We are living in an age of technological marvels, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the world of architecture. Over the past few years, we have seen some truly incredible buildings being constructed, many of which seem to come straight out of a sci-fi movie! In this article, we will take a look at some of the most impressive sci-fi futuristic buildings that have been built recently. So sit back and prepare to be amazed!
1. Al Bahr Towers, Abu Dhabi
Over the last decade, the UAE has been a pioneer in forward-thinking design and invention. Of course, architects have a field day in the Emirates, where money is rarely an issue and the city is a playground for strange, futuristic design.
Using solar energy to generate power in a building’s design has enormous potential for both environments and architects. And nowhere is this more apparent than in Abu Dhabi, where bright, all-year-round sunshine is abundant.
First on our list of futuristic buildings is The Al Bahr Towers. The Al Bahr Towers are distinctive as they resemble two pineapples. The 29-story towers were designed by AHR and feature an umbrella-like façade that responds automatically to the sun’s intensity and opens and closes like an umbrella.        Â
2. Beijing Galaxy Soho, China
The Galaxy Soho in Beijing rises from the city’s streets like a science fiction spaceship from Star Trek. Zaha Hadid describes the building as a reinterpretation of the urban fabric of Beijing, with the curves and lines of the design mimicking the metropolis’s continual motion and flow.
The structures are linked by bridges and walkways. There are no corners in the structure providing public areas that reflect the Chinese courtyard house’s openness and neighborliness. The building has been created to take advantage of natural light as much as possible.
3. City & Art Museum, Ordos, China
What if you could live in a city with no pollution and plenty of space? That’s the idea behind this futuristic architecture created by one famous engineer. The Buckminster Fuller Dome City concept has been used for decades as an example to show how we might live better than ever when there are limited resources out on Earth. It turns out that China may have taken his ideas seriously enough even without being influenced by literature or films!
The Ordos Museum is based on original designs made during the mid-20th century.
The architects of this building were seeking to create something revolutionary, both in its design and construction. They wanted it so badly that they put their own country’s heritage on display for all those who visit–a mix between modernity with Chinese traditional culture thrown into the mix!
4. Museum of Tomorrow, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Another on our list of Sci-Fi futuristic buildings is The Museum of Tomorrow. Its is the first Brazilian museum to receive a gold LEED certification and has become a model for urban recovery and revitalization using environmentally friendly practices in Rio de Janeiro.
One of its key accomplishments was the development of a solar “spine” roof that bends with the sun to maximize natural light and energy absorption while adjusting to changing conditions. It also makes use of reusable rainwater collected from Guanabara Bay, which saves an estimated 9.6 million liters of water each year as well as 2,400 megawatt-hours of electricity annually by utilizing reusable rainwater collection funneled from the bay.
The museum’s roof is massive steel structures or mobile “wings” that expand to the full length of the pier, and the building itself features large sea-facing overhangs to emphasize the extension from the dock into the bay. The building’s floating visual illusion is created by a reflecting pool surrounding it. The Museum of Tomorrow has become an important pillar of Brazil’s port revitalization efforts.
5. Tao Zhu Yin Yuan, Taipei, Taiwan
Last but not least on our least of Sci-Fi futuristic buildings is The Tao Zhu Yin Yuan. This architectural marvel is a 21-story skyscraper that has set a precedent for environmentally friendly design and carbon-absorbing architecture. The tower was built to be entirely self-sustainable in terms of energy, with 23,000 trees, shrubs, and plants absorbing 130 tons of carbon dioxide each year from the open areas. Vibrant green gardens extend from the tower’s balconies and terraces from the bottom up.
The twisting architecture of the tower is inspired by DNA’s double helix structure, which symbolizes dynamic life in the tower’s 21 turning levels. Residents enjoy 270-degree views because each floor rotates 4.5 degrees to provide natural ventilation and an innovative column-free inside design that enhances window views. The building promotes clean air by utilizing vertical chimneys and a double-skin façade to create natural ventilation. Other sustainability features include rainwater recycling systems, energy monitoring systems, and regenerative elevators.
Why Modern Architecture is Breaking New Boundaries
It seems like there is a new building every year that breaks new boundaries of what is possible for architecture. But why is that?
Key changes in materials and design allow us to move past the staid designs of the past and surpass the limits of engineering. For example, Buckminster Fuller’s Dome City concept, based on using limited resources to create livable spaces, is now being taken seriously in China.
Then there are the new materials that are constantly in development, such as the ETFE (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene) foil film, which has been used to great effect on projects like the Beijing National Aquatics Center and The Eden Project in Cornwall. This material is transparent and allows natural light to pass through while still providing a degree of insulation. It is also incredibly strong and can be recycled at the end of its life cycle.
But it’s not just about recycling or sustainable design–it’s also about creating beautiful buildings that people want to live in and experience. That’s why so many cutting-edge architects are now using new technologies and materials to create spaces that are not only efficient and eco-friendly but also awe-inspiring and unique.
When it comes to the future of architecture, there is no limit to what can be accomplished. So keep your eyes open for the next big thing! It just might look straight out of your favourite science fiction film.
