kramarenko was recognized as the best. On May 19, 1992, by Resolution of the Council of Ministers, the Belarusian State Library received national status. On March 7, 2002, the President of the Republic signed a decree on the construction of the building of the state institution “National Library of Belarus”. But its construction began only in November 2002.

The opening ceremony of the “Belarusian diamond” took place on June 16, 2006. President of Belarus Alexander Grigorievich Lukashenko (who, by the way, received library card No. 1) noted at the opening ceremony that “this unique building combines the strict beauty of modern architecture and the latest scientific and technical solutions.” Indeed, the National Library of Belarus is a unique architectural, construction, software and hardware complex, built in accordance with the latest scientific and technical developments and aimed at meeting the information and sociocultural needs of society.

The new library building houses 20 reading rooms, which can accommodate 2,000 users. All rooms are equipped with electronic departments for issuing documents, modern equipment that allows scanning and copying documents, printing from electronic copies. The halls have computerized workstations, workstations for visually impaired and blind users, equipped with special equipment.

crooked house

(Sopot, Poland)

In the Polish city of Sopot, on the Heroes of Monte Cassino Street, there is one of the most unusual houses on the planet - the Crooked House (in Polish - Krzywy Domek). It seems that it either melted in the sun, or it is an optical illusion, and this is not the house itself, but only its reflection in a huge crooked mirror.

A crooked house is truly crooked and does not contain a single flat place or corner. It was built in 2004 according to the design of two Polish architects – Szotinski and Zalewski – who were impressed by the drawings of artists Jan Marcin Schanzer and Per Oskar Dahlberg. The authors’ main task for the customer, which was the Resident shopping center, was to create the appearance of the building that would attract as many visitors as possible. A variety of materials are used in the design of the facade: from glass to stone, and the roof made of enamel plates resembles the back of a dragon. The doors and windows are just as asymmetrical and intricately curved, giving the house the appearance of some kind of fairy-tale hut.

The Crooked House is open 24 hours a day. During the day there is a shopping center, cafes and other establishments, and in the evening there are pubs and clubs. In the dark the house becomes even more beautiful. In 2009, the building was recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the Tricity, which includes the cities of Gdynia, Gdansk and Sopot. According to a recent survey by The Village of Joy, Crooked House topped the list of the fifty most unusual buildings in the world.

teapot building

(Jiangsu, China)

In China, the construction of the cultural and exhibition center Wuxi Wanda Exhibition Center, made in the form of a clay teapot, is being completed. This building has already officially entered the Guinness Book of Records as the tallest teapot in the world. The choice of this form is not accidental: clay teapots have been considered symbols of the Celestial Empire since the 15th century. They are still produced in Jiangsu Province, where the Wuxi Wanda Exhibition Center is located. In addition to making clay teapots, China is also famous for its elite varieties of tea.

Developer The Wanda Group announced that 40 billion yuan ($6.4 billion) were spent on the construction of the cultural and exhibition center. The result was a structure with an area of 3.4 million m2, a height of 38.8 m and a diameter of 50 m. The outside of the building is sheathed with aluminum sheets, which provide the necessary curvature of the frame. In addition to them, stained glass windows of different sizes play an important role.

The center of Wuxi Wanda will feature exhibition halls, a water park, a roller coaster, and a Ferris wheel. In addition, each of the three floors of the building will be able to rotate on its own axis. The cultural and exhibition center is part of the Tourism City shopping and entertainment complex, the construction of which is planned to be completed by 2017.

"Habitat 67"

(Montreal, Canada)

The unusual residential complex in Montreal was designed by architect Moshe Safdie in 1966–1967. The complex was built for the start of Expo 67, one of the largest world exhibitions of that time, the theme of which was houses and residential construction.

The basis of the structure is 354 cubes, built on top of each other. It was they who made it possible to create this gray building with 146 apartments, where families live who exchanged a quiet house in a residential area for such a non-standard house. Most apartments have a private garden on the roof of the neighbor below.

The building style is considered brutalism. Habitat 67 was built more than 45 years ago, but still amazes with its scale. This is, without a doubt, one of the few modern utopias that not only came to life, but also became very popular and was even considered elite.

Dancing building

(Prague, Czech Republic)

An office building in Prague in the deconstructivist style consists of two cylindrical towers: a conventional one and a destructive one. The Dancing House, jokingly called "Ginger and Fred", is an architectural metaphor for the dancing couple Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire. One of the two cylindrical parts, which expands upward, symbolizes a male figure (Fred), and the second visually resembles a female figure with a thin waist and a fluttering skirt (Ginger).

Like many deconstructivist buildings, the building contrasts sharply with its neighbor - an integral architectural complex of the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. The office center, which houses several international companies, is located in Prague 2, on the corner of Resslova Street and the embankment. On the roof there is a French restaurant overlooking Prague, La Perle de Prague.

Forest spiral building

(Darmstadt, Germany)

The Austrian genius Friedensreich Hundertwasser donated a unique building to the German city of Darmstadt in 2000. Painted in different colors, a magic house from a children's fairy tale with floating lines of a curved facade, it looks out onto the world with 1048 windows of non-repeating shapes, sizes and decor. Real trees grow from some of the windows.

This original structure in the form of a horseshoe spiraling upward is called “an unusual house among the usual monotony.” It was built in a “biomorphic” style, although, in fact, it is a real 12-story residential complex, or rather, a kind of fairy-tale green village. It includes not only a house with 105 comfortable apartments, but also a quiet courtyard with artificial lakes, shaped bridges and paths trodden right in the grass; artistically designed children's playgrounds; closed parking lots; shops; pharmacy and other elements of developed infrastructure.

