Rolling, Renovating and Reaching New Heights: 2024’s Best Architecture
Architecture in 2024 has continued to break barriers and redefine skylines around the world. This year’s standout structures demonstrate a harmony of innovation, sustainability, and historic preservation that is propelling the industry into an exciting future. From rolling landscapes seamlessly integrated into urban designs, to renovations that breathe new life into ancient edifices, and buildings that stretch higher towards the heavens, here are the best architectural endeavors of 2024.
One of the most revolutionary designs this year has been the introduction of “rolling” architecture. These are structures with flowing forms inspired by natural topographies. The Rolling Hills Complex in Seoul, South Korea is a prime example; it not only challenges conventional building techniques but also provides communal green spaces on its undulating rooftops. Built with eco-friendly materials and incorporating green energy solutions, it’s a testament to a future where urban living is in balance with nature.
Renovations have also reached a pinnacle of creativity and care in 2024. The Old Dockyards of Liverpool have been transformed while preserving their historical significance. Now a vibrant hub for culture and commerce, ‘The Docks’ host waterfront residences, tech-startups, and art galleries—all encased within restored Victorian-era warehouses. Innovative techniques were utilized to fortify old structures against modern-day environmental challenges without compromising their original aesthetic.
When it comes to reaching new heights, the Skyward Tower in Dubai takes the title this year. Rising an astonishing 1,600 meters, the supertall skyscraper is now the world’s tallest building—a record previously held by the Burj Khalifa. It’s a marvel not just in height but also in its design which incorporates vertical gardens every hundred floors, reducing urban heat island effect and promoting biodiversity within the cityscape.
Each of these projects represents more than just architectural achievement; they embody the capacity for our built environment to enhance lives while respecting our past and safeguarding our future. As we look towards the horizon—rolling hills in tow—the architecture of 2024 stands as a beacon of what is possible when innovative design converges with purposeful intentionality.