If you’re a connoisseur of modern contemporary architecture and you prefer your designs constructed from concrete, glass and steel then check out these modern marvels;
1. Sydney Opera House, Australia – Keen photographers will want to snap the Sydney Opera House from all angles to fully appreciate the elegant curves. The building was designed and constructed by the Danish architect Jørn Utzon in 1957 although it didn’t open until 1973. Utzon has also received the prestigious Pritzker Prize in 2003 and the Sydney Opera House was hailed as one of the great iconic buildings of the 20th century. Try a ferry trip either at dusk or dawn as the light catches and spins off the iridescent tailor-made panels.
2. Empire State Building, USA – The Empire State Building is New York’s tallest structure coming in at some 1,454 feet (443 meters) tall. Completed in 1931 the Empire State Building has 102 floors and was constructed in just 16 months from Indiana limestone. Standing on the corner of Fifth Avenue and West 34th Street the Empire State Building has also been named as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.
3. Pompidou Centre, France – The Centre Georges Pompidou, as it is known in French, was opened to the public in 1977. Designed by the British architect Richard Rogers and Italian architect Renzo Piano, the centre is named after Georges Pompidou who came up with the creation and was the President of France between 1969 and 1974. Locals and critics were divided at the time over the high tech architectural features of exposed steel columns and exterior escalators. Now the centre is home to a large public library and the largest modern art museum in Europe and has had over 150 million visitors since opening.
4. Central Television Building CCTV, China – The CCTV Building is the tallest building in Beijing in China and stands at 1,329 feet (405 meters) tall including the antenna. There is a restaurant and observation deck at 781 feet (238 meters) on the tower which was completed in 1992. Each year there is a race to the top of the tower where participants climb the 1484 steps as fast as possible, although lifts are also available if you don’t fancy that!
5. Leadenhall Market, London, UK – Leadenhall Market actually dates back to the 14th century when it was a meat and game market. The ornate roof and paintwork is quite unique in cream, maroon and green hues and the floor is cobbled. The structure was designed by Sir Horace Jones in 1881 and has featured in several music videos and films such as Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus. Today the market is popular with London office workers and is a popular place to pick up top quality food and drink.
6. Tokyo City Hall, Japan – The Tokyo City Hall in Shinjuku district has a very distinctive modern look with two towers rising up to 243 meters tall. Visitors can ascend the 48 floors and enjoy magnificent views over Tokyo and beyond. Finished in 1991 it is reported that construction cost over 1 billion USD.
