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Architects constantly keep an eye towards the future when designing new buildings and infrastructure. With projects that take years and years to complete, they often must imagine what the world will look like decades from now. People like Zaha Hadid, with her futuristic designs, make us feel like we've already time traveled. Over in California, Apple is building a campus that actually looks like a giant spaceship, which will be completed in two years. But even when designs don't look like they come from centuries ahead of us, we can look to plans from big architecture firms to see what the future might hold. By 2040, Stockholm will probably have a giant floating sphere over the highway entrance to the city, and Belgrade is slated to get an upgrade from some of the world's best architects. In the future, hotels and restaurants will be underwater or only accessible via helicopter, and we might start living in the desert or in pyramids the size of cities. Take a glimpse into the future with 24 Architectural Renderings That Show What the World Could Look Like in 2040.
East River Waterfront
Location: The East River Waterfront between East 38th and East 60th Streets
Architect: TBD
Scheduled completion date: 2018
The United Nations is trying to construct a new building near their current headquarters called the United Nations Consolidation Building. The UN will have to pay $73 million dollars to the city to compensate for building on top of the Robert Moses Playground that is currently on the site. The city would use this newly acquired money to balance out the loss of green space by developing the gap in the promenade between 38th and 59th Streets on the East Side of Manhattan and to turn Asser Levy Place into a new playground. As it is right now, the waterfront is only accessible to those in the UN building.
The West Side of Manhattan has a beautiful riverfront, and proponents of this plan want the East Side to match up to its geographical counterpart. If the plan goes through, the character and feel of the East River will be forever changed. Other parts of New York will also be altered, such as the skyline and Asser Levy Place.
Saharan Desert Homes
Location: Sahara Desert, North Africa
Architect: Magnus Larsson
Scheduled completion date: Unknown
People with grand imaginations usually talk about how in the future we're going to live in the ocean, in space, or on the moon to deal with overpopulation. Swedish architect Magnus Larsson developed the idea of how to live in the desert instead. He proposes introducing an extremophile microorganism that will react with sand to create sturdy dunes that are conducive to habitation of the land. The project redefines the limits that nature has always placed upon us.
Pedestrian Bridge
Location: Changsha, China
Architect: Next Architects
Scheduled completion date: Unknown
Architectural competitions are a time old tradition used to find the most creative and efficient architectural plans. NEXT architects recently won one of these design competitions for a pedestrian bridge in Changsha, China. The design draws the viewer's attention with a striking color and then holds it with its intriguing shape of interweaving components. The bridge will be 150 meters long and rise 24 meters above the river. It will have multiple entrances along both sides of the lake. The unique design feels endless, and it is created to look like a Möbius strip or Chinese knots.
Shimizu TRY 2004 Mega-City Pyramid
Location: Tokyo Bay, Japan
Architects: Dante Bini, David Dimitric
Scheduled completion date: Unknown
TRY 2004 is a theoretical solution that architects Dante Bini and David Dimitric proposed for to Tokyo's lack of space. The size of pyramid would make the Great Pyramid at Giza feel miniature, at more than 14 times its height. The pyramid would tower 6,561 feet above sea level and house 1 million people. The main problem with this structure is that it is too massive to be built with the technology and materials we currently use. But after crossing that hurdle, this mega-city Pyramid may become a reality.
Express Rail Link West Kowloon Terminus
Location: Hong Kong, China
Architect: Aedas
Scheduled completion date: 2020
This organic building design would be the largest underground terminal in existence, allowing for easy internal connections between its 15 tracks. The terminal is designed to cover 430,000 square meters. The project also includes public space in the form of an outdoor amphitheater that stands adjacent to the cultural district of Hong Kong.
Beko Masterplan
Location: Belgrade, Serbia
Architect: Zaha Hadid
Scheduled completion date: Unknown
Zaha Hadid does it again. Her Beko Masterplan for Belgrade's cultural zone is impressive, sweeping, and eccentric, like most of her building designs. The vast space has room for residential and commercial areas as well as a hotel and convention facility. Situated near the historic Kalemegdan Castle Wall, the design brings a sense of modernity to the city. The theme of the project is on movement, and the building truly has a natural flowing rhythm to it.
Kofun National Stadium
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Architect: Dorell.Ghotmeh.Tane Architects
Scheduled completion date: 2030
This stadium has the most extreme green roof in every way, from its massive size to its innovative technology. The design was shortlisted in the 2012 Japan National Stadium International Competition. It integrates a natural, earthy approach into the community around the stadium.
Kimball Art Center
Location: Park City, Utah
Architect: BIG Architects
Scheduled completion date: Unknown
BIG Architects won an architectural competition in Park City, Utah to create a new building for the Kimball Art Center. The new building is created to recall the city's mining heritage but in a way that also showcases the contemporary vibes of Park City today. BIG's projects are usually environmentally responsible, and this arts center, with its use of natural light and efficient materials, is no exception.