Upside Down House

(Szymbark, Poland)

The unique house, which sits on the roof, is decorated in the socialist style of the 1970s. An upside-down house evokes strange sensations: the entrance is on the roof, everyone enters through the window, and guests walk on the ceiling. The interior is decorated in the style of socialist realism: there is a lounge room with a TV and a chest of drawers. There is also a table made from the longest solid board in the world - 36.83 m. Of course, the Guinness Book of Records did not ignore it.

The building took more time and money to construct than a conventional house of the same size. The foundation required 200 m³ of concrete. The author of the project was asked many times whether his project was related to commercial goals. The answer was always a stubborn “no.” However, the upside-down house turned out to be a commercial success.

Not only Poles, but also foreign tourists come to test their strength and look at the interesting structure. Through the attic window you can enter the house and, carefully maneuvering between the chandeliers, walk around the rooms. Some sources claim that the developer intended to use the new building as his own home. Whether this is so is unknown, but the upside-down house in Szymbark never became residential.

However, there is nothing to complain about: the line of tourists wanting to walk around inside does not dry out, so there would be no question of any quiet life. A few years ago, in the vicinity of the house, there was even a kind of gathering of local Santa Clauses, who not only discussed their problems, but also practiced getting inside the house through a pipe, since, fortunately for them, it rests on the ground.

Wat Rong Khun

(Chiang Rai, Thailand)

Wat Rong Khun, better known as " White Temple", is considered one of the most recognizable temples in Thailand and undoubtedly one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. The temple is located outside the city of Chiang Rai and attracts a large number of visitors, Thai and foreign. This is one of the most visited attractions in Chiang Rai and the most unusual Buddhist temple.

Wat Rong Khun looks like an ice house. Because of its color, the building is noticeable from afar, and it sparkles in the sun thanks to the inclusions of glass pieces in the plaster. The white color signifies the purity of the Buddha, while the glass symbolizes the wisdom of the Buddha and the Dharma, the Buddhist teachings. They say the best time to visit the White Temple is at sunrise or sunset, when it reflects beautifully in the sun's rays.

Construction of the temple began in 1997 and is still ongoing. It is being built by Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat with his own funds, proceeds from the sale of paintings. The artist refused sponsors: he wants to make the temple the way only he wants.

Basket building

(Ohio, USA)

The basket building was built in 1997. The weight of the structure is approximately 8500 tons, the weight of the supporting supports is 150 tons. Almost 8,000 m3 of reinforced concrete was used during construction. The usable area of the building is 180,000 square feet. The basket is located on an area of about 20,000 square feet (approximately 2200 m2) and completely copies one of its owner's trademarks.

When the project architect Nikolina Georgievsha found out what was in store for her, she exclaimed: “Wow! I’ve never done anything like this before!” Indeed, this building cannot be called standard. Unlike other buildings, it expands upward. This made it possible to significantly increase the working space of the offices: the building is designed for a staff of 500 employees. Not bad, considering that the building also has a seven-story atrium with an area of 3,300 m2, around which the offices are located. In addition, the ground floor is occupied by a theater-like auditorium with 142 seats. The building aspires to a certain pomp: the design takes into account two plates attached to the building with the owner’s trademark, coated with 23-karat gold.

(Sanji, Taiwan)

The strange and wonderful town of Sanji in Taiwan is an abandoned resort complex. The houses in it were shaped like a flying saucer, so they were nicknamed UFO houses. The city was purchased as a resort for American military personnel serving in East Asia.

The original idea for building such houses belonged to the owner of the Sanjhih Township plastics company, Mr. Yu-Ko Chow. The first construction license was issued in 1978. The design was developed by Finnish architect Matti Suuronen. But construction was stopped in 1980 when Yu-Chou declared bankruptcy. All efforts to resume work came to nothing. In addition, several serious accidents occurred during construction due to the allegedly disturbed spirit of the mythical Chinese dragon (as superstitious people claimed). Many believed that the place was haunted. As a result, the village was abandoned and soon became known as a ghost town.

Stone house

(Fafe, Portugal)

The Casa do Penedo house in the mountains of Portugal, built between four boulders, resembles a Stone Age dwelling. The isolated hut was built in 1974 by Vitor Rodriguez and was intended for relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The desire for simplicity did not make the Rodriguez family hermits, but brought them closer to a natural lifestyle without excesses. Electricity was never installed in the house; Candles are still used for lighting here. The room is heated using a fireplace carved into one of the boulders. The stone walls serve as a continuation of the interior decoration: even the steps leading to the second floor are carved directly into the stones.

The stone hut, reminiscent of the home of the characters in the American animated series “The Flintstones,” blended so organically into the surrounding landscape that it aroused great interest among architects and tourists. The curiosity of local residents and passing travelers forced the Rodriguez family to leave the house. Now no one lives in the hut, but the owners sometimes visit their unusual home. Only in this case there is a chance to see unusual interiors; at other times it is impossible to get inside Casa do Penedo.

central Library

(Kansas City, Missouri, USA)

Located in the heart of Kansas City, it is one of the first projects aimed at revitalizing the city and its historical and tourism value. Residents were asked to remember the most famous books that were somehow connected with the name of Kansas City, and over the course of two years they selected twenty fiction books. The appearance of these publications was incorporated into the innovative design of the Central City Library to encourage visitation.

The library building looks like a bookshelf on which giant books are laid out. Each of them reaches seven meters in height and about two meters in width. Now the library has at its disposal not only the most modern technologies and excellent quality of service, but also conference rooms, a cafe, an examination room and much more. The Kansas City Public Library has unique architecture that is stunning. Today it is the pride of the residents of the city of Kansas. Its construction became one of the most significant events in the transformation of a provincial town into a thriving metropolis. The library has ten branches, the main one of which is the largest and has special collections. The library's arsenal is 2.5 million books, attendance is more than 2.4 million clients per year.

