|
|
 |
 |
Burj Dubai
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Skyscraper
When completed, this building is intended to be the tallest in the world. Originally, it was in the running with the Freedom Tower in New York, however, the Burj Dubai has the advantage of actually having begun construction while the New York project has been bogged down in political and sentimental interests.
Just how tall the tower will be remains to be seen. With any skyscraper, th... (more)
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Freedom Tower
New York, United States
Skyscraper
When completed, this will be one of the most important buildings of the early 21st century. It is significant in stature, in design, in its politics, its symbolism, and for the reason it was built.
The Freedom Tower is the replacement for what was once New York's World Trade Center. In September, 2001 terrorists destroyed several of the Center's buildings, including the massiv... (more)
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Hydropolis
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Hotel
The early part of the 21st century is quickly becoming known as The Age of Dubai. Many of the world's most spectacular, breathtaking, and startling architectural projects are being erected in a city that until recently was little more than a desert outpost. It's leaders have the foresight to know that that its primary natural resource, oil, is in limited supply. The city and the nation are rapi... (more)
|
|
|
|
 |
|
BellSouth Building
Nashville, United States
Skyscraper
If you’re looking for a warm, fuzzy image for your corporation – this isn’t it. This building was intended to look like a telephone at the top. And the decorative bridge that supports the company’s logo does in some way resemble the receiver of a telephone in its cradle. But the addition of a pair of illuminated spires ruins the image. You can imagine bolts of electricity arcing between them o... (more)
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Taipei 101
Taipei, Taiwan
Skyscraper
This is the building that in the early 21st century put all the other buildings in their place. There was a rivalry between several buildings over who had the right to call themselves the tallest in the world. When the Petronas Towers were erected in Ku... (more)
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Trump International Hotel and Tower (Chicago)
Chicago, United States
Skyscraper
It's been a long time since Chicago had a new megatower punctuate the skyline. The 1960's saw the Hancock Center rise into the sky. In the 1970's it was the Sears Tower and the Aon Center. Then following the economically turbulent turn of the century, real estate mogul and international showman, Donald Trump stepped up to the plate with a plan to replace the dowdy 1950's Sun... (more)
|
|
|
|
 |
|
World Trade Center (New York)
New York, United States
Demolished
The World Trade Center is a collection of buildings in lower Manhattan. Towers number one and two (the "Twin Towers") were considered the tallest in the world by some people. It depends on how you define "tallest." Including the antenna, tower number one was 521 meters tall. However, including the antenna may also bring building-less antennae and towers into the running, which really mucks things ... (more)
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Leaning Tower of Pisa
Pisa, Italy
Tower
Unlike many great buildings of the time, the Tower of Pisa does not serve a practical purpose. Rather, it was constructed as a boastful statement to Pisa's nemesis, Florence. At the time, the two were the modern equivalent of today's "superpowers" and ruled much of the world through their control of the sea. The two were also bitter rivals, fighting for supremacy. In fact, construction of the towe... (more)
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Amiens Cathedral
Amiens, France
Holy Place
The pinnacle of gothic religious architecture in France isn't in Pairs; it's in the town of Amiens. It was here in 1220 that the gothic style of architecture took planted its roots deep in the French soil. In 1218, it is likely that few saw the burning of the 1152 Amiens Cathedral as a good thing. But in a historical context, the timing couldn't have been better. The discoveries and ideals of ... (more)
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Flatiron Building
New York, United States
Skyscraper
Not well known among those not from the area, or not into historic architecture, the Flatiron Building is a favorite of New Yorkers and admirers around the world. Perhaps because it symbolizes so much of how New Yorkers see themselves -- Defiant, bold, sophisticated, and interesting. With just enough embedded grime and soot to highlight its details. The Flatiron's most interesting feature is its s... (more)
|
|
|
|
|