The New Palais de Justice
Location: Paris, France
Architect: Renzo Piano
Scheduled completion date: 2017
Renzo Piano just unveiled the design for the new Parisian courthouse. The structure is completely enclosed in glass and looks a bit sci-fi in some renderings. The building is created in vertical sections which will each holding a different branch of the French Judicial system, and this will be the first time that all of these branches are unified in one building. From the interior of the main atrium, the building will have a sense of vast grandeur because of the visibility of the whole structure. The focus of this new Palais de Justice is natural light and views of Paris.
Public Building
Location: Santa Monica, California
Architect: OMA
Scheduled completion date: 2016
This block in Santa Monica, Calif. will soon be developed into an exciting public complex. This space is set to include apartments, offices, a hotel, several shops, and an outdoor terrace. The design is composed of stacked rectangular pieces and will take up the full block at Fifth Street and Arizona Avenue. OMA lead architect Shohei Shigematsu told Deezeen of the project in July, "Our design provides residents, tourists, and entrepreneurs a dynamic new public realm—a stepped building that achieves a strong interaction between interior program and exterior environments."
The Entertainment District
Location: Toronto, Canada
Architect: Frank Gehry
Scheduled completion date: Unknown
Frank Gehry is adding new buildings to the entertainment district in his hometown, Toronto. The project encompasses three 80 to 85-story residential skyscrapers. These buildings have a distinct feel and will make the district stand out. They will also create new public spaces to increase tourism and visitation of this area. In a press release from the developers, Gehry states, "It is very special for me to be able to work in Toronto where I was born and to engage the neighborhoods where I grew up. It's especially interesting that this project involves the arts. That is always meaningful to me."
Denver International Airport
Location: Denver, Colorado
Architect: Gensler
Scheduled completion date: 2015
The ever-growing urban landscape of Denver is constantly under construction lately. It started with the expansion of the Lightrail, their metro system, and now the airport it turning into a destination. Denver International Airport was originally planned under Mayor Federico Peña in 1989 with hope for future expansion. The building has received lots of attention for its unique canvas peak design. Now Gensler is stepping in to complete that expansion. The additions include a hotel, conference center, and a huge public plaza. The airport is quite far from downtown Denver, and so the construction of a new line on the lightrail from downtown Denver to DIA was also necessary. This $500 million project is redefining what airports and their functions are. This airport isn't just going to be somewhere to pass through but the destination itself.
Google Headquarters
Location: San Francisco Bay, California
Architect: NBBJ
Scheduled completion date: 2016
It is a new trend for major companies to expand their headquarters into mini cities. Google is taking that above and beyond and practically making a real city. This is the first time that Google will ever be designing its own building instead of just taking over an existing one, and the new headquarters will be about double the size of Google's current space. Though it seems like Google is getting ahead, they are actually just keeping up with the times. Facebook and Apple are also building massive new headquarters right now.
All England Club in Wimbledon
Location: Wimbledon, London
Architect: Grimshaw and Grant Associates
Scheduled completion date: 2033
The facilities of this prestigious tennis tournament will be getting a slow and steady makeover in the coming years. The top players' court will be getting a retractable roof, so weather won't be an issue anymore. The facilities will also be expanded by three new courts. Grant Associates will be making adjustments to the landscaping of the facilities by including more traditional garden aspects like topiaries, green walls, creative paving, display areas, enhanced tree planting, and themed garden spaces. The seating is also due to be improved for better comfort and views for the spectators.
Beton Hala Waterfront Center
Location: Belgrade, Serbia
Architect: Sou Fujimoto Architects
Scheduled completion date: Unknown
Who knew that Belgrade had such astounding architectural plans brewing? Like Zaha Hadid's Belgrade building, the Beton Hala Waterfront Centre has a focus on movement and flow. This concept is a spiraling structure of ramps that create a cloud-like building. The main area is located inside the cloud where there is a restaurant and cafe. There are also stores nearer to the street. This building would be architecturally similar to the Guggenheim Museum design in New York with its winding ramps.
Apeiron Island Hotel
Location: Beirut, Lebanon
Architect: Sybarite Architects
Scheduled completion date: Unknown
This hotel is inspired by a lagoon and will even function like one. The building is designed to be the epitome of luxury and richness. The plan was first released in 2007 and if if gets approved, it will rest on a private island near Beirut that houses around 350 luxury rooms and is only accessible by helicopter or boat. The hotel restaurant will be submerged underwater beneath the building and will offer aquatic views. With the beautiful Arabian Gulf as its backdrop and exclusive new design this hotel is sure to be a hit, both in experience and for your pocketbook. It's estimated to cost a whopping $28,000 per night.