The history of the library begins in 1873, when it opened its doors to readers and immediately became not only a source of resources for education, but also an excellent alternative to other entertainment establishments of the time. The public library has moved many times, and in 1999 it was moved to the former First national bank. The century-old building was a true masterpiece of craftsmanship: marble columns, bronze doors and walls richly decorated with stucco. But still it required reconstruction. With the help of public-private cooperation, funds collected from the state and municipal budgets, as well as sponsorship, the doors of the Kansas Public Library were opened in 2004 in the form in which it is now.

Solar oven

(Odelio, France)

A stunning structure that looks like and is, in fact, an oven, the Solar Oven in France is designed to generate and concentrate the high temperatures required for various processes. This happens by trapping the sun's rays and concentrating their energy in one place.

The structure is covered with curved mirrors, their radiance is so great that it is impossible to look at them. The structure was erected in 1970, and the Eastern Pyrenees was chosen as the most suitable location. To this day, the Furnace remains the largest in the world. The array of mirrors is assigned the functions of a parabolic reflector, and the high temperature regime at the very focus it can reach up to 3500°C. You can regulate the temperature by changing the angles of the mirrors.

Using this natural resource Like sunlight, a solar oven is considered indispensable for producing high temperatures. And they, in turn, are used for a variety of processes. Thus, the production of hydrogen requires a temperature of 1400°C. Test modes for spacecraft and nuclear reactors require a temperature of 2500°C, and without a temperature of 3500°C it is impossible to create nanomaterials. In short, the Solar Furnace is not just an amazing building, but also vital and efficient. At the same time, it is considered an environmentally friendly and relatively cheap way to obtain high temperatures.

"Robert Ripley's House"

(Niagara Falls, Canada)

"Ripley's House" in Orlando is an illustration of the theme not of technological revolution, but of natural disasters. This house was built in memory of the magnitude 8 earthquake that happened here in 1812.

Today, the allegedly cracked building is recognized as one of the most photographed buildings in the world. "Believe it or not!" (Ripley's Believe It or Not!) is a patented network of so-called Ripley Auditoriums (museums of strange and incredible things), of which there are more than 30 in the world.

The idea came from Robert Ripley (1890–1949), an American cartoonist, entrepreneur and anthropologist. The first traveling collection, Ripley's Auditorium, was presented in Chicago in 1933 during the World's Fair. On a permanent basis, the first museum “Believe it or not!” was opened after Ripley's death, in 1950 in Florida, in the city of St. Augustine. The Canadian museum of the same name was founded in 1963 in the city of Niagara Falls (Niagara Falls, Ontario) and still has a reputation as the best museum in the city. The Auditorium building is built in the shape of the falling Empire State Building (New York) with King Kong standing on the roof.

Boot house

(Pennsylvania, USA)

The shoe house in Pennsylvania (York County) was conceived by a very successful businessman, Colonel Mahlon N. Heinz. At that time, he owned a thriving shoe company, which included about 40 shoe stores. At that time, Heinz was already 73 years old, but he loved his business so much that he commissioned an architect to create an unusual structure in the shape of a boot. This was in 1948. Already in 1949, the dream of a shoe businessman was realized, and the restless Mahlon N. Heinz was able not only to admire the extraordinary building, but also to live there.

The length of this house is 12 m, height – 8. Its facade was made as follows: first, a wooden frame was created, which was then filled with cement. Surprisingly, even the mailbox of this house is made in the shape of a shoe. There is a boot in the bars on the windows and doors. Near the house there is a dog kennel, which was also made in the shape of a shoe. And even the sign located on the road has shoes. But in fact, the shoe house has such an orientation only from the outside. Inside, this is a completely comfortable home, quite cozy and spacious. An external staircase (most likely a fire staircase) is mounted on the side of the house, allowing access to all five tiers of the unusual building.

Dome house

(Florida, USA)

After a series of destructive hurricanes and tropical storms in the state of Florida (USA), as a result of which Mark and Valeria Sigler were left without a roof over their heads each time, they decided to build a house that could withstand the pressure of the elements and at the same time be beautiful and comfortable. The result of their work was a house with an unusually strong structure and a unique design.

For people living in coastal areas, it is very important that they have somewhere to return to after a storm. Ordinary houses are very often destroyed to the ground, while the “Dome House” can stand as if nothing had happened even under a wind rushing at a speed of 450 km/h. At the same time, the Sigler house fits perfectly into the surrounding landscape: the dome perfectly suits the surroundings of dunes, ponds and vegetation. The structure of the building is made of modern environmentally friendly materials that can last for several centuries.

Cube buildings

(Rotterdam, Netherlands)

A number of unusual houses were built in Rotterdam and Helmond according to the innovative design of the architect Piet Blom in 1984. Blom's radical decision was that he rotated the parallelepiped of the house by 45 degrees and placed it at an angle on a hexagonal pylon. There are 38 of these houses in Rotterdam and two more super-cubes, all of which are articulated with each other. From a bird's eye view, the complex has an intricate appearance, resembling an impossible triangle.

The houses consist of three floors:
● Ground floor – entrance.
● The first is a living room with a kitchen.
● Second – two bedrooms with a bathroom.
● Upper – sometimes a small garden is planted here.

The walls and windows are inclined at an angle of 54.7 degrees in relation to the floor. The total area of the apartment is about 100 m2, but about a quarter of the space is unusable due to the walls, which are at an angle.

