Why you must visit these 20 famous buildings
before you die
From the Colosseum to the Chrysler building, get a dose of
inspiration from 20 of the world's most famous buildings.
Whenever we travel to far-flung places, we're attracted to famous buildings. It's not that most of
us have a deep interest in the technicalities of architecture. It's more about how the designs of
these buildings reflect the era and culture in which they were built.
Much like a photograph, architectural designs record details of specific 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. Here we have picked 20 of the most famous building designs from around the world
which you can find design inspiration simply by visiting them and discovering their historical
background.
01. St Paul's Cathedral, London
British
architect Sir Christopher Wren took 10 years to finalise 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 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 1668, his designs for the cathedral taking a decade to
complete and the actual construction taking a further 40 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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Also see our designer's guide to London!
02. Petronas Towers, Kuala Lumpur
The Petronas
Towers are an iconic landmark in Malaysia's capital city Kuala Lumpur
Standing at 170 metres above ground, the Petronas Towers are twin skyscrapers in Kuala
Lumpur, Malaysia. The buildings, which held the titled of tallest in the world between 19982004, 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.
03. 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 1972 Hoban
submitted a plan for the presidential mansion and subsequently got the commission to build the
White House. Constructed began in 1793 through to completion 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.
04. Leaning Tower of Pisa
Due to
restoration work carried out in 2001, the tower currently leans at just under 4 degrees. It is
estimated that it will collapse in the next 75-100 years. 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 300 years. There
has been much controversy surrounding the true identity of the architect behind the tower - the
design originally attributed to artist Bonnano Pisano but studies have also implicated architect
Diotisalvi.
05. St Basil's Cathedral, Moscow
The unique
Disney-esque 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, although you'd be
forgiven for thinking so. This garish, candy coloured cathedral is in fact Moscow's most visited
tourist attraction. The famous landmark, shaped to resemble the flame of a bonfire rising into the
sky, is located just outside the Kremlin gates and marks the geometric centre of the city.
Built between 1554 and 1560, 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.
06. 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 firm 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.
07. Lloyds Building, London
The awardwinning Lloyds building was designed by Italian-born architect Richard Rogers. Image ©
Aurelien Guichard
This futuristic building looks like it belongs in a sci-fi movie rather than Lime Street in London.
The award-winning Lloyds building (also known as the Inside-Out building) is an iconic
architectural landmark and one of the most recognisable constructions on the London skyline.
Architect Richard Rogers was the brains 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 outside lifts, which were the first of their kind in the UK.
08. Colosseum, Rome
The
Colosseum is the largest Roman amphitheatre ever built. Image © David Iliff
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 50,000
spectators and used mainly for gladiatorial games.
Built from concrete and stone, construction began on the Colosseum began around 72AD and
finished 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.
09. 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 finest examples of Mughal architecture - an
amalgamation of Persian, Turkish and Indian styles. Construction on the mausoleum began in
1632 and was completed in 1648. The surrounding buildings and gardens took a further five
years to finish.
10. Chrysler Building, NYC
The Chrysler
building attained the title of world's tallest in building in 1930 for just one year when 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.
11. Sydney Opera House
Sydney
Opera House is the most famous Australian architectural icon
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 roof 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.
12. Space Needle, Seattle
40 years after
its construction, the Space Needle remains Seattle's best 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 effort between architects Edward E Carlson and John
Graham. Not only is the architecture a marvel to look at but the building's impressive design
can survive wind velocities of 200mph and can escape serious structural damage during
earthquakes of up to 9.1 magnitudes.
13. 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 a architectural masterpiece.
A perfect example of Byzantine architecture, Hagia Sophia is located in Instanbul, Turkey.
The building was built for the first time by the emperor Constantine the Great (306-337).
However, 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. And if that wasn't cool enough, the building also features
in the opening scenes of the latest Bond film, Skyfall.
14. Buckingham Palace, London
Buckingham
Palace is one of London's most popular tourist attractions. Image © David Iliff
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, Edmund Blore and Sir Aston
Webb.
The palace also had to undergo extensive work after being bombed no less than nine times
during World War II. However, still very much in operation, it's one of the few working royal
palaces remaining in the world today.
15. Fallingwater
Frank Lloyd
Wright created this unique design for the Kauffman 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 finalised in 1939. It became famous instantly and is now a natural historic landmark. It's so
cool you can even get a Lego version of the architectural masterpiece!
16. Pantheon
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 over the last 2,000 years, 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.
17. 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. California-based Canadian-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. Now with over a decade of success, the museum has homed over a hundred
exhibitions and has welcomed more than 10 million visitors.
18. Flatiron building
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 fill 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.
19. Villa Savoye
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 in 1928 and, after surviving several demolition plans, was designated as
an official French historical monument in 1965.
20. Burj Khalifa
Dont look
down! The world's tallest building in Dubai over 800 metres high. Image © Nicolas Lannuzel
Last on our list but but very means the least is the world's tallest building Burj Khalifa. The
mammoth skyscraper and magnificent centerpiece of Downtown Dubai stands at a whopping
828.9 metres high. Construction began on the 160-floor 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 office of American architectural and engineering firm Skidmore, Owings and Merril
LLP.