12 Modern Architectural Wonders of the World

Ancient relics and monuments are interesting to visit since they are a part of history and sites of historic events of a bygone era. How about visiting some sites that are history in the making? These architectural wonders have admirers from tourists and experts from all over the world. All of these wonders were completed in the 21st century with the exception of the iconic Sydney Opera House which opened in 1973 but has still remained an architectural marvel.

Here we curated this list of the best modern architectural wonders in the world that are beautiful and unique at the same time. You will definitely wanna see all of these after reading this article.

Modern Architecture Buildings

This is the list of modern architectural wonders of the world:

1. Burj Khalifa, Dubai

Burj Khalifa is currently the tallest artificial structure in the world at 829.8 m and with 160 stories. Visitors can visit the 148 levels and 125 levels to experience the magnificent views of Dubai from the tallest point in any building. A mixed-use tower designed by architect Adrian Smith, Burj Khalifa has residential space, office space and is the home to Armani Hotel Dubai and Armani Residences. Locations inside the building are intricately designed, each with a meaning and purpose.

The entrance lobby has a sculpture made with 196 cymbals and named World’s Voices; the water dripping from the ceiling gently creates an orchestra of sounds meant to symbolize the different voices of people around the globe. Burj Khalifa SKY “At the Top” features a trip to the world’s tallest observation deck, a guided tour, and refreshments at the SKY lounge. One can book tickets for different trips to Burj Khalifa online.

2. Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao, Spain

Guggenheim Museum modern architecture wonders of the world

The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is an art museum in the Bilbao City of Spain and is designed by revered architect Frank Gehry. A 2005 survey by Vanity Fair to determine the definitive construction project since 1980 declared the museum in Bilbao as the most influential.

Spread over three floors, the 20 gallery rooms are constructed with various shapes meant to alter perspective for visitors based on the type of art, which ranges from modern and postmodern from the 20th century to the present day. The Guggenheim Bilbao was called the “greatest building of its time” by experts and its cultural impact flooded the little city with visitors, giving the economy a boost. So, now you know why this is one of the best modern architectural buildings in the world.

3. The Petronas Towers, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Also known as the Petronas Twin Towers or simply the Twin Towers were the tallest building in the world from 1998 to 2004 and still are the tallest twin towers. These 88-foot tall towers are essentially the landmark of Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia as a whole too. The iconic skybridge was added to maintain the architectural integrity of the twins and provide support. Mainly comprising of offices, the tower and the skybridge is open to all visitors with a cap at 1000 visitors per day.

4. Taipei 101, Taiwan

Known as the Taipei World Trade Centre, this 500 m commercial tower took over the Petronas Towers as the tallest building in the world in 2004 until Burj Khalifa claimed it in 2010. Elevators that break records in their speed (5th to 89th in 37 seconds at 60kmph), famed greenish exterior, and earthquake-proof structure are some things for which Taipei 101 is known. The tower has restaurants, observation decks, on the 88th and 89th floors, and an adjoining shopping mall. Tickets to the decks can be purchased via the observatory website or on-spot in the mall.

5. The Marina Bay Sands Hotel, Singapore

Owned by Las Vegas Sands, this luxurious resort was the most expensive standalone casino property when it opened in 2010. This integrated resort houses a 2,561-room hotel, the monumental The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands mall, a museum, two large theatres, “celebrity chef” restaurants, two floating Crystal Pavilions, art-science exhibits, and the world’s largest atrium casino with 500 tables and 1,600 slot machines. That and a 1-hectare terrace that connects the three towers, called the Sands SkyPark, gives continuous views of the famous Marina Bay.

Also, Read Most Luxurious Hotel in the World

6. Tokyo Skytree, Japan

It is currently the second tallest structure in the world and the tallest in Japan at 634 meters. The tower is the primary television and radio broadcast site for the Kantō region. Tokyo Skytree also resembles a 5-story pagoda from historical Japan, while incorporating state-of-the-art earthquake resistance and disaster prevention design. It even has its own official exterior color called the “Skytree White”. The observation deck at 450m offers a 360-degree view of the city. There is a Tokyo Skytree Station on the Tobu Skytree Line and several Skytree shuttle buses that bring people to the tower from various parts of Tokyo.

7. The Atomium, Brussels, Belgium

This landmark structure was constructed for the 1958 World’s Fair and it is now used for multiple purposes such as private events, exhibitions, museums, workshops for kids, and a restaurant on the top sphere. The Atomium is made up of nine 18 m wide stainless-steel covered spheres, connected to form the shape of an iron crystal unit cell magnified 165 billion times. Five of these nine spheres are open to people, each for different purposes. It stands 102 m (335 ft) tall and the restaurant at the top sphere offers a panoramic view of Brussels. This is why it is one of the best modern architectural buildings.

8. China Central Television Headquarters, Beijing, China

The CCTV Headquarters or the CMG Headquarters is not a traditional tower, but a conjunction of six vertical and horizontal facades with 51-stories. Despite its irregular physical structure, the tower is designed to withhold heavy seismic activity.

It was opened in 2008 as an office building and headquarters for the China Media Group (CMG) and its highest point is 234m (768 ft) from the ground. Because of its iconic design, which earned it the nickname “big boxer shorts” or “big pants”, it is a reinvention of the generic skyscraper design in the form of a loop.

9. Beijing National Stadium, China

Officially the National Stadium and unofficially the “Bird’s Nest” was designed and built, especially for the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics. With the iconic nest-like outer shell made of steel, the sheer weight of the structure was a key issue for the construction team but the fact that it held up proves this to be an engineering marvel. The 2022 Summer Olympics and Paralympics are scheduled to be held here. Apart from that, the aesthetic stadium hosts several sporting and cultural events, with a plan to construct shopping and entertainment areas around it to attract visitors.

10. Sydney Opera House, Australia

Probably the most iconic item on this list, the performing arts center at Sydney Harbour is a UNESCO World Heritage site, which seems fitting given that it is one of the most recognizable buildings in the world. There are a number of performance venues and not just for the eponymous opera, there is a drama theatre, playhouse, studios in addition to the concert hall, and a proscenium theatre, both for opera.

Visitors can attend one of the 1600 performances held every year combined with meals at Opera Kitchen and Bennelong Restaurant. There are one-hour tours every day from 9 am to 5 pm in a variety of languages along with two-hour backstage tours.

11. The Shard, London

The Shard formerly known as London Bridge Tower is the tallest building in the United Kingdom at 309.6 meters in height. It is the wonder of modern engineering architecture with 72-stories habitable floors. It has a viewing gallery and an open-air observation terrace on the 72nd floor.

12. Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE

Palm Jumeirah is a man-made island which is located in the Jumeirah seaside area of Dubai, UAE. This artificial island is a unique and jaw-dropping archaeological wonder in the world that is created using land reclamation. The construction of this island started in June 2001 and the developers reported the first residential units on this island in 2006.