Last year travel magazine Lonely Planet revealed the top cities for lovers of unique architecture to visit. It asked people who had already visited popular locations such as London, New York and Paris to rate new routes that people should explore. There are some quite interesting destinations on the list, all with incredible buildings to explore.
Barcelona secured the number one spot. It is praised for being home to over 2,000 years of architectural history. Within the city you can see Gothic masterpieces, Roman ruins, Catalonia modernism, and the use of flamboyant colours and shapes.
Chicago recently celebrated the end of its second architectural Biennial. The city has become renowned as an area for experimentalism, home to numerous skyscrapers and innovative designs.
Istanbul has some of the most diverse classical architecture in the world. The twin cities are home to a wide array of monuments, towers and stunning palaces. The skyline is incredible, offering numerous iconic sites such as the Byzantine dome Aya Sofya.
Mumbai is a very interesting destination. The city is known for being eclectic and this is represented perfectly in the architecture. There are structures from various eras, whether it is Victorian monuments or art deco cinemas. Western elements blend with Hindu and Islamic styles, creating a unique setting.
Shanghai is home to some of the most cutting edge architecture in the whole world, giving the city a science fiction feel. There are plenty of neo-futurist designs to enjoy, including the incredible World Financial Centre.
Baku is renowned as the City of Winds and the architecture has become as fast and dynamic as this weather pattern. It is home to a unique combination of designs, including Islamic, Soviet, and post modernism. Medieval routes stretch through the Old City whilst the riverside is full of modern designs.
At Coffey Architects we appreciate architecturally significant destinations all around the world. They can all provide inspiration and show how to design buildings that will fit their surroundings. We are inspired by this and use it to pursue our goal of becoming one of the best architects London has to offer. If you are interested in exploring unique cities with special buildings, the ones mentioned above should be on your list.