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Art > 30 world-famous buildings to inspire you

30 world-famous buildings to inspire you

By Kerrie Hughes 10 days ago Art  

From the Colosseum to the Kabba, these famous buildings are

amazing.
   

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Anyone with a creative bone in their body cannot fail to be inspired by famous
buildings. Outstanding architecture, stunning location and clever use of
materials all contribute to what makes famous buildings such in uences on
creativity – and that's before you throw history and purpose into the mix. 

Much like a photograph, architectural designs record details of speci c moments

in time. But unlike an photograph, physical structures go on to have a life of
their own, becoming a central and functional part of countless people's lives for
hundreds, if not thousands, of years after they were built. 7 must-read books for design
10 iconic examples of brutalist architecture students

Here, we've picked what we think are the most impressive famous building
How to design for
designs from around the world – we hope you draw some inspiration from each
startups
of them.

01. Forbidden City, Beijing Subscribe and get

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The Forbidden City is a palace complex in central Beijing, China. Image: cal ier001 on Flickr

Less a famous building and more a series of famous buildings – 980, to be

precise, constructed between 1406AD to 1420AD – the Forbidden City was home
to Emperors from the Ming dynasty to the end of the Qing dynasty, making it the
political centre of China for half a millennium.

The former imperial palace is now home to the Palace Museum, and was
declared a World Heritage Site in 1987. The Forbidden City is listed by UNESCO
as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world,
and has seen an average of 16 million visitors every year since 2016 – that's an
average of 40,000 visitors per day.

02. The Dancing House, Prague

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03. Milwaukee Art Museum, Wisconsin

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Three buildings make up the Milwaukee Art Museum

The Milwaukee Art Museum is an architectural landmark, comprised of three

buildings. The War Memorial Center (1957) was designed by Finnish-American
architect Eero Saarinen; the Kahler Building (1975) by David Kahler; and the
Quadracci Pavilion (2001) was created by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. 

Overlooking Lake Michigan, it’s linked directly to Wisconsin Avenue via a cable-
stay footbridge. Pedestrians can cross Lincoln Memorial Drive on the bridge and
continue into the pavilion, while drivers enter via an underground vaulted
parking garage where pairs of canted concrete columns form a skeleton-like
series of elements shaped like the letter ‘V’.

04. Lotus Temple

The temple welcomes worshippers of all faiths

The Lotus Temple is a Bahá'í House of Worship in New Delhi consisting of 27

structures resembling petals of the lotus ower that open onto a central hall
around 40m high. It has nine sides, nine doors, and can accommodate 2,500
people. Its surface is made of white marble from Mount Pentelicus in Greece,
the same marble used to build the Parthenon.

Since its completion in 1986 it has become one of the most visited buildings in
the world, attracting over 100 million people. 

05. Cologne Cathedral

Germany's most-visited landmark

Cologne Cathedral is a High Gothic ve-aisled basilica, the construction of which

began in 1248 and stopped in 1473, before the building was complete. Work did
not resume until the 1800s, and it was nally nished in 1880. Later work follows
the original medieval plan faithfully. 

It is renowned as a Gothic masterpiece and houses many works of art as well as

the Shrine of the Three Kings, which is traditionally believed to hold the remains
of the Three Kings.

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06. Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem

The Dome of the Rock is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture

A masterpiece of Islamic architecture, the Dome of the Rock is a 7th century

building, located in Jerusalem. Built by Caliph Abd al-Malik between 687 and 691,
the octagonal plan and the rotunda dome of wood are of Byzantine design. The
Persian tiles on the exterior were added by Suleiman I in 1561; the interior
decoration was added to later with marble, mosaic and faience.

The oldest extant Islamic monument, the Dome of the Rock has served as a
model for architecture and other artistic endeavors for over a millennium.

07. La Pedrera, Barcelona

Gaudi's La Pedrera is one of the most imaginative houses in the history of architecture

Nested among the urban streets of Barcelona are some unusual and beautiful
buildings by infamous architect Antoni Gaudi. His unique approach to the Art
Nouveau movement generated some of the most creative buildings the world
have ever seen. And La Pedrera is no exception.

One of the most imaginative houses in the history of architecture, this is more
sculpture than building. The façade is a varied and harmonious mass of
undulating stone that, along with its forged iron balconies, explores the
irregularities of the natural world. The United Nations Educational, Scienti c and
Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognised this building as World Heritage in
1984.

