© 2024 New Atlas
Architecture

Gallery: The grand spectacle of futurist architecture in the 21st century

By Rich Haridy
October 30, 2017
Gallery: The grand spectacle of futurist architecture in the 21st century
With the influx of new materials and engineering technology, architects have been building some stunning futurist-inspired buildings for the 21st century
With the influx of new materials and engineering technology, architects have been building some stunning futurist-inspired buildings for the 21st century
View 56 Images
From a collaborative group of Chinese architects and designers called we architect anonymous, this is the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Yinchuan. Completed in 2015
1/56
From a collaborative group of Chinese architects and designers called we architect anonymous, this is the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Yinchuan. Completed in 2015

From a collaborative group of Chinese architects and designers called we architect anonymous, this is the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Yinchuan. Completed in 2015
2/56
From a collaborative group of Chinese architects and designers called we architect anonymous, this is the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Yinchuan. Completed in 2015
From a collaborative group of Chinese architects and designers called we architect anonymous, this is the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Yinchuan. Completed in 2015
3/56
From a collaborative group of Chinese architects and designers called we architect anonymous, this is the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Yinchuan. Completed in 2015
Zaha Hadid's flowing, sci-fi styled buildings have set the benchmark for 21st century futurism in architecture. This contemporary art museum