Humans have been shaping the soil since the very dawn of their existence. From mud walls to steel floors, we’ve come up with a variety of ways to shelter ourselves and to give praise to those we see as our higher power. Nowhere is this more evident than the abundant amount of buildings scattered across the globe. They are a symbol of progress, sacrifice, and innovation.
These 71 slides will show you just how far we’ve come in the world of architecture when it comes to creating some of the most jaw-dropping structures ever conceived. Get ready to be amazed by these insanely gratifying buildings from all over the planet!
1) Glasgow Evangelical Church, 1878-80
The Italianate style is incorporated in the structure of this simplistically lavish chapel. Nothing too flashy. The most impressive part might be how congruent the building is given its size. Also, the dome is not too bad of an eye-candy either.
2) Brickell’s Modern Office Building Architecture
Modern times call for modern buildings. In the state of sunshine and beaches, this modern marvel stands tall to absorb all the tropic splendor. Just your basic skyscraper trying to fit in with the rest of the downtown lineup.
3) Tempio Meggiore Di Roma synagogue in Rome, Italy
A beautiful sight to behold. The many complexities of this building show just how serious the craftmanship of architecture is taken. Not a single column, fence, or wall is taken for granted.
4) Japanese Tea House
Stop by for some relaxing tea in this little cozy spot. Take a gander at the beautiful nature surrounding the ordaned edifice and don’t worry about the time: let it all go when you’re having fun in this cute Japanese tea house. It will guarantee to revitalize your soul from the soles of your feet to the top of your head!
5) The Atlas Building – Columbus, Ohio
A building usually signifies technological advances and a wealth of resources. These type of buildings began to take place in the New World to signify colonial advancements in modern architecture. Given the fact we still have them today, the design deserves grand respect among any designer that seeks inspiration.
6) Wall House 2, designed by architect John Hejduk in 1973 and built in 2001 in Groningen, Netherlands
Well this one is a bit odd. The design can throw you off at first, but upon a closer look, it’s not too shabby! The aesthetic is not very vibrant, but it doesn’t have to be to show a bit of creativity.
7) Into The Future We Go
This looks like it was taken out of a scene of Star Trek. The futuristic vibes in this room are truly overwhelming. Whoever made this is really a fan of circles and the color white.
8) Orléans Cathedral, late gothic, begun in 1601, completed in 1829
Nothing feels more gothic than some actual gothic cathedrals. While it may not rank amongst the best in the world, this gothic cathedral is still elaborately crafted to demand a focused gaze. What always seems to jump out at you is the incredible amount of detail in every pattern and wall design.
9) Jubilee Jerusalem synagogue in Prague, Czech Republic
If you’re going to give thanks to the higher power, you might as well do it in a heaven-like setting. This synagogue is truly magnificent when you look at all the colors coalescing in this image. They really outdid themselves with this one!
10) Impossible Architectures: The Works of Filip Dujardin
This optical illusion of a building is either something out of someone’s insane mind or someone really made a mess of things. Either way, this jigsaw puzzle of a building looks like a labyrinth made for mental patients. All kidding aside, I hope they made a map to get around this place since it looks like it can be a bit difficult to traverse it.
11) Szeged synagogue in Hungary
The dome ceiling is truly a celestial spectacle to see. It almost looks like a cosmic gate into the galaxy from where this image was taken. These architects sure do know how to create shock and awe with all their wonderfully talented projects.
12) City of Bath in Somerset, England
This pleasantly looking sight is brought to you by the illustrious architects that fear no restriction. The greenery of the field is amplified by the wide space given by the buildings that circulate around. One can only really respect the craftmanship once they are there seeing it for themself.
13) Arc, a mixed-use tower in Sydney, Australia, designed by Koichi Takada Architects in 2013
A typical building needs its walls and windows. This one includes that and a bit of a mix-up with its arched design by the bottom. Even in Australia do we concentrate on making sure humans can appreciate the beauty of a concrete jungle.
14) Marmara University Dome in Istanbul, Turkey
The Dome is organized in an unorthodox manner. Various geometric shapes outline the dome, thus giving it an edgy appeal. The clean colors of white, blue, and orange really mesh together well and complement the disorderly structure of the dome.
15) Ø House in Sydney, Australia
A very simple concept when you look at it. This round, pantheon-esque building is a modern revival of a greek classic. It’s got the clean, modern surface and the shape of a more archetypal style of construction.
16) This beautifully styled well in Geertruidenberg, The Netherlands built in 1767.
