Beautiful buildings: The most beautiful architecture in the world

Some people say that architecture is where science meets art, therefore, it is one of the most beautiful forms of mathematics, and who amongst us does not appreciate beauty! Now if we take a look at the elegant art of building, what are the most stunning examples of it? Where can we find the most beautiful architecture in the world?

Is ancient architecture the most gorgeous, the old temples with their fascinating history and attention to detail?

Are modern buildings with their steel and glass facades and overall futuristic look the most beautiful?

Maybe we should take each building for its own, regardless of its architectural style and the era in which it was built. And in this spirit, here are some examples of the most beautiful architecture in the world.

The most beautiful Chinese architecture: The Forbidden City temple in Beijing, China

Currently home to the Palace Museum, The Forbidden City used to be the home of emperors and the ceremonial and political center of the Chinese government for more than 500 years from the Ming dynasty to the end of the Qing dynasty.

Spreading over a large area of 72 hectares, the complex comprises 980 buildings built in the traditional Chinese palatial architecture style. It is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.

The Forbidden City took 14 years to build, construction started in 1406 and was finished in 1420. It was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987.

Not only is this one of the most beautiful buildings in the world, but it is also the second most visited tourist attraction in China after the Great Wall of China. And speaking of walls, the Forbidden City is surrounded by a 3.4 km long 10-meter-high wall.

The most beautiful futuristic architecture: Florida Polytechnic University, USA

One of the most innovative designs, according to many architects, this campus tops the list of the most beautiful architecture in the world. The white-domed building is a functional moveable work of art. The massive structure includes a complicated system of 94 arms which move up and down throughout the day to provide the most amount of natural lighting.

The iconic building sits amidst a natural canopy of lush oak trees and overlooks a stunning manmade lake.

Not only does the lake lend dramatic views and a striking architectural expression, but it is also the main storage vessel for site irrigation. It works as a storage space that retains rainwater from storms, keeping the buildings safe, and holding the water for later use.

In addition to that, the 162,000-square-foot oval-shaped building is surrounded by curved metal pergolas that provide shade to all outer terrace and walkways.

The intricate architecture of the building was designed by the renowned architect Santiago Calatrava.

The most beautiful modernist architecture: Casa Mila in Barcelona, Spain

Construction of Casa Mila was finished in 1912, the beautiful building was designed by renowned architect Antoni Gaudi.

The huge building is a fine example of beautiful architecture. It is largely known as La Pedrera, which means the quarry. This refers to its stone facade; Casa Mila looks more like a natural formation than a building.

The stone facade provides the windows, balconies and bay windows with a unique look, they are set in a remarkable arrangement that appears to change throughout the day as the sun moves.

Moreover, the one-of-a-kind stone roof is a work of art, with its terraces, pillars, and stone formations, it is a brilliant museum that most people are keen to visit when in Barcelona.

La Pedrera was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. It is now one of the most popular tourist attractions in Spain.

The most beautiful deconstructivism architecture: The Dancing House in Prague, Czech Republic

A collaboration between the Croatian-Czech architect Vlado Milunić and Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry, this house certainly stands out.

The design resembles two dancers, or more accurately, two beautiful buildings dancing, definitely an innovative concept.

The unusual Dancing House comprises of two parts. A glass tower that narrows in the middle and is supported by curved pillars; and a more solid concrete tower featuring undulating moldings and unaligned windows.

The construction of the building was completed in 1996, it became such an icon of the city that it is now featured on a local coin.

The most beautiful Byzantine architecture: Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey

First a cathedral then a mosque and now a museum, Hagia Sophia is a building with rich history indeed.

Constructed in 537 AD, the beautiful building was the largest building in the world at the time, particularly distinguished for its huge dome.

one of the most striking surviving examples of Byzantine architecture, Hagia Sophia is a massive work of art. And the interior of the building is just as intricately decorated as the exterior if not more so with mosaics and marble pillars.

The most beautiful Beaux-Arts architecture: The Flatiron Building in New York City, USA

When completed in 1902, the triangular 22-story steel-framed building was one of the tallest buildings in the city.

Covered with limestone and terra cotta, the building shows a beautiful elaborate facade that makes it stand out. That is why it has become an icon of New York City. The building has grown so much in fame that now the area surrounding it is called The Flatiron District.

This beautiful structure was designed by Daniel Burnham. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1989.

For more examples of beautiful architecture see also:

Ancient architecture: Perfect examples of Gothic architecture

Astounding examples of Islamic architecture beyond Mosques

Bahrain buildings: the most iconic structures in the kingdom