World's Top 10 Unique Structures

1. Aqua Tower USA

The Aqua Tower has a Unique Structure and it is an 82-story residential skyscraper currently being built in the Lakeshore East development in downtown Chicago. True to the nautical theme of the surrounding buildings like The Tides, The Shoreham, and The Regatta, the Aqua Tower will feature a unique design.

It has already reached its maximum height of 819 ft (250 m) and will have six levels of underground parking. The base of the building will span eight stories and 140,000 sq ft (13,000 m2), topped by an 82,550 sq ft (7,669 m2) terrace with gardens, gazebos, pools, hot tubs, a walking/running track, and fire pit. Each floor will cover approximately 16,000 sq ft (1,500 m2), showcasing the advancements in construction technologies.

Image Credit:Â S.Zelov

2. Chicago Spire, USA

Designed by renowned Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, the Chicago Spire is set to become the tallest building in America by the end of 2010. Developed by Garrett Kelleher of Shelbourne Development Group Inc, this 150-floor building is expected to be completed in 2010. Access to the tower will be from Lower Lake Shore Drive to minimize traffic impact on the neighborhood, as it is estimated that the tower will add one car per minute to the local traffic pattern.

The announcement of the building has already generated significant interest, with 800 people contacting the developer within three months to express interest in buying apartments. The Chicago Spire is sure to inspire aspiring architects who may choose to attend schools like the Academy of Art University to pursue their degrees.

Image Source: Luxuo

3. CCTV Headquarters, China

CCTV Headquarters, in China, is one of the most Unique Structures in the world. Located in the Beijing Central Business District, the CCTV Headquarters is a skyscraper that serves as the headquarters of China Central Television. Designed by Rem Koolhaas and Ole Scheeren of OMA, with complex engineering design by Arup, the building’s construction began in 2004 and its facade was completed in 2008. Standing at 234 meters (768 ft) tall with 54 floors, the CCTV Headquarters is a prominent landmark in the Beijing skyline.

Image Credit: jabberwocky

4. Regatta Hotel, Jakarta

The Regatta Hotel in Jakarta embraces a nautical theme, with 10 smaller towers representing sailing boats and a larger building designed as The Lighthouse. The striking design of The Lighthouse is truly awe-inspiring and has garnered attention for its unique appearance. If the final structure closely resembles the concept designs, it is bound to leave a lasting impression.

Image Source: Skyscrapercity

5. Songjiang Hotel, Shanghai

Atkins, a renowned international design firm, has emerged victorious in a prestigious competition to conceptualize a luxurious five-star resort hotel nestled within a water-filled quarry in the picturesque Songjiang district, located in close proximity to Shanghai, China. The winning design promises to be a breathtaking masterpiece that artfully blends nature and architecture to create a truly awe-inspiring destination for discerning travelers.

The most Unique Structures Inspired by the natural water and landscape features of the quarry, the concept designs for the Songjiang Hotel captured the imagination of the judges, surpassing designs from other international firms. The resort is set to be a stunning addition to the area, showcasing the creativity and innovation of modern architecture.

Image source: Grinding

6. Russia Tower, Russia

The Russian Tower has one of the most Unique Structures in the world. It is an ambitious supertall skyscraper, that was under construction in the Moscow International Business Centre of Moscow, Russia. However, its construction was ultimately canceled, leaving it unfinished. The tower was planned to cover a total area of 520,000 m2 (5,600,000 sq ft), with 38% of it located underground. It would have contained 118 floors, 101 elevators, underground parking for 3,680 cars, and commercial retail shops at the base. The Russia Tower was projected to have a maximum capacity of around 30,000 people.

Image Source: BPCC

7. Penang Global City Centre, Malaysia

The design of the Penang Global City Centre (PGCC) complex is focused on creating a new and iconic image for the city of Penang, Malaysia, as part of the development of the Northern Corridor.

The design embraces natural landscapes and contemporary urbanism, achieving elegance and stature through its innovative approach. The iconic towers draw inspiration from the lushness and drama of the surrounding mountains and seascapes, as well as the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Penang.

Image Source: World Architecture News

8. Gazprom Headquarters, Russia

The Gazprom Headquarters in St. Petersburg, Russia has one of the most Unique Structures in the world. It is a massive glass flame-shaped building that stands 300 meters tall, dwarfing all other structures in its vicinity. Its unique design includes a feature that changes color up to 10 times per day, depending on the position of the sun. However, it has been nicknamed ‘corn on the cob’ by some unhappy locals due to its unconventional appearance.

Image Source: You

9. Burj Khalifa, Dubai

The Burj Khalifa in Dubai is currently the tallest man-made structure in the world. It was officially named Burj Khalifa during its grand opening in honor of the president of the U.A.E., H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al Nahyan.

The tower is a marvel of modern construction, using over 330,000 cubic meters of concrete and 31,400 metric tonnes of steel rebar. It is situated on a man-made lake that wraps around the tower, providing dramatic views of the iconic structure. Interestingly, the condensation water collected from the building’s A/C system is equivalent to 20 Olympic-sized swimming pools per year and is used for landscaping.

Image Source: Emporis

10. Residence Antilia, India

Despite facing opposition, construction has begun on Residence Antilia in India. This extravagant residence is known for its opulence and luxury, boasting unique features such as multiple gardens, swimming pools, and a helipad. The building’s design and amenities have generated significant attention, with some considering it one of the most extravagant homes in the world.