Just because it doesn’t have walls or windows doesn’t mean we can’t admire architecture for the beauty that it is. This well is an example of how the level of detail in the past was unrivalled for nearly every facet of the arts. Those who paved the way must’ve known we would revel in their clever ideas to push the envelope in creativity.
17) 1970s brutalist buildings in Serbia photographed by Mirko Nahmijas
Well, what do we have here? Excuse us as we take a minute to digest what we’re exactly looking at here. The hallways in this building must be something out of a Stephen King novel the way those rooms jut out of the main structure that way.
18) Registan in Samarkand, Uzbekistan
No matter what part of the world you’re in, there’s always something pretty to look at. Even this captivating structure has many feelings and ideas that are invoked by simply looking at it. There really is no end to the almost infinite amount of places that hold awesome buildings like this.
19) Qasr Al Watan palace in Abu Dhabi
Resources are a great incentive for creating some of the most prestigious projects in the world. In the land of Abu Dhabi, those resources can manifest themselves into insanely gorgeous creations such as the Qasr Al Watan palace. The level of symmetry is immaculate when you look at it from a distance. How was such a thing possible to create?
20) Taste the Rainbow
This sweet room makes you feel like you’re happily trapped in Carnival land forever. The array of bright colors is suitable for any child out there willing to spend time in the room. It’s great for having a sleepover with your friends since it provides ample space and even some accessory beds for anyone trying to crash that night.
21) Tsinghua Ocean Center, Shenzhen, China, designed by OPEN Architecture in 2016
Things start to get a little weird with this one. There’s nothing wrong with weird, but it is a bit eye catching when things start to look like a Tim Allen movie in real life. The open concept isn’t for everyone, but we’re glad at least some people aren’t shy about promoting it for those who don’t mind.
22) Warsaw University of Technology
Take a gander at this marvel of building. The glass ceiling is expertly made to allow for the clear skys to pain it’s backdrop while a solar-fused design makes way as its focal point. The sheer space of the inside really expand on the size of the locale and can even create a soothing experience when admiring the ceiling for the true beauty that it is.
23) Well Court, Designed As Model Housing For Local Workers And Finished In 1886 In Dean Village, Edinburgh, Scotland
There’s no doubt that Europe has some of the most breathtaking architectural achievements in the modern era. This well court is an exceptional example of the detail and finesse used to account for the space, design, and comfortability of those dwelling in it. Credit to those architects that take their work seriously for the benefit of others.
24) Wedekindhaus, A Half-Timbered Renaissance Style House
This old-style house has had its share of history. Back in 1598, it was originally built by the merchant Hans Storre. Later, the building was completely demolished during a WWII air raid and suffered for many years. Finally, it was rebuilt around the 1980s and now serves as a monument to the historical result of war as well as a mark of architectural ingenuity.
25) Museum Of Coastal Geomorphology In Vancouver
Really? You mean to tell me this a museum where you can go and study the morphology of rocks? Count us in!
26) Apartment Building In Singapore
Singapore is one of the most unique places on planet Earth. What’s even more surprising is the advanced level of architectural projects currently taking place in the city. Many of those who have the pleasure of experiencing such home commodities have yet to say anything bad about it.
27) Art Nouveau Doorway
This doorway is simply awe-strucking. It’s not your ordinary doorway and that’s why we are obsessing over it. It really does make you think about what was going on in that person’s head when they decided to make this lovely piece.
28) Les Espaces D’abraxas, Noisy-Le-Grand, France
Many questions come to mind the more you look at this. Why is their grass on the ceiling? What courtyard is this supposed to be? It all seems to go away once you learn to just appreciate it for what it is and that one day you might be able to set foot here and see for yourself. Maybe then some questions may get answered.
29) 19th Century Double-Gallery House In New Orleans, Louisiana
No school like the old-school they say. This southern, clean, and spacious domecile is nestled in the crux of the willow trees of Louisiana. Lucky are those who have this as their home!
30) Hotel In The City Of Quebec, Canada
This gigantic palace is something out of a Dracula film. We’re wondering if there are any vampires that dwell here given the immense size and red paint of the walls. Regardless, kudos to the team who built this ga
31) The National Shrine you’ve never seen before
in Seoul, South Korea
32) Trinity College, Geology Building, Dublin
Wonderous, large, and fascinating. All the great traits that accompany a well made structure. I have a feeling there’s more than just geology that needs to be studied in this place.