Burj Al Arab Hotel

(Dubai, United Arab Emirates)

Luxury hotel in Dubai, the largest city in the United Arab Emirates. The building stands in the sea at a distance of 280 m from the shore on an artificial island connected to the land by a bridge. With a height of 321 m, the hotel was considered the tallest hotel in the world until another Dubai hotel, the 333 m tall Rose Tower, opened in April 2008.

Construction of the hotel began in 1994, and it opened to visitors on December 1, 1999. The hotel was built in the shape of the sail of a dhow, an Arabian ship. Closer to the top there is a helipad, and on the other side is the El Muntaha restaurant (from Arabic - “the highest”). Both are supported by cantilever beams.

Absolute Towers

Like every other fast-growing suburb in North America, Mississauga is looking for a new architectural identity. The Absolute Towers represent a new opportunity to respond to the needs of an ever-expanding city, to create a residential landmark that will claim to be more than just efficient housing. They can create a permanent emotional connection for residents with their hometown. Such a structure can easily be included in the list of the most beautiful skyscrapers in the world.

Instead of the simple, functional logic of modernism, the design of the towers expresses the complex, multiple needs of modern society. These buildings are much more than just multifunctional machines. It is something beautiful, human and alive. The towers play an important role as a gateway to the city, located at the intersection of two main city streets.

Despite the special status of these towers as a significant landmark, the emphasis in the design was not on their height, as is the case with most of the tallest buildings in the world. The design features continuous balconies that surround the entire building, eliminating the vertical barriers traditionally used in high-rise architecture. The Absolute Towers rotate in different projections at different levels, blending with the surrounding landscapes. The designers' goal was to provide a clear 360-degree view from anywhere in the building, as well as to connect residents with natural elements, awakening in them a reverent attitude towards nature. The height of Tower A with 56 floors is 170 m, and Tower B with 50 floors is 150 m.

Pabellon de Aragon

(Zaragoza, Spain)

The building, which looks like a wicker basket, appeared in Zaragoza in 2008. The construction was timed to coincide with the full-scale exhibition Expo 2008, dedicated to the problems of water shortage on the planet. The Aragon Pavilion, literally woven from glass and steel, is crowned with strange-looking structures placed on the roof.

According to its creators, the structure reflects the deep imprint that five ancient civilizations left on the territory of Zaragoza. In addition, inside the building you can learn about the history of water and how man learned to manage the planet's water resources.

(Graz, Austria)

This museum and gallery of contemporary art was opened as part of the European Capital of Culture program in 2003. The building concept was developed by London architects Peter Cook and Colin Fournier. The facade of the museum was made by realities:united using BIX technology as a media installation with an area of 900 m2, consisting of luminous elements that can be programmed using a computer. It allows the museum to communicate with the surrounding urban space.

The installation won a number of awards. The BIX façade was conceived when the rest of the building was already being worked out. In addition to the late deadlines, it was difficult to integrate into the concepts of other authors. In addition, the facade, without a doubt, became the dominant element of the architectural image. The architect-authors accepted the facade design because it was based on their original ideas about a large luminous surface.

Concert hall

(Canary Islands, Spain)

One of the most famous and recognizable buildings in Spain, the symbol of the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, one of the most significant works of modern architecture and one of the main attractions of the Canary Islands. The opera was built according to a design by Santiago Calatrava in 2003.

The Auditorio de Tenerife building is located in the city center, near Marine Park Cesar Manrique, the city port and the twin towers of Torres de Santa Cruz. There is a tram station nearby. You can enter the opera hall from both sides of the building. The Auditorio de Tenerife has two terraces overlooking the sea.

Coin building

(Guangzhou, China)

In the Chinese city of Guangzhou there is a unique building in the shape of a huge disk with a hole inside. It will house the Guangdong Plastics Exchange. The final cosmetic work is currently underway here.

The coin building, 33 floors and 138 meters high, has an opening with a diameter of almost 50 meters, which has a functional, as well as design, significance. The main shopping area will be located around it. It is obvious that the building has already become one of the main attractions of Guangdong province. However, opinions are divided regarding its symbolic meaning.

The Italian company that developed the project claims that the shape is based on jade discs that were owned by ancient Chinese rulers and nobility. They symbolized the high moral qualities of a person. In addition, together with its reflection in the Pearl River, on which the building stands, it forms the number 8. According to the Chinese, it brings good luck. However, many citizens of Guangzhou saw in this building a Chinese coin, symbolizing the desire for material wealth, and the people already nicknamed this building “the disk of the wasteful rich.” It has not yet been announced when the building will be open to visitors.

"Stone Cave"

(Barcelona, Spain)

Construction began in 1906, and by 1910 the five-story building had already become one of the most famous buildings in Barcelona. Locals dubbed it “La Pedrera” - the stone cave. And indeed, the house resembled a real cave. When creating it, Gaudi basically abandoned straight lines. The five-story residential building was built without a single corner. The architect made the load-bearing structures not walls, but columns and vaults, which gave him unlimited scope in the layout of rooms, the heights of which were different.

In order for a sufficient amount of light to penetrate into each room with such a complex layout, Gaudi had to make several courtyards with light ovals. Thanks to these numerous ovals, windows and undulating balconies, the house looks like a block of solidified lava. Or on a cliff with caves.

Music building

(Huainan, China)

Piano House consists of two parts depicting two instruments: a transparent violin rests on a translucent piano. The unique building was built for music lovers, but has nothing to do with music. In the violin there is an escalator, and in the piano there is an exhibition complex in which plans of streets and districts of the city are presented to visitors. The facility was created at the suggestion of local authorities.