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Landfill Theme Park
Location: Venice, Italy
Developer: Zamperla
Scheduled completion date: Late 2015
The developer of Coney Island trying to put a new theme park on a small island in Venice. Venetian locals already oppose the insane amounts of tourism in their hometown each year and are not too fond of this idea that would bring in even more people to their small city. But like it or not, L'isola San Biagio may open an amusement park in the next few years, which would be expected to draw around 11,000 visitors a day.
Sagrada Família
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Architect: Antoni Gaudí
Scheduled completion date: 2026
The Sagrada Família is the masterpiece of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí and is one of the only UNESCO World Heritage Sites that has never been completed. The design epitomizes everything that Gaudí stood for, more about spirituality and natural forms than religion. Its construction began in 1882. Of course a massive project like this has caused more than its fair shares of controversy, but one step inside seems to end any opposition to finishing the project. Recently the cathedral released a video of what the project will look like in 13 years to keep up the hype about this incredible church.
Dubai's Waterfront
Location: Dubai, UAE
Architect: Rem Koolhaas, Zaha Hadid, OMA, Studio Nova, and more
Scheduled completion date: 2040
Dubai constantly attracts the world's attention as the leader of construction and new building technologies. Known for the massive number of cranes and money centralized in this location, Dubai is on top of their construction game. Dubai is a relatively small city but that doesn't keep its population of 1.6 million people or $37 billion economy down at all. This rendering shows what the waterfront of Dubai is estimated to look like in just a few years. With so many ideas and so much money, it's safe to say that Dubai 2040 will be incredible. Dubai already houses the Burj Dubai, the tallest man-made structure in the world. Possible other projects include The Cloud, a resort city, Zaha Hadid's Signature Towers, and the Dubai Towers that look like an octopus' tentacles.
Garden Bridge
Location: River Thames, between South Bank and Covent Garden, London
Architect: Heatherwick Studio, Arup, and Dan Pearson
Scheduled completion date: 2017
This £150 million plan proposes a new pedestrian bridge across the River Thames covered in native plants and benches to span the water between South Bank and Covent Garden. The bridge will be 367 meters long, made of two fluted piers that hold up a split walkway. Heatherwick Studio is no newcomer to the London city planning scene—they also lead the redesign for the routemaster bus. The bridge is intended to stimulate the economic and social growth of London in the two areas the bridge brings together.
Tower Verre
Location: 53 West 53rd Street, New York
Architect: Jean Nouvel
Scheduled completion date: 2018
New York's Department of City Planning has proposed East Midtown Rezoning, a controversial plan that would make room for even taller skyscrapers in the area. The opposition argues that the area is already overdeveloped, the subway system isn't equipped for more riders, these towers may kill the bottom parts of Central Park with their shadows, and the new developments will threaten historic structures. Trying to put up a new tower above MOMA must be insanely difficult, but despite these challenges, Tower Verre recently accumulated about $1 billion from a few different Asia-based investors. The tower's reputation as the MOMA tower is slightly misleading because even though it will include three new floors of gallery space, it will also include 145 luxury condos (some with views of Central Park).
Penn Station
Location: 7th Ave and 8th Ave between 31st St and 33rd, New York
Architect: SOM
Scheduled completion date: 2019
New York's Penn Station is getting a well-needed makeover, and top architectural firms have pitched ideas to the city, including this design by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP. Although the winner has yet to be announced, construction is planned to consolidate the many different train systems that enter Penn Station in an airport-like manner. This plan will make Penn Station easier and more accessible.
Redevelopment is kind of a touchy subject for New Yorkers who are still morning the demolition of the architecturally incredible previous Penn Station. This redevelopment is causing even more tension by putting pressure on Madison Square Garden to locate, which sits on top of Penn Station. MSG's lease will be put up for renewal this year. Despite all this controversy, SOM's plans for a revamped Penn Station look super cool.
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Highway Entrance Plan
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Architect: BIG Architects
Scheduled completion date: Unknown
This design was created by the Bjarke Ingels Group to make the entranceway to Stockholm more inviting. The design features a floating energy-producing sphere above the major highways that enter into the city. The sphere was designed to be an architectural icon that people think of when they imagine Stockholm, like the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, or Empire State Building. The ball is designed to bring energy to 235 residences in the neighboring area. The bottom of the ball will be coated with mirrors to reflect the beauty of the seasons and the urban landscape.
A Future City
Location: Global
Architect: FREE
Scheduled completion date: Unknown
This Mexico City-based design group is looking into how to make cities of the future more successful. They created a design that utilizes radial organization via hexagonal and rectilinear grids in order to create an entirely new city system. They also include hierarchical zoning so the city builds progressively.
Another huge component to their design is logical growth, which is an idea that was originally conceptualized by Hippodamus, historically known as the first city planner. Our current rectangular grid planned cities are based off the Roman Castrum plan. There has always been discussion as to which system, radial or rectangular, was more efficient. Over time, rectangular has mostly won out. FREE is reconsidering radial cities with this combination of innovative and historical thinking, effectively creating an entirely new utopian vision for a city.