33) Setenil De Las Bodegas In Cadiz, Spain
Don’t worry the rocks won’t collapse. It may seem a bit scary at first, but walking through is a delight that locals from this area take pleasure in. Be sure to grab a shopping bag and get the pastries that are on sale!
34) Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria, Germany
Castles were never out of fashion. When you witness one like this, then you would start questionining why in the world did we stop making them! All we can do is appreciate the ones that are left.
35) Bucktown, Chicago / USA
No, we’re not in the East. This is actually an oriental structure made in Chicago, Illinois to highlight the great culture resonating within the area. It’s vibrant and traditional in a way that can only be made in the USA.
36) Mr Thomas’s Chop House. Manchester. Mills And Murgatroyd. 1901
Build more than a century ago and it’s still looking as lavish as before. The style is brimming with the combination of old and new and even in between. The story of architecture is the story of people, and this one is no exception.
37) Neo-Gothic House In Budapest Circa 1894
This is something out of the Beauty and the Beast. Either that or any section of Hogwarts really. The symmetrical style of each floor give it a really clean aesthetic that is synonymous with the detail of antiquity.
38) The Entrance To A Nightclub In Seoul, South Korea Designed By Mdrdv
Talk about a doorway into Wonderland. Not sure what inspired this one, but it looks eerily delicious. Wherever this path takes you, let’s hope it’s as entrancing as this entrance.
39) The Stunning Shah-I-Zinda Necropolis In Samarkand, Uzbekistan
This building is simply beautiful. There’s really no other way to describe it. The lush colors all come together and draw your eyes closer like the sweet shine of a tender basket of strawberries.
40) 19th Century Italianate Orangery Of The Castle Ashby House, Northamptonshire, East Midlands, England
A little greenery is always a great addition. Nature has its way of resetting your mood when things get tough. So it’s probably best to leave the anxiety behind and calm down with some of this fine shrubbery next to you.
41) Fallingwater Under Snow, Designed By Frank Lloyd Wright In 1935
Frosty settings always make for a hauntingly sweet view. This building is laid out in a way where it creates mini paths of running water. Frozen or not, this property is looking like the next big purhcase for a lucky homeowner.
42) The Tomb Of Ramesses Vi, The Valley Of Kings, Egypt
Nothing like paying respects to your superior. Pharaohs knew this better than anyone, especially since they took their riches to the afterlife. The tomb is nothing short of amazing and really puts into perspective the level of detail and passion previous architects had about their work.
43) Hohenzollern Castle, Germany
We’re not getting tired of castles anytime soon on here. And you shouldn’t either! All it takes is a quick gaze to realize that you should probably be inside one of these by now!
44) Windows Inside Dos Bosco Chapel- Brasilia, Brazil
They say the eyes are the windows to the soul, but the windows in this chapel might lead you to see the cosmos. All of the colors of the night sky seem to mix well with the entire presentation. Great job to the visionaries who created this!
45) Very Narrow Corner House, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Don’t worry. You’re not the only one shaking your head to this amazing feat. How did this come about? Well, it was made in Holland, so that’s a big clue in itself.
46) Park Royal Hotel Singapore
Singapore delivers yet again. An unbelievable experience is had in this hotel where greenery and biodiversity is emphasized amongst the urban sprawl. We’re glad there are still some people out there willing to push the boundaries as much as possible.
47) Clermont-Ferrand Cathedral In France – Built Entirely Of Black Lava Stone
Wow. This one is definitely at the top of our list for how unique the material is. How these architects did this is beyond us. The wonder of it all is what really pushes us to get our shoes and socks on and see this right away!
48) Shades Of Blue Highlight This San Francisco Victorian Home
Blue is a pretty standard and popular color for most people. So why not an entirely blue house? Yeap, this Victorian-style home is the perfect fit for those obsesses with the color blue.
49) Grundtvig’s Church In Copenhagen, Denmark.
This church was completed in 1940 and it contains a combination of a cathedral and old-style danish country house. The warm colors in the ambience of the hallway really work to draw you closer. Churches always seemed to get the fanciest stuff, and this one was no exception.
50) Duomo Di Milano, Italy
The very famous Duomo Di Milano is a prestigious artifice amongst many. It encapsulates the gothic period, unlike any other structure before it. If you go through Milan, then you really have no excuse to miss out on this extraordinary marvel of architecture.
51) Thorncrown Chapel, Arkansas, By E. Fay Jones
The more greenery, the better. It’s always a bonus when you have mother nature dress your urban projects. If it wasn’t on purpose, then let’s just give credit to Bob Ross here and call it a “happy little accident.”
