Architecture is one of the greatest art forms in the world. Both aesthetically appealing and functional, building design can comment on history and modern principals while creating a practical space to work or worship. If you have not or cannot visited the examples below in person, join us in exploring some of the world’s most amazing and interesting examples of architecture.

The Niteroi Contemporary Art Museum in Rio de Janiero, Brazil

This truly contemporary museum was designed by Oscar Niemeyer in 1996. Sitting atop a cliff that looks out upon the ocean, Niteroi looks like a UFO that’s accidentally been turned upside down. The art inside is just as modern as the museum’s outer appearance.

Axel Schultes’ Crematorium in Berlin, Germany

Schultes’ vault-like crematorium was built in 1999. Columns that run from the floor to the ceiling let in natural light from above, brightening what would other be a purely industrial space.

Saint-Pierre Church in Firminy, France

The Saint-Pierre Church was truly a labor of love. In the 1960s, Le Corbusier began his project, but when he died, the church lingered unfinished for three decades. Finally, Le Corbusier’s apprentice, Jose Oubrerie, finished the project in 2006. Today, the church looks like a natural formation that you’d see while hiking in Arizona. This outside atmosphere is added to by the faux constellation that’s formed thanks to perforations in the wall.

Gare do Oriente in Lisbon, Portugal

Santiago Calatrava’s train station in Portugal looks like something you’d see in a dreamscape. The canopy resembles an extremely ornate bridge or even the ceiling of a peaked church. More interesting than the structural design is Calatrava’s use of light, which creates a bright, light and inspirational setting.

Yokohama International Port Terminal in Japan

This unique terminal port was designed by the Foreign Office Architects in 2002 to showcase movement and action, both perfect for a location that’s all about travel. Swooping designs make the port beautiful from any vantage point, whether you’re walking directly on it or admiring it from above.

Library of Alexandria in Egypt

Built in 2002, Alexandria’s library isn’t stuffy and dark, like most people would expect. Instead, it’s spacious, airy and full of bright, natural light. Even though Egypt lost its famous library, the new one strives to revive it. The humongous reading room is one of the largest in the world. While the library is extremely modern, there are nods to history to help connect people to the past.

The Guggenheim Museums

Beloved architect Frank Lloyd Wright built the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City in 1959. A few years later, Frank Gehry built another Guggenheim in Bilbao, Spain, in 1977. Both exteriors are curvaceous in design and neutral in color. The New York museum has spirals both inside and out, giving guests a dizzying, contemporary experience. Spain’s Guggenehim represents the Bilbao Effect, which is when a building refreshes an entire city.

Holocaust History Museum in Jerusalem, Israel

Located at Yad Vashem, the Holocaust History Museum is shaped like a mountaintop with a view that opens to the huge city below. Various galleries and exhibits are located along the museum’s path, bringing visitors from dark to, finally, light.

About the author: Frank Fernandez an experienced architect has a wealth of knowledge writing on residential, commercial, hospitality and retail architecture design. Visit CCN Perth architects to view the new Perth Arena design.