Architecture is a reflection of the designer's style, representing the crystallization of human wisdom and technology. Great architects are often artists who love fresh ideas and individual expressions.
As opposed to the typical boring steel and concrete buildings, there are numerous unique and intriguing structures worldwide that capture the imagination.
1. Arabian Tower Hotel "Sky Tennis Court"
The Burj Al Arab Hotel in Dubai features a "Tennis Court in the Sky" that provides players with an unparalleled view. The exhibition match between tennis legends Federer and Agassi took place on a grass court on the hotel's 211-meter-high helicopter pad, in February 2005.
The edge of the helipad lacked a railing, meaning that tennis balls would fall into the sea if hit out of bounds. Agassi, who was competing in the Middle East for the first time, was amazed by the experience and couldn't help but lie on the edge of the tarmac, admiring the panoramic view of Dubai.
2. Atomic Tower, Brussels, Belgium
The Belgium Brussels Atomic Tower, which stands 102 meters tall on the Ethel Plateau, was constructed for the 1958 Universal Exhibition. The crystalline structure, made of steel bones, magnifies an iron molecule 165 billion times, while its nine spheres represent the nine Belgian provinces. The spheres are connected by thick steel pipes weighing a total of 2,200 tons.
Visitors can access the nine domes via escalators surrounded by bright Plexiglas and equipped with several telescopes, allowing up to 250 visitors to explore them simultaneously. Each dome contains an exhibition room, showcasing scientific and technological knowledge, including the peaceful use of atomic energy, space technology, solar energy, astronomy, geography, and popular science.
3. Cubic Houses in Rotterdam, Netherlands
Architect Piet Blom's Cubic Houses, built in 1974 in Rotterdam's Helmond, are designed based on the concept of "living under the roof of the city." The houses are shaped like hexagonal towers, resembling trees, and interconnected to form a forest. This architectural style was initially introduced in Helmond and later became popular in Rotterdam.
4. Modern Art Museum of Graz, Austria
The Modern Art Museum/New Art Center, located on the banks of the river Mur, was designed by British architect Peter Cook and is a collage of blue plastic glass. The building's surrealistic appearance, featuring "Giant Bladder" and "Caterpillar," is in sharp contrast to the old castle's red-topped spire and clock tower in the center of Graz. This contrast has become one of the city's most iconic sights.
5. Bend House, Sopot, Poland
The Bend House in Sopot, Poland, was inspired by the work of Swedish painter Dahlberg, known for his lack of straight lines, the fairy tale illustrations of Polish painter Shem Zell, and the architectural works of Spanish design master Gaudi.
The city of Sopot built the house to make Monte Cassino pedestrian street the city's calling card, believing it should be more active as the city center. Now, the Bend House is a symbol of modern Sopot and a must-see attraction for tourists.