08. One World Trade Center, New York

The One World Trade Center is the tallest skyscraper in the Western Hemisphere. Image: © One
World Trade Center

A relatively new addition to New York's skyline, the One World Trade Center is
the tallest skyscraper in the Western Hemisphere. Construction began in April
2006 and the nal component of the building's spire installed ve years later in
2013, making it the fourth tallest skyscraper in the world.

The One World Trade Center's design is no coincidence, standing at a symbolic

height of 1,776 feet (541m) in a direct nod to the year of the US Declaration of
Independence.

Designed by David M Childs of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the 104-storey glass
tower raises from a cube base before transforming from the 20th oor into eight
sleek isosceles triangles. Stood adjacent to the city's beautiful 9/11 memorial,
the One World Trade Center is a shining beacon for the city.

09. St Paul's Cathedral, London

British architect Sir Christopher Wren took 10 years to nalise his designs for St Paul's

London's most iconic building, St Paul's Cathedral, was designed by English

architect Sir Christopher Wren. Sitting at the top of Ludgate Hill, the highest
point in the City of London, its famous dome is one of the world's largest,
measuring nearly 112 metres high.

The original church on the site was founded in the year 604AD. Work on the Advertisement
present English Baroque church began in the 17th Century by Christopher Wren
as part of a major rebuilding program after the Great Fire of London.

Wren started working on St Paul's in 1666, his designs for the cathedral taking
nine years to complete and the actual construction taking a further 35 years. St
Paul's has played an integral part of London life ever since – as a domineering
element in the city's skyline, as a centre for tourism and religious worship, and
most recently as a focal point for anticapitalist protests.
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The Petronas Towers are an iconic landmark in Malaysia's capital city Kuala Lumpur

Standing at 451.9 metres-tall, the Petronas Towers are twin skyscrapers in Kuala
Lumpur, Malaysia. The buildings, which held the title of tallest in the world
between 1998-2004, are an iconic landmark of the capital city.

The distinctive postmodern style was created by architects Cesar Pelli and
Achmad Murdijat, engineer Deejay Cerico and designer Dominic Saibo under the
consultancy of JC Guinto.

11. The White House, Washington

The White House, designed by Irish architect James Hoban, took eight years to construct. Image ©
Matt Wade

Irish architect James Hoban was the man behind the design of the White House.
In 1792 Hoban submitted a plan for the presidential mansion and subsequently
got the commission to build the White House. Construction began in 1793 and
was completed in 1801. The mansion, which has been home to every US leader
since the country's second president John Adams, is made from white-painted
Aquia sandstone.

12. Leaning Tower of Pisa

Due to restoration work carried out in 2001, the tower currently leans at just under 4 degrees.
Image © Alkarex Malin äger

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the most remarkable architectural structures
in Europe. Most famous for its tilt, the tower began to lean during construction
after soft ground on one side was unable to properly support the structure's
weight.

Building work on the tower began in 1173 and went on for over a whopping 199
years. There has been much controversy surrounding the true identity of the
architect behind the tower – the design was originally attributed to artist
Bonnano Pisano but studies have also implicated architect Diotisalvi.

13. The Kaaba, Mecca

The Kabba is a most sacred space in Islam

The Kaaba, meaning cube in Arabic, is a square building located in Mecca, Saudi
Arabia. A most sacred place in Islam, the Kabba is elegantly draped in a silk and
cotton veil. Every year millions of Muslims travel to the Kabba for the hajj, an
annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca.

The small square building is about 45 feet high and its walls are a metre wide,
with its total size occupying roughly 627 square feet.

14. The Shard, London

The Shard is an 95-storey skyscraper, which sits in the heart of London

Also referred to as the shard of glass, The Shard is an 95-storey skyscraper,

which sits in the heart of London. Construction began in 2009 and was
completed three years later in 2012, making it Western Europe's tallest building.

Designed by architect Renzo Piano, The Shard is the second tallest free standing Advertisement
structure in the UK. It's exterior boasts 11,000 glass panels – that's equivalent in
area to eight Wembley football pitches or two-and-a-half Trafalgar Squares.

The building was developed to have multiple uses, described on the website as a
'vertical city where people can live, work and relax'. This motto was clearly taken
on board by a fox, nicknamed Romeo, that was found on the 72nd oor towards
the end of construction.

