Architecture is one of the most unique expressions of the human spirit. At its core, it’s about utility; each project should fulfill a need through a means of construction. However, architecture is also about art, which means aesthetics play a huge role in each significant design.
Throughout history, buildings have reflected higher purposes. For example, Angkor Wat in Cambodia, constructed in the 12th century, began as a mausoleum, then became a temple. However, today, the area has been renovated to serve both locals and visiting tourists because of its harmonious construction and ample bas-reliefs.
Similar projects dot the world, which means few travelers will have the opportunity to visit more than a handful of the
world’s most talented architects and their stunning architectural feats. Let’s take a look at three prime examples of art as architecture.
Morpheus Hotel
Macau
In recent years, casinos around the world have opted for creative resort designs in order to attract customers. Since 2000, online platforms have become popular for regular gamers; in many cases, such as with
Pennsylvania gambling and nearby gaming-friendly US states, casinos have launched their own online sites to stay relevant.
But Melco Resorts & Entertainment decided to keep things old-fashioned (and neo-futurist) when they contracted Zaha Hadid to tackle their latest Macau project. The idea was ‘if you build it, they will come’.
The Morpheus Hotel is a free-form building with an exoskeleton that forms lacework. The design is imaginative and innovative; there isn’t another building like it. Inside, developers expanded their creative and unique experiences, from sky villas to a world-class art gallery.
The Burj al Arab
Dubai
Similar to the Morpheus Hotel, the Burj al Arab is one of the world’s most luxury hotel-resort experiences. Since construction finished in 1999, this building has become
an iconic symbol of Dubai. The Burj al Arab stands out because of its structural expressionism; almost half of the building’s height is due to its towering needle.
The most unique part? The hotel is located on a private island, which can only be reached by a private bridge. However, there’s no need to enter the building to fully appreciate its emotive design. Many hail the project as one of the most imaginative forms of urban design.
Critics have mentioned the dissonance between the building’s interior design, which has been described as outdated and baroque-esque. Those interested in experiencing the Burj al Arab can do so from downtown Dubai.
Lotus Temple
New Delhi
Those who may never have heard of Baha’i are likely to have heard of the Lotus Temple, nestled in New Delhi. When the project, a temple for Baha’i practitioners, was first completed in 1986, it stunned the world for its emotive design.
It’s hard not to feel in awe when beholding the project, which is designed to look like a lotus flower. The building has 27 free-standing ‘petals’, which form a total of nine sides. Inside, visitors of all walks of life can ruminate in silence.
Similar to the Morpheus Hotel, the Lotus Temple has earned ample attention from architectural masters and the public alike, helping it to become
one of the most-visited locations in the world. Architect Fariborz Sahba has been honored with several awards, from lighting to excellence in religious art to concrete construction.
