International Iconic Buildings - advancing the knowledge of iconic design

After the tutorial this week, I began to research and investigate successful forms of iconic architecture from around the world. It was astonishing to notice just how many buildings of this nature there was, and also the impact in which they had on the city as a whole, as well as its immediate surrounding environment directly. This observation was beneficial because it allowed me to gain greater knowledge and insight into the thoughts and ideas of the architects, as to how and why they designed each of these particular buildings.

A further generalised understanding was reached, with the noting that the form of the architecture needs to have an individual and unique character to it, which allows it to be recognised immediately and easily within its environment. Coupled with this, is the large scale in which each particular design evokes. With such a strong, overpowering presence this architecture has the ability to act as a beacon, attracting users to the site, whilst at the same time establsihing a memorable experience for the user.

The three major buildings in which this inference has been derived from, exist in all different parts of the world, resonating different cultural and society values within each of their particular cities. They have been designed in various ways as to establish this iconic prominence. The buildings are;

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  The Taj Mahal


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  Sydney Opera House


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  Burj Al Arab Hotel

TAJ MAHAL

The Taj Mahal is a monumental iconic structure which evokes great power and strength in its design. This design is notably derived from its primary function, operating as a palace. As one of the most recognised structures throughout the world for its architecture and presence, the building envelopes the city of Agra, India, as it exists as the beating heart of the city. Its design and existence attracts tourists globally, due to its aesthetics and ability to provide a experience of significant memorable proportions.

SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE

The Sydney Opera House operates as a major iconic structure for Sydney and also Australia on the global scene. Its large scale accompanied with its individuality in design and uniqueness in innovation allows it to function successfully within its harbour site. It does not smoothly interact with its environment, in fact it establishes the building as a new and exiting site for itself, which conseqently draws the attention of users when passing by. Its aesthetics and function also adds a strong presence to the Sydney Harbour, generating it as sight which cannot be missed within the Sydney experience.

BURG AL ARAB HOTEL

The Burg Al Arab Hotel presents itself as a forefront in iconic building design, in todays modern world. With it being the worlds second tallest building (scale), it defines itself a structure of great significance and power. Its function and presence has placed Dubai on the world stage and its uniqueness in design has lead to its influence to iconic design internationally. It sits on its own island offset from the main coastline of Dubai further establishing itself as an individual structure. Its beacon of attraction, directs users to its existence successfully, allowing one to create an unique visual experience and interaction with it.

Therefore, if I am to develop a brief, concept and design I must incorporate these features which define the buildings researched above, as to achieve a greater and more resolved idea and thought process of iconic design.