15. St Basil's Cathedral, Moscow

The unique St Basil's Cathedral in Red Square, Moscow was designed by architect Postnik Yakolev

No, we haven't included a piece of Disneyland architecture on our list. This

garish, candy coloured cathedral is in fact Moscow's most visited tourist
attraction. The famous landmark, shaped to resemble the ame of a bon re
rising into the sky, is located just outside the Kremlin gates and marks the
geometric centre of the city.

Built between 1555 and 1561, the cathedral was erected during the reign of Ivan
IV (Ivan the Terrible). Little is known about the building's architect Postnik
Yakovlev, but he was clearly a fan of onion domes, sharp spikes and polygonal
towers.

16. Empire State Building, NYC

Construction of the world-famous Empire State building was completed in just one year and 45
days

We couldn't put together a list of world-famous buildings without including this

grand Art Deco skyscraper. Once the tallest building in the world, construction
began on the Empire State building on St Patrick's Day 1930 and was completed
just 410 days later.

The building was designed by William F Lamb of architectural rm Shreve, Lamb

and Harmon. It was declared by the American Society of Civil Engineers to be
one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World and is known around the world
as an icon of New York City.

17. Lloyd's Building, London

The award-winning Lloyd's building was designed by Italian-born architect Richard Rogers. Image ©
Aurelien Guichard

This futuristic building looks like it belongs in a sci- movie rather than Lime
Street in London. The award-winning Lloyd's building (also known as the Inside-
Out building) is an iconic architectural landmark and one of the most
recognisable constructions on the London skyline.

Architects Roger Stirk Harbour + Partners were behind the innovative design,
which has its services – including water pipes and staircases – on the outside.
Built between 1978 and 1986, the building also features 12 exterior lifts, which
were the rst of their kind in the UK.

18. Colosseum, Rome

The Colosseum is the largest Roman amphitheatre ever built. Image © David Ili

This elliptical amphitheatre in the centre of Rome is considered as one of the

greatest architectural feats achieved by the Ancient Romans. The stadium was
capable of seating at least 50,000 spectators and used mainly for gladiatorial
games.

Construction – mainly using concrete and stone – began around 72AD and
nished in 80AD. The design and shape of the Colosseum has been the
inspiration for many modern day stadiums. Today it is one of Rome's most
popular tourist attractions, attracting thousands of visitors each year.

19. Taj Mahal, India

The Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. Image ©
Muhammad Mahdi Karim

Recognised as 'the jewel of Muslim art in India', the Taj Mahal was built by
Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Often mistaken as a palace, this famous landmark
was actually built as a tomb for the Emperor's wife after she died giving birth to
their 14th child.

The Taj Mahal is regarded as one of the nest examples of Mughal architecture –
an amalgamation of Persian, Turkish and Indian styles. Construction on the
mausoleum began in 1632 and was completed in 1643. The surrounding
buildings and gardens took around ve more years to nish.

20. Chrysler Building, NYC

The Chrysler building attained the title of world's tallest in building in 1930 for just eleven months
before the Empire State was erected. Image: Joris Van Rooden

In the early part of the 20th Century, people everywhere were in a race to build
the tallest building. At the time, this gorgeous Art Deco skyscraper was almost
outdone by the Bank of Manhattan but its spire (which was constructed in
secret) enabled it to take the title of 'tallest building in the world' in 1930.

It didn't last long though. Just a year later the Empire State Building was erected.
Designed by architect William Van Alen, the skyscraper was commissioned by car
manufacturer Walter P Chrysler, hence its name.

21. Sydney Opera House

Sydney Opera House is the most famous Australian architectural icon

The Sydney Opera House is widely regarded as one of the greatest architectural
works of the 20th century. The innovative design came from architect Jørn
Utzon, who was relatively unknown until January 29, 1957 when his entry to the
'International competition for a national opera house at Bennelong Point,
Sydney' was announced the winner.

The beautiful building comprises of three groups of interlocking shells, which

cover two main performance halls and a restaurant. A masterpiece of modern
architecture, the opera house has become an iconic symbol of both Sydney and
the Australian nation.

22. Space Needle, Seattle

40 years after its construction, the Space Needle remains a popular visitor destination. Image ©
Jordon Kalilich

The futuristic Space Needle in Seattle, Washington was built for the 1962 World's
fair. The famous landmark stands at 184m high and 42m wide at its widest point.

