7 modern architecture examples that are changing the face of the world

Eons ago, when the earth was thought to be flat, there was a unanimity to its surface.  Mountains, valleys, and rivers served as natural landmarks. However, as modernity slowly crept in, the modern man wanted to leave a mark. To create structures that would defy the hardships of time and live as long as the world itself. Nowadays, there are many mesmerizing modern architecture examples and wonders that reflect how mankind evolved.

As time went by, every generation or so created designs of a different sort, giving birth to a more modern ‘Modern Architecture.’ Modern architecture is a fluid term, one that varies according to how far back you want to take it.

For the sake of simplicity, we will refer to the designs that saw the light during the 21st century and delve into the most interestingly bizarre modern architecture examples to have emerged, highlighting how this century has left more than one fascinating mark.

Absolute World, Toronto, Canada

These two skyscrapers are a visual wonder, achieving an elegant 206-degree twist. The towers of 50 and 56-stories were initially planned as just one tower. However, as soon as the plans were submitted, the building sold out in no time and a second was put into action. This is of course due to the skewed exterior and modernist radical design which easily made Absolute World one of the outstanding modern architecture examples of the century.

Beijing National Stadium, Beijing, China

The Beijing National Stadium, otherwise known as the Bird’s Nest for the sheer brilliant design derived from one of nature’s oldest homes. On the outside, the steel frame makes incredible twists and turns, mimicking the subtle normality of a bird’s nest, with irregular gaps and holes throughout.

The Blue Planet, Copenhagen, Denmark

An aquarium like no other, containing 7 million liters of water and an exterior that is as fluid as the ocean’s waves. From up above, the aquarium resembles a whirlpool, with stainless steel tiles gently sweeping down to the ocean’s deep blue. In its fierce rigidity, the structure echoes the enigmatic nature of water, from its exterior that glistens under the sun to the smoothness of its shell as it rises and falls.

Burj Khalifa, Dubai, UAE

As the world’s current tallest building ever since 2008, Burj Khalifa had earned its rank among the most impressive modern architecture examples not just in this century but in the entire history. Standing at the height that almost reaches the 830 meters mark, the tower soars high in its desert setting, paying homage to Islamic Architecture and boasting a seamless tiered, tubular design.

Guangzhou Opera House, Guangzhou, China

China does it again with another organic piece of modern design. In a competition for the design, the late and awe-inspiring Zaha Hadid stole the show hands down. Dominated by concrete with hints of granite, steel, and glass, two smooth geometric structures arise, coming together to form a futuristic man-made design.

Metropol Parasol, Seville, Spain

This sprawling birch is said to be the largest wooden structure, set 85 feet high from Seville’s city center. The Metropol is home to an archaeology museum and restaurant, it grants the passersby below shade with its net-like wooden exterior that draws a hopscotch canvas on the ground.  When lit, the Metropol creates yet another magical canvas, proving that modern architecture is a man-made miracle.

Museum of Islamic Art, Doha, Qatar

Islamic Architecture carries a soul of its own, as unique and distinct as the centuries of history that comprise it. The museum is carefully made of chunks of stone, unevenly placed on top of each other, resting on a man-made island 60m offshore. Inside and out, the museum represents a beautiful blend of the entirety of Islamic Art and modern design to form one of the most stunning modern architecture examples that the world knows.

These were only some of most head-turning modern architecture examples that saw the light during the 21st century; and it is safe to say that we are going to witness much more wonders in the upcoming years.