52) Restaurant On The River Ill
Now this is how you enjoy lunch on a casual day. You mean this is a restaurant? The view itself is 5 stars, so we can’t even imagine how good the menu is!
53) “Azure Blue Pool” At Hearst Castel, San Simeon, California.
Azure is right. It’s like diving into the sky during midday. Just be careful to not get lost in all of it’s glit and glam.
54) Hallgrímskirkja In Reykjavík
Well, they did warn us that winter was coming. And they weren’t kidding. This frosty landscape hails a landmark that looks as if it pierces the very sky.
55) Stone Cottage in England
Cottages are known to be small, warm, and cozy. This is exactly what we picture when the idea of staying in a comfortable place comes in. Don’t overstay your welcome or you might fall in love with the surroundings.
56) The Ceiling Of The Shah Mosque In Isfahan, Iran
Jackson Pollock might have drawn inspiration from these types of work. Too many things going on, yet nothing at all. That’s kind of what you get from this type of artwork once you look at it long enough.
57) Apartment Building In Tel Aviv, Israel
We wonder how much rent is in this apartment. Is it possible to even afford staying here? Well, it does look alluring but the question still stands: how much?!
58) House In Art Nouveau Style, Brussels, Belgium
A very cute house stands in Brussels, Belgium. It has everything a well adorned house ought to have. It looks a bit small, though, for those people who are too tall to problaby ride this architecture.
59) Early 1900’s Craftsman Home In Seattle
There is still some fine architecture left in the states. Not to mention in Seattle of all places. Make sure to come check this place out if ever you’re in the neighborhood.
60) Budapest Hungary
In terms of architecture, the entire city of Budapest is a work of art. It truly reigns supreme as one of Europe’s premiere destinations for architectural wealth. As long as you don’t mind the cold, everything will take care of itself.
61) Vietnam’s Golden Bridge
Take a moment to appreciate life a little. A simple walk across this maginificent bridge might change your life. Next time you travel, take a peek at what Vietnam has to offer.
62) The Kansas City Public Library
Well isn’t ths lovely? Nothing short of creative for this line of buildings. It would have been such a joy to rent out books growing up in this town.
63) Natural History Museum, London
England yet again impresses. From their cozy cottages, to awesome chapels, to even their fine museums. There’s really no shortage in their arsenal when trying to impress us with their architectural gifts.
64) Zhongshuge Bookstore In Chengdu, China
Don’t sleep on China. They have some of the crazies architectural designs known to man. Not very many, but when they make them, they make sure it counts.
65) A Spiral Staircase Designed By Leonardo Da Vinci In The Year 1516
Need there be more to be said? DaVinci is one of the greatest artists to have ever lived and this is just one of a multitude of reasons why. He can even turn a staircase into a work of art!
66) Wisteria Blossoms Surrounding The Entrance Of A Victorian Townhouse In San Francisco
San Francisco is known for having a ton of unique homes clustered up together. This is just one example of the many beautiful homes that dwell in that area. Spectacular doesn’t even begin to describe just how perfect this home looks.
67) Pavillion Of The Enlightened, Bangkok
Thailand boasts a myriad of exotic locations as well as architectural gems. This one is just an example of many. The pavilion is organized like a mini city and can have you entertained for hours as long as you’re willing to not get lost.
68) Lednice Castle, Czech Republic
Staircases may seem like small additions, but they go a long way. Just look at how this staircase displays an insane amount of man hours that it took to create it. Picture yourself climbing this elegant work of art and see that it’s more than meets the eye.
69) The Art Nouveau ‘Gran Hotel Ciudad De México’, 1899
Don’t forget Mexico! They are of course inspired by the influence of Spain, which dominated much of the period with their colonial-style buildings. This glass ceiling is a wonderful example of dedication and efficiency when trying to create a great piece of art.
70) The Russian Ministry Of Agriculture, In Kazan
Russia has some of the most intriguing buildings in the entire world. This one here, for instance, has a tree in front of the entryway as a huge symbol of strength. Agriculture is important to our survival, and the Russians made sure to remind us of that.
71) Semi-Destroyed In 1979 By The Earthquake In Albania
A pheonix alwasy rises from the ashes just like this building was revived for the second time. It came back bigger and better too! The glass pane window addition and the strong stones laid out give it a very resilient look that will hopefully give it strength for much time to come.
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