The design was a collaborative e ort between architects Edward E Carlson and
John Graham. Not only is the architecture a marvel to look at but it's a solid
structure too – it was built to survive wind velocities of 200mph and earthquakes
of up to 9.1 magnitudes.

23. Hagia Sophia, Istanbul

Now a museum, Hagia Sophia is located in Istanbul, Turkey

Once a church, later a mosque, and now a museum, Hagia Sophia is an

architectural masterpiece. A perfect example of Byzantine architecture, Hagia
Sophia is located in Istanbul, Turkey.

The building was originally constructed between 532AD and 537AD and due to
many factors, including being burned down in riots and earthquakes, the ancient
cathedral has been rebuilt many times since. Despite this, Hagia Sophia is widely
recognised as one of the great buildings of the world. The building also features
in the opening scenes of the Bond lm, Skyfall.

24. Buckingham Palace, London

Buckingham Palace is one of London's most popular tourist attractions. Image © David Ili

Originally known as Buckingham House, George III bought the property in 1735
when the mansion was little more than a red brick house. Since then, various
architects have worked on the building to make it what it is today, including John
Nash and Edmund Blore.

The palace also had to undergo extensive work after being bombed no less than
nine times during World War II. However, it's still very much in operation, and is
one of the few working royal palaces remaining in the world today.

25. Fallingwater

Frank Lloyd Wright created this unique design for the Kau man family in 1934. Image © Sxenko

Designed by famous American architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1934, Fallingwater

is quite possibly the most famous private residence in the world. But why? Well,
the unique design makes it look like the house stretches out over a 30ft
waterfall, with no solid ground beneath it.

This isn't the case, obviously, but the innovative design captured everyone's
attention when it was nalised in 1939. It became famous instantly and is now a
natural historic landmark. It's so cool you can even get a Lego version!

26. Pantheon, Rome

Built approximately 2000 years ago, the Pantheon continues to inspire architects all over the world

Rome is home to many amazing buildings, and the Pantheon is no exception.

And, like the city itself, it was not built in a day. Destroyed twice and rebuilt each
time, the building started as a rectangular structure, which, over time, evolved
into the gorgeous dome building seen today.

An inspiration to architects all over the world, the Pantheon roof remains the
world's largest unreinforced concrete dome. There is much debate between
historians over which emperor and architects were responsible for the
Pantheon's design although it is known that this 'Temple of the Gods' was built
around 126AD.

27. Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao

Architect Frank Gehry developed the unique concept for the museum after winning an architectural
competition to design the building

The Guggenheim museum Bilbao is one of the most admired works of

contemporary architecture. Canadian-born American architect Frank Gehry
created the unique concept after winning an architectural competition to design
the building.

Since the museum doors opened in 1997, it has been hailed one of the most
important buildings of the 20th century. Two decades after it was built, the
museum  welcomes around a million visitors a year.

28. Flatiron building, New York

Chicago architect Daniel Burnham designed the distinctive Flatiron building, which is instantly
recognisable in New York's skyline

The eye-catching Flatiron building in Manhattan was designed by Chicago

architect Daniel Burnham and built in 1902. The distinctive triangular shape
allowed the building to ll the space located at the intersection of Fifth Avenue
and Broadway.

Another of New York's skyscrapers, it was never the tallest but remains one of
the most memorable and has been a source of inspiration for artists and
architects for over a century now.

29. Villa Savoye, France

Villa Savoye was originally built as a country retreat for the Savoye family in 1928

Designed by Swiss architects Le Corbusier and his cousin, Pierre Jeanneret, Villa
Savoye is an early and classic example of the International style – a major
architectural style that emerged in the 1920s and '30s.

The property was built between 1928 and 1931 and, after surviving several
demolition plans, was designated as an o cial French historical monument in
1965.

30. Burj Khalifa, Dubai

Don't look down! The world's tallest building in Dubai is over 800 metres high. Image © Nicolas
Lannuzel

Last on our list – but by no means the least – is the world's tallest building Burj
Khalifa. The mammoth skyscraper and magni cent centerpiece of Downtown
Dubai stands at a whopping 828.9 metres high.

Construction began on the 160- oor building in 2004 with its doors opening six
years later in 2010. The task of creating the world's tallest manmade structure
was awarded to the Chicago o ce of American architectural and engineering
rm Skidmore, Owings and Merril LLP.

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