Traveling for Architecture: 4 Modern Feats of Engineering You Have to See to Believe


One of the pleasures of traveling is to explore some of the architectural wonders found around the world. Many modern buildings and structures really help us appreciate the extent of human ingenuity. The following are four examples of modern engineering that you should see for yourself when you get the chance.

Sydney Opera House

The Sydney Opera House, which opened in 1973, is probably the most famous and widely admired building in Australia. Its scenic location on Sydney Harbour gives it a striking appearance that can be appreciated from many spots in the city. The Sydney Opera House is actually a complex of connected performance spaces rather than a single building. The structure is currently undergoing a massive renovation which won’t be completed until 2023.

Cayan Tower

Cayan Tower, also known as Infinity Tower in Dubai, UAE, is currently the tallest building in the world at 1,000 feet. This 80-story residential building is not, however, simply another skyscraper. It’s a giant spiral that twists at a 90-degree angle, giving it the appearance of a modern sculpture. This impressive architectural feat took seven years to build, opened in 2013. It won an Emporis Skyscraper Award, which honors exceptional skyscrapers. The designers of such iconic monuments typically have completed civil engineering master’s programs, so if you are enraptured with the beauty of modern architecture, you could always work your way to becoming an engineer yourself.

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

There are several Guggenheim museums in the world, the most famous one located in New York City. While they are all architectural wonders, the one in Bilbao, Spain, is the most impressive of all. Completed in 1997, this museum is widely recognized as one of the most advanced architectural projects of all time. Both the interior and exterior are designed in circular patterns to best display the museum’s contemporary works of art.

Sunrise Kempinski Hotel

The Sunrise Kempinski Hotel, which opened in 2014 in Beijing, China, is a luxury 5-star hotel that’s name is taken from its shape. The hotel is an oval that actually resembles the sun. Covered with thousands of glass panels, the building looks especially beautiful at night, when it’s lit by hydro-electric-powered LED lights. The hotel’s stunning suites have views of Yanqi Lake as well as the nearby Yanshan Mountains.

About the Author

Emma is a freelance writer currently living in Boston, MA. For civil engineering masters programs, Emma recommends Ohio University. To see more from Emma, say hi on Twitter @EmmaSturgis2