The unusual building seeks to attract the attention of Chinese residents and numerous tourists to the new developing area, in which it has become the most iconic object. Thanks to the continuous glazing of the facades with transparent and tinted glass, the premises of the complex receive the maximum possible natural light. And at night, the body of the object disappears in the darkness, leaving only the neon contours of the silhouettes of giant “tools” visible. Despite its popularity, the building is often criticized as a kind of postmodern kitsch and a typical student project, in which there is much more outrageousness than art and functionality.

CCTV Headquarters

(Beijing, China)

CCTV headquarters is a skyscraper in Beijing. The building will house the headquarters of China Central Television. Construction work began on September 22, 2004, and was completed in 2009. The architects of the building are Rem Koolhaas and Ole Scheeren (OMA company).

The skyscraper is 234 m high and consists of 44 floors. The main building is built in an unusual style and is a ring-shaped structure of five horizontal and vertical sections forming an irregular lattice on the building's façade with an empty center. The total floor area is 473,000 m².

The construction of the building was considered a difficult task, especially considering its location in a seismic zone. Because of its unusual shape, it has already acquired the nickname “pants”. Second building, Television Cultural Center, will house the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, a visitor centre, a large public theater and exhibition space.

Ferrari World Amusement Park

(Yas Island, Abu Dhabi)

Ferrari Theme Park is housed under a 200,000 m² roof and is the world's largest indoor theme park. Ferrari World officially opened on November 4, 2010. It is also home to the world's fastest pneumatic roller coaster, Formula Rossa.

The symbolic roof of Ferrari World was designed by Benoy architects. It was designed based on the profile of the Ferrari GT. Ramboll provided structural engineering, integrated planning and urban design, geotechnical engineering and building façade design. The total roof area is 200,000 m² with a perimeter of 2,200 m, the park area is 86,000 m², making it the largest theme park in the world.

The roof of the building is decorated with the Ferrari logo measuring 65 by 48.5 m. This is the largest company logo ever created. 12,370 tons of steel were used to support the roof. In its center there is a hundred-meter glass funnel.

Innovative residential complex Reversible-Destiny Lofts

(Tokyo, Japan)

According to the architect's plan, the apartments in the complex he created are designed in such a way that their inhabitants are always on alert. Uneven multi-level floors, concave and convex walls, doors that you can only enter by bending over, rosettes on the ceiling - in a word, not life, but a complete adventure. It is impossible to relax in such conditions.

Man constantly struggles with environment, so there is simply no time left to mope or think about illnesses. Whether this is shock therapy or a joyful game is still unclear. But the Japanese, reserved and subservient to traditions and taste, are willing to pay twice as much for uncomfortable apartments as for comfortable and familiar ones located in the same area. It’s interesting that all the “apartments” are rented and are not sold as property. Moreover, the 83-year-old Buddhist nun and popular writer Jakute Setouchi, who was the first to settle in the new house, claims that since the move she began to feel younger and much better.

"Thin House"

(London, Great Britain)

The unusual residential building, also known as the Thin House, is located near the Natural History Museum in South Kensington, London. This house became famous throughout the world thanks to its wedge-shaped shape, or rather, the width of one of the sides of the building - a little more than a meter.

At first glance, the incredibly narrow structure of the building is just an optical illusion. Despite this, The Thin House has become very popular among Londoners and tourists. The reason for this architectural idea is not accidental. The South Kensington underground train line runs directly behind the house.

Due to the unusual design of the house, the apartments do not have a standard rectangular shape, but a trapezoid shape. For narrow rooms it is necessary to select non-standard furniture. In any case, despite a number of disadvantages, apartments in “thin” buildings are very popular among those wishing to acquire new housing.

Air Force Academy Chapel

(Colorado, USA)

The striking appearance of the Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel in Colorado Springs caused some controversy when it was completed in 1963, but it is now considered one of the finest examples of modern American architecture.

Made from steel, aluminum and glass, the Cadet Chapel has 17 pointed spiers reminiscent of fighter jets taking to the skies. Inside there are two main levels and one basement. There is a Protestant chapel with 1,200 seats, a 500-seat Catholic chapel and a 100-seat Jewish chapel. Each chapel has a separate entrance, so sermons can be held simultaneously without interfering with each other.

The Protestant chapel, which occupies the upper level, has stained glass windows between the tetrahedral walls. The colors of the windows range from dark to light, representing God coming from darkness into light. The altar is made of a smooth marble slab 15 feet long, shaped like a ship, symbolizing the church. Church pews are designed in such a way that the end of each pew resembles the propeller of a World War I aircraft. Their backs are topped with a strip of aluminum, like the leading edge of a fighter plane's wing. The walls of the chapel are decorated with paintings, which are divided into three groups: brotherhood, flight (in honor of the Air Force) and justice.

On the lower level there are multi-faith rooms, defined as places of worship for cadets of other religious groups. They are left without religious symbolism so that they can be used by many people.

When you plan a trip to any of the largest cities on Earth, be sure to visit their most famous buildings. These cities stand out for their many outstanding buildings, squares and cityscapes, while their history and cultural heritage make them best cities peace. These giant capitals with countless interesting places have a lot to offer. However, what stands out the most are these 10 most famous buildings on Earth. The first tower, called the Shard, dominates London's modern and vibrant skyline.

The Shard in London

The giant Shard skyscraper is changing the London skyline and making it the tallest in Europe. With a height of slightly more than 300 meters above the ground, Shard is the most high building in this part of the world, and definitely one of the most famous. It was completed in 2012 in the heart of London, within a short walk of the Thames Embankment, London Bridge and the Tower of London. Moreover, the Shard skyscraper is visible from anywhere in the city, especially at night, when the majestic silhouette of this iconic famous building turns into a vibrant mixture of light and shadows, and the vibrant waters of the river reflect its majesty in a huge mirror of nature. Particularly popular is the observation deck at an altitude of 250 meters, which offers the best view of the capital of England.

