As a team from ArchVisualizations, which work daily with various 3D exterior designs, we are passionate about modern architecture and its constant evolution.
We have worked with projects from the USA, UK, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Switzerland and many other different countries. And we are always fascinated how architecture evolves in different places and cultures.
Modern architecture is our bread and salt and we are always interested to visit various places and see the best what our great architecture minds has to offer.
Some designs are so bold that it is hard to comprehend how some building companies manage to make these designs into real life.
We present to you the top 10 cities that every modern architecture enthusiast should explore.
Chicago, USA: The Birthplace of Skyscrapers
Known as the “Windy City,” Chicago bears witness to a rich architectural history. The city is famous for being the birthplace of modern skyscrapers. Leading the pack, the Chicago School of Architecture, driven by influential figures like Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright, brought the world steel-framed buildings with the Wainwright Building in St. Louis, Missouri, and the Auditorium Building in Chicago. Today, iconic structures such as the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower), John Hancock Center, and Aqua Tower continue to captivate architecture aficionados.
Dubai, UAE: The Oasis of Futuristic Skyline
Dubai is synonymous with luxury and innovation, and its skyline reflects precisely this. The city has transformed its desert landscape into a playground for futuristic architectural marvels. All of this enormous transition happened only in 40 years. The Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, stands as an engineering wonder. While the Burj Al Arab, with its sail-like structure, is an iconic symbol of modern luxury. Additionally, the Palm Jumeirah and the Dubai Opera highlight the city’s commitment to cutting-edge architectural innovation.
Barcelona, Spain: A Blend of Old and New
Barcelona is a city where modern architecture blends harmoniously with its historic surroundings. The one-of-a-kind designs of Antoni Gaudí, such as the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, exemplify the city’s artistic take on modernism. The contemporary Agbar Tower by Jean Nouvel and the sleek Fòrum Building designed by Herzog & de Meuron provide excellent evidence of Barcelona’s modern architectural vitality.
Even the whole urban area plan of Barcelona was ahead of the time, what makes it an urbanistic/architectural marvel.
Copenhagen, Denmark: A Sustainable Haven
Copenhagen leads the way in sustainable urban development. The city’s contemporary architectural gems, like the VM Houses and the 8 House, focus on green living and community integration. Copenhagen’s approach to environmentally friendly design has made it a model for modern architecture that prioritizes sustainability.
Copenhagen is one of the most sustainable capitals of the world. So it is very interesting to see how they integrate green ideas into big projects; not only the energy solutions, but materials as well.
Tokyo, Japan: A Contemporary Journey
Tokyo’s modern architecture is a testament to the city’s adaptability and innovation. The Tokyo Skytree stands as an iconic broadcasting and observation tower, while the stunning Prada Building in Aoyama, designed by Herzog & de Meuron, captures the essence of modern design in a bustling metropolis. Tokyo showcases how modernity and tradition can seamlessly blend together.
Tokyo is huge, but quiet and clean. Maybe the cleanest big city in the world with a seemless integration of modern buildings and huge japanese gardens. Tokyo business district is full of modern skyscrapers. Do not forget to visit Roppongi district to have a look at huge, modern luxury shops.
Singapore: The Future is here
Singapore, a thriving city-state in Southeast Asia, is a dynamic center for contemporary architecture. If you want to fit more than 5 million people in such a small area, you have to think very carefuly and take into consideration many factors to make it sustainable, breathable, clean, comfortable; and the Singapore took this task seriously by making a marvel city in Asia witgh many modern buildings and skyscrapers.
Renowned for its sustainable designs, the city features iconic landmarks like the Marina Bay Sands and the Gardens by the Bay’s Supertree Grove. With a focus on innovative urban planning, the Punggol Digital District exemplifies its commitment to smart, sustainable development. Singapore’s architectural diversity, seen in structures such as the Parkroyal on Pickering and the Helix Bridge, blends modernity and practicality. Beyond exploration, the city presents business opportunities, making it an attractive destination for architecture enthusiasts and industry professionals.
Shenzhen, China: The Silicon Valley of Architecture
Lately China is the birth place of hundreds of bold and great architectural designs. They are not afraid to experiment and create new unseen structures and areas.
Shenzhen, a city in southern China, has risen as the Silicon Valley of architecture. It is a hub for innovative and experimental designs. Structures such as the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, designed by Rem Koolhaas, and the Sea World Culture and Arts Center by Fumihiko Maki, redefine urban architecture. Shenzhen represents China’s ambition to be at the forefront of modern design.
Los Angeles, USA: Modernism in the City of Angels
Los Angeles is known for its rich history of modernist architecture, influenced by luminaries like Richard Neutra and Charles and Ray Eames. The Stahl House, a modernist masterpiece by Pierre Koenig, offers an authentic mid-century modern experience. The Getty Center, designed by Richard Meier, is a contemporary masterpiece. The Broad, a contemporary art museum, exemplifies the city’s architectural diversity.
Seoul, South Korea: The Rise of Contemporary Design
Seoul has rapidly transformed into a vibrant hub for modern architecture. The Dongdaemun Design Plaza, designed by Zaha Hadid, is a striking example of contemporary design with its fluid and futuristic form. The cityscape also features the, South Korea’s tallest skyscraper, designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox.
London, UK: Bridging the Old and New
London is a city where modern architecture merges seamlessly with historic structures. The Shard, designed by Renzo Piano, pierces the sky and offers breathtaking views of the city. The Tate Modern, housed in a converted power station, symbolizes the repurposing of old structures into modern cultural institutions. The City of London’s ever-changing skyline showcases a variety of architectural styles. As a team of 3D real estate professionals, we are captivated by these cities and the unique stories they tell through their architecture.
Honorable mentions
As the world hurtles forward at an unprecedented pace, architectural enthusiasts have an array of captivating destinations to explore.
Oslo, Norway, beckons with its Scandinavian designs that beautifully blend functionality and aesthetics. The city’s commitment to sustainable, eco-friendly architecture is evident in its modern structures, showcasing a deep appreciation for the natural environment.
Berlin, Germany, presents a unique narrative of history and modernity. Visitors can immerse themselves in the city’s rich cultural heritage while witnessing the rise of innovative architectural marvels. It’s a place where the classic beauty of landmarks like the Berliner Dom harmonizes with the ultramodern Hauptbahnhof, symbolizing the city’s ability to blend tradition with cutting-edge design.
For those seeking something truly unique, a journey to the Baltic states is in order, with the fast-evolving capital city of Lithuania, Vilnius, at the forefront of architectural innovation. Vilnius is a city where the past meets the future, where historic charm and modern design are interwoven. Its contemporary buildings, like the modern art centre MO or world famous architect Libeskind project in Vilnius called Artery.
New York, the city that never sleeps, continues to captivate with its awe-inspiring skyline. This metropolis is a living canvas where architectural dreams take flight. The One World Trade Center, The Vessel at Hudson Yards, and the High Line are just a few examples of the city’s architectural prowess. New York’s skyline is a testament to human ingenuity and ambition, reflecting the ever-evolving nature of modern architecture in a bustling urban environment. You can find there new bold designs pretty much every day and your architectural journey will never stop.
