4 of the World’s Most Amazing Architectural Wonders

by: Kenny Slaught

When it comes to historic man-made landmarks, the Seven Wonders of the World immediately come to mind. Structures like Stonehenge and the Great Pyramid of Giza are instantly recognizable and have inspired awe and attracted tourists for centuries. Architecture is always evolving, however, and with the advent of modern building methods, the past 50 years have seen the construction of some of the most innovative buildings ever created. Keep reading to learn more about four of world’s most impressive modern-day architectural wonders.

The Burj Khalifa - Dubai, UAEFirst on the list is the Burj Khalifa, located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Hailed as the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa stands 2,716.5 feet tall (828 meters) and features three observation decks that are available for tours throughout the year. The Burj Khalifa observation decks have also made history in their own right by securing a place in the Guinness Book of World Records as the highest observation decks in the world. Each tour of the skyscraper is an experience that not only provides high-altitude thrills and dizzying views, but also educates tourists about the history of the structure and its intricate design details.

The architecture of the Burj Khalifa is credited to the prominent Chicago design firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP in collaboration with a talented team of design partners. The massive structure took approximately six years from excavation to completion, and it stands as a true testament to just how much work and passion is necessary to create such a breathtaking building.

The Sydney Opera House - Sydney, Australia

No list of modern architectural wonders would be complete without mentioning the world-famous Sydney Opera House. Officially opened in 1973, the Sydney Opera house has hosted some of the world’s most famous performers, from classical tenor Andrea Bocelli to modern pop icon Beyoncé. Situated on the Sydney Harbor, the Sydney Opera House is instantly recognizable and can be seen for miles. It is one of the world’s most iconic buildings and is easily identified by its dramatic fin-like roof, which appears to rise from the surrounding water.

Sitting on approximately 11 acres of land, the Sydney Opera House seats more than 5,700 people in several different concert halls that host performances of music, dance, theater, opera, and many other forms of art. Tours are offered in seven different languages to accommodate visitors from all over the world. The Sydney Opera house was the product of Danish architect Jørn Utzon’s ingenuity and took nearly 20 years to come to fruition—but the result was clearly well worth the wait.

Torso Tower - Malmö, SwedenNot all architectural wonders are public places or tourist attractions that host hundreds of thousands of visitors per year. Instead, the 623-foot Torso Tower functions as a residential and commercial complex. The stunning structure truly lives up to its name as it stands out among the much smaller surrounding buildings with its height and unique shape, which appears to be moving in a spiraling motion when viewed from a distance. Although the building is completely stationary, the tower seems to rise from the ground, turning at an angle.

Designed by award-winning architect Santiago Calatrava Valls, the Torso Tower officially opened in 2005 and was inspired by the architect's own sculpture titled “Twisting Torso.” Each unit in the building was designed to offer unique and breathtaking views of the surrounding city of Malmö. The Torso Tower houses more than 140 luxury apartments with the remaining space reserved for offices and top-floor meeting rooms. Although it is not officially a tourist attraction, visitors to the area are often seen photographing the distinctive structure.

Image courtesy user beth on Flickr

The National Centre for Performing Arts - Mumbai, India

The National Centre for Performing Arts is a spectacular seaside entertainment complex located in Mumbai, India. Often referred to simply as NCPA, the structure has been a landmark in the area since its original opening in 1969. Since then, the NCPA has expanded and several theaters have been added to the complex over the years. The structure of the NCPA stands out thanks to its eye-catching, modern exterior and classic interior. An impressively ornate grand foyer constructed of white marble greets visitors upon entry to the huge venue, which comprises more than 340,000 square feet of space.

The NCPA boasts five separate performing arts theaters with a combined seating capacity that accommodates thousands. A world-renowned art gallery is also a standout of the facility. In addition to its impressive venues inside, the NCPA is home to four gorgeous outdoor gardens featuring lush foliage and views of the sea. These outdoor spaces are often booked for events such as wedding ceremonies, receptions, and smaller performances, as they offer a beautiful backdrop to any event.

There’s no doubt that the landmarks on this list are impressive, but they represent only a few examples of the truly amazing architecture that can be seen in cities all around the globe.

Image courtesy user Stuti Sakhalkar on Flickr