Big Ben

Big Ben, the House of Commons and the House of Lords are another famous landmark of London, dating back in history to the Victorian Gothic period with its many sharp details, tall pillars, elaborate decorations, dark mystical angles and contrasting pale silhouettes. This stunning building is one of the city's most iconic landmarks. The giant Big Ben Tower with its four striking clocks is recognized throughout the world, making it one of the most famous buildings in the world.

Burj Khalifa

Of course, the tallest structure in the world will not be an exception in the list of the most famous buildings. The Burj Khalifa towers majestically over Dubai at 829.84 meters in height, creating a particularly colorful and lively atmosphere at night. The many lights of the Burj Khalifa combine with other buildings to create a truly modern atmosphere in Dubai. The tower dominates the Dubai skyline with its distinctive Arabian silhouette and Y-shaped design, multiple levels and cross sections. This building can only be called a masterpiece of architecture. At the top of the skyscraper there is a restaurant with the most best view to the city - .

Burj Al Arab

This building is also located in Dubai, along the city's beautiful coastline. Dubai Sail is the most famous and most luxurious hotel in Dubai and on Earth. It is also quite tall - almost 320 meters, making it the second tallest hotel on Earth. A symbol of Dubai's historical heritage, the Burj Al Arab impresses with its bright white silhouette and gigantic scale and size. A small narrow bridge leads to Parus, and at the top there is a landing pad for helicopters.

Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is another famous building that is located in eastern Agra in India. This masterpiece of art is famous for its white facades and history, making the Taj Mahal one of the most attractive architectural gems in the world. The building dates back to the 17th century. This is a mausoleum and a symbol of love that permeates every corner here. The Taj Mahal has a giant central dome 170 meters high, four smaller domes, a gigantic spacious courtyard, four huge slightly tilted minarets, a magnificent Islamic design with marble details, calligraphic decorations, and much more. Standing at the main entrance of the complex, you immediately feel all its grandeur and size.

Colosseum in Rome

The Colosseum in Rome is imbued with historical heritage on every wall, façade and stone. The true scale of this arena is quite impressive even today, and in the days of the Roman Empire 2,000 years ago it was a real engineering marvel. The Colosseum was the largest amphitheater in the world, the center of numerous gladiator battles, where all the Roman nobility gathered. A long network of caves and tunnels runs under the structure, and the outer wall of the Colosseum with its numerous arches, floors and columns is considered one of the symbols of Rome and Italy.

Since ancient times, people have been fascinated by architecture. Five of the Seven Wonders ancient world- these are buildings. Architects have always tried to create something original, unusual, they wanted to go beyond the possible and capture the imagination. We offer an overview of the most stunning architectural landmarks in the world.

The Colosseum is also called the Flavian Amphitheater, and it is located in Rome (Italy). This large elliptical-shaped amphitheater is considered the largest in the world. Construction began in 70 AD. during the reign of Emperor Vespasian and was completed in 80 AD. under Emperor Titus. The building was used as a stage for gladiator fights, battles and executions, and could accommodate up to 80,000 spectators.

Cathedral of the Intercession Holy Mother of God, on the Moat, also called St. Basil's Cathedral, is a famous Orthodox cathedral located in the very center of Moscow. The shape of the building resembles the flame of a fire that rises into the sky. This is the only example of architecture in this style in Russia. The temple, built by order of Ivan the Terrible in honor of the Kazan campaign, was consecrated in 1561.

This architectural masterpiece is also known as the Blue Mosque. The iconic building is a historical value of Istanbul. The mosque was built between 1609 and 1616 during the reign of Ahmed I. The tomb of the founder is located here. The mosque has one main dome, 6 minarets and 8 middle domes. The name "Blue Mosque" comes from the color of the tiles found on the building's interior walls.

The Taj Mahal is a masterpiece built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The architectural structure combines elements of Persian and Indian cultures. Its most famous part is the white domed marble mausoleum. Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1632 and was completed in 1653. In 1983 it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The White House in Washington is the official residence and workplace of all US presidents since John Adams (1800). It has been the residence of every US president. It was designed by Irish architect James Hoban and built between 1792 and 1800 in the neoclassical style. Today the complex includes the executive office, west wing, east wing and other buildings.

The tower is known throughout the world as Big Ben, although the building's real name is Elizabeth Tower, in honor of Queen Elizabeth II. Big Ben is the nickname given to the large bell that is located in the clock. This name is also used in reference to the clock tower. Designer Charles Barry designed the tower as part of a new palace, which was planned to be located on the site of the old Palace of Westminster, destroyed in a fire in 1834.

The tower is known for its disadvantage - tilting to one side. It all started during construction, when the shaky foundation could not support the weight of the structure and caused the building to tilt. The angle of inclination increased until the structure stabilized in the late 20th century and early 21st century.

The Temple of the Holy Family (full name Basílica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família) is located in Barcelona (Spain). This is a huge Roman Catholic church designed by the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi. The construction of the temple is not completed, but despite this, in 2010 the temple became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Gaudí began his project in 1882-1883, and construction of the temple is scheduled for completion in 2026.

The Eiffel Tower is one of the most famous buildings in the world. It received its name from the name of the architect Gustav Eiffel. The tower was built in 1889 and is still considered the tallest building in Paris. The tower is 324 meters high and has three floors for visitors. The iron structure weighs approximately 7,300 tons. The entire tower weighs approximately 10,000 tons. The ground floor contains two restaurants and a cinema hall.

The magnificent building, which is located in Barcelona (Spain), was designed by the architect Antoni Gaudi. Construction of the house lasted from 1906 to 1912. The design of the house is considered the most original and daring due to the wavy stone facades decorated with wrought iron. The building consists of two parts, built around two courtyards, and has a roof topped with dormers, ventilators and chimneys.

The Chrysler Building is a huge skyscraper in New York City. Until 1931, it was considered the tallest building in the world. It was built in the Art Deco style and was used as the headquarters of the Chrysler Corporation from 1930 to the mid-1950s. Construction began in 1928 and lasted until 1930. At that time, the building was considered the tallest structure made by human hands, because its height exceeded 300 meters.

Opera House, created by Danish architect Jørn Utzon, is located in Sydney Harbour. It is one of the most iconic buildings of the 20th century, as well as one of the most famous concert halls in the world. In 2007, this architectural masterpiece received the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Construction began in 1958, and the official opening took place on October 20, 1973.

The Palace of Parliament is located in Bucharest (Romania) and is the largest and darkest civil building in the world. Its construction began during the Ceausescu regime, and this multifunctional building is the seat of both houses of the Romanian Parliament. The total area of the building is 340,000 square meters.

The observation and communications tower, known as the CN Tower, is located in Toronto, Canada. It was built in 1976. At that time, it was the tallest tower in the world. In 1995, this architectural masterpiece was declared one of the seven modern wonders of the world.

Luxury hotel located in Dubai. Its height is 321 meters, and it ranks 4th in the list of the tallest hotels in the world. The hotel, designed by architect Tom Wright, is considered the only 7-star hotel in the world. Construction of the hotel began in 1994. According to the original design, the building was to resemble the sail of a dhow, a type of Arabian vessel. The luxurious building was officially opened in December 1999.

Located in Los Angeles, California, the amazing building is the fourth venue of the Los Angeles Music Center. The concert hall was designed by Frank Gehry. The official opening took place in 2003. The project actually began in 1987, when Walt Disney's widow donated $50 million to build the concert hall. The final cost of the entire project is estimated at $274 million.

The pyramid can be seen in the main courtyard of the Louvre Palace in Paris. The large pyramid, made of glass, is surrounded by three smaller pyramids and serves as the main entrance to the Louvre. The architectural composition, designed by architect I. M. Pei, was built in 1989. It reaches 20.6 meters in height and consists entirely of glass segments.

The tower, 829.8 meters high, is currently the tallest structure created by man. Construction of the building began in 2004 and ended in 2009. The official opening took place in 2010. The tower was created by architects and designers from Skidmore, Owings and Merrill. The architects drew inspiration for the tower from Islamic culture, but they developed an innovative building system structure that is capable of supporting such a huge height.

"The Shard of Glass" or simply "The Shard" is a huge 87-story skyscraper in London, part of the London Bridge. Its construction began in 2009 and ended in 2012. Currently, it is the tallest building in the European Union (its height is 306 meters). The project of a skyscraper resembling a shard of glass belongs to the architect Renzo Piano.

The Jin Mao Tower is located in Shanghai and until 2007 was considered the tallest building in China. It was designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill in a post-modern style with traditional Chinese architectural details. The building's exterior is made of glass, steel and granite.

These buildings are known all over the world, admired, admired and idolized. These are the visiting cards of cities, let's take another look at these historical buildings:

The Moscow Kremlin is the largest fortress in Europe, preserved and operating to this day, located in the oldest part of Moscow, the main socio-political, historical and artistic complex of the city, the official residence of the President of the Russian Federation. Located on the high left bank of the Moscow River - Borovitsky Hill, at the confluence of the Neglinnaya River. In plan, the Kremlin is an irregular triangle with an area of 27.5 hectares (ha).

The Taj Mahal in India is located near Agra. In its external majestic appearance, it resembles a temple, but in fact it is a mausoleum built in honor of the second wife of Shah Jahan - Mumtaz Mahal (otherwise known as Arjumand Bano Begum). This is truly a very beautiful building. No description, photo or video can convey the true beauty of this structure. The architecture of the building conveys a mixture of Indian, Persian and Islamic architecture.

Sydney Opera House - one of the most famous and easily recognizable buildings in the world, is also a symbol largest city Australia. Considered one of the main attractions of the continent, the sail-shaped shells that form the roof make this building unlike any other in the world. The Sydney Opera House is recognized as one of the outstanding structures of modern architecture in the world and, along with the Harbor Bridge, has been the hallmark of Sydney since 1973. This building has been protected by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since June 28, 2007.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is a bell tower, part of the ensemble of the city cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta (Cathedral of Pisa) in the city of Pisa, which gained worldwide fame due to its unintentional tilt. The tilting of the tower, caused by the softness of the soil, occurred as construction progressed, ending in 1360. The “tilt” process ended only in 2008. The tower has 294 steps. The height of the tower is 55.86 m from the ground on the lowest side and 56.7 m on the highest side. The diameter of the base is 15.54 m. Its mass is estimated at 14,453 tons. The current inclination is 3°

The Empire State Building is a 102-story building located in New York on the island of Manhattan. Is an office building. From 1931 to 1970, it was one of the tallest buildings in the world, until the opening of the north tower of the World Trade Center. It regained this status again after the tragedy of 2001 (the collapse of the World Trade Center). The architecture of the building belongs to the Art Deco style.

The Eiffel Tower is the most famous architectural landmark of Paris, known as a symbol of France, erected on the Champs de Mars and named after its designer Gustapha Eiffel. It is the most recognizable and tallest building in Paris, its height together with the new antenna is 324 meters, which is approximately equal to a building of 81 floors. The Eiffel Tower was built in 1889 and has an amazing origin story. In 1889 in Paris, in memory of the centenary French Revolution, the World Exhibition was held, it was thanks to the exhibition that the city authorities ordered the creation and erection of a temporary structure to serve as its entrance arch.

The Colosseum is a symbol of strength, power and the centuries-old history of Rome, one of the most famous landmarks in Italy. It is considered the most beautiful and largest stadium of the ancient world, built in the first century AD. e. in the form of an amphitheater. The construction of this grandiose structure began after numerous victories by Emperor Vespasian in Judea. Construction lasted 11 years, during which they accomplished the impossible - quality, complete work and the introduction of advanced technologies, unimaginable at that time - the conveyor.

Big Ben is the world-famous clock tower of the Palace of Westminster in London. IN Palace of Westminster meetings of the House of Lords and the House of Commons are taking place, in the many kilometers of corridors of the palace it is easy to lose the right direction, there is hardly a person who has visited all its 1200 rooms, but the most famous part of the palace - the clock tower - is known, without exaggeration, to the whole world and is one of the most striking architectural symbols of the city. The height of the tower is 96 meters, a narrow spiral staircase of 334 steps.

Burj Al Arab - translated from Arabic as “Arab Tower”, which was given to it by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, rightfully occupies the highest position in the list of the most luxurious hotels in the world. The world's best designers worked on the interior of the Burj Al Arab hotel in order to emphasize its exclusive luxury. To decorate the hotel rooms and halls, they used about 1,590 m² of 999-karat gold foil, as well as the finest grades of marble, precious and semi-precious stones, precious woods and the finest leather. The building rises 321 meters above the artificial island, poured specifically for its construction in the early 90s, 280 meters from the coastline, its appearance resembles a sail installed on traditional Arab ships. Creating the sail for the Burj Al Arab Hotel was a truly amazing and time-consuming process.

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The buildings are considered to be some of the most impressive works of art. After spending untold sums on construction, you can walk through the completed projects and even live inside. Insider has collected 30 buildings that will blow your mind.

The oldest surviving building on Earth is Göbekli Tepe in Turkey. Its age is estimated at at least the ninth millennium BC. Archaeologists are unsure of the purpose of Göbekli Tepe. Most likely, the building had religious significance.

Since then, humanity has managed to build many cool structures. For example, just last year the futuristic Fulton Center opened in New York...

...and Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School in Melbourne, Australia.

The amazing Golden Temple in Amritsar, India appears to have risen directly from the waters of the Amritsar River.

At night, the Sikh religious center looks absolutely stunning.

The Las Lajas Church in Nariño, Colombia is puzzling at first because the structure seems to defy gravity.

Modernist architect Antonio Gaudi did not live to see the completion of the Sagrada Familia - in fact, its construction continues to this day. From the outside, the temple resembles houses from The Chronicles of Narnia...

...and its interior decoration is even more surreal.

The Flatiron Building was one of New York's first skyscrapers...

...like the Woolworth Building, the tallest building in the world from 1913 to 1930.

In Onomichi, Japan, young couples often have their wedding ceremonies at the Ribbon Chapel.

In Seoul, surrounded by greenery, stands the Light of Life Church.

It looks completely different inside.

The design of the Marina City skyscrapers in Chicago is unique, to say the least. Built in 1964, they were one of the first mixed-use buildings. For the first time in the USA, a high-rise crane was used in construction.

But not all buildings aim for the sky. Temppeliaukio Church, Helsinki, Finland, is carved into the rock underground and receives plenty of sunlight.

The Church of St. George in Lalibela, Ethiopia, was carved from a single boulder in the 12th century.

Some of the most beautiful buildings are part of the landscape. Turninn in Reykjavik reflects the wild beauty of Iceland.

Modernist Ludwig Mies van der Rohe used edges and open space to create masterpieces that appear to float in the air - like the New National Gallery in Berlin, built in the 1960s.

Additionally, Berlin is home to a mecca electronic music- brutal nightclub Berghain.

Unity with the environment is one of the oldest concepts in architecture. The ancient Japanese capital of Kyoto is home to the spectacular Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji)...

...and no less stunning Silver.

The Great Mosque of Djenné in Mali is the largest mud structure in the world. It can accommodate 3 thousand believers.

The whimsical Pompidou Center in Paris is a masterpiece of postmodernism.

Built around 1200, Chartres Cathedral in northern France is an excellent example of Gothic architecture. Pay attention to the richly decorated “portals” leading into the building...

...and an amazing organ inside.

Perhaps the only religious building that can compare with it in grandeur is the Blue Mosque in Istanbul. Its construction was completed at the beginning of the 17th century and coincided with the heyday of the Ottoman Empire.

More than 20 thousand handmade tiles are used in interior decoration.

Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria is believed to have inspired Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Trinity College is the crown jewel of the University of Dublin.

It is famous for its library, the most stunning room of which has the characteristic name “The Long Room”.

The Imperial Palace - also known as the Forbidden City - is the highest form of Chinese architecture.

Between 1420 and 1912 the palace served as the seat of government.

Its interior is truly impressive...

...as well as attention to detail.

Today, the most exotic examples of modern architecture can be seen in Beijing. For example, the CCTV Tower, also known as "Pants".

With the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the late Zaha Hadid did what only she could do - she turned the hard, clean lines of modernism into something organic.

High in the Peruvian Andes, Machu Picchu is the finest example of Inca architecture.

Archaeologists believe that the city was built around 1450.

A more detailed photograph of the residential area.

In 2007, Parque Biblioteca España opened in Medellin, Colombia. Its design was designed by Colombian architect Giancarlo Mazzanti. The three buildings should look like stones.