Humanity has produced amazing works of architecture since the beginning of civilization. Ancient structures that still stand show the technological and architectural abilities of past cultures. Modern society has also contributed some incredible architectural works, having stood on the shoulders of giants.
1. Eiffel Tower, Paris, France
The Eiffel Tower is incredibly culturally iconic, and is one of the most widely recognized symbols in the world. Erected in 1889, it was initially intended to be a temporary installation, functioning as an entrance for the 1889 World’s Fair. The tower stands at 81 stories, and at the time of its construction, it was the tallest man-made structure in the world, and remained so for 41 years until the construction of the Chrysler Building in New York City.
2. Bilbao Guggenheim Museum of Art, Bilbao, Spain
One of the most famous and recognizable buildings of the 20th century, the Bilbao Guggenheim museum is a structure of organically inspired beauty. Flowing metal walls and large glass windows give a post-modern ambiance, containing within some of the world’s best art works. It was designed by Frank Gehry.
3. Burj Khalifa, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Built in 2008 at a height of 2,723 feet, this is the tallest building in the world. It is so tall, that the tip of the building can be seen by a person located 90 miles away. The ambitious project cost about $1.5 billion USD. It contains luxury residential and commercial spaces. It is part of a larger plan to build a downtown complex and cultural hub containing parks, retail spaces, and walkways.
4. Golden Gate Bridge, San Fransisco, USA
Many travel guides consider this suspension bridge to be the most beautiful and most photographed bridge in the world. Spanning the Golden Gate, which is the opening of San Francisco Bay into the Pacific Ocean, the bridge is 4,200 feet long. Construction began in 1933, and was completed in 1937 with a budget of $35 million. The bridge was designed by US architect Joseph B. Strauss.
5. Taj Mahal, Agra, India
This building was built in 1632 by Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife. It is considered by many to be the most beautiful building in the world. It is also considered to be the most perfect example of the Mogul style. The entire building is made of marble, and attracts millions of visitors yearly.
6. Chrysler Building, New York City, USA
The Chrysler Building was, for a time, the tallest building in the world, at 1,046 feet tall. Built for automotive czar Walter Chrysler, it is an excellent example of Art Deco architectural style, and borrows some elements from automobiles.
7. The Gateway Arch, St. Louis, Missouri
This purely aesthetic architectural mega sculpture was designed by Finnish-born architect Eero Saarinen, and was completed in 1966. It is a vast expansive curve built of stainless steel, and rising to a height of 630 feet. Visitors can actually ride to the top in capsule-like cable cars.
There are so many wonderful and awe-inspiring man-made structures around the world that it is difficult to pick only seven. However, these exemplify the wide range of styles that human imagination has come up with through the ages.
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Sally writes for Dynamic Metals, stainless steel & titanium sheet suppliers.Look to them for high-grade metals. Metals available include 17/4PH, AMS 5643 and many others, visit DynamicMetalsLtd.co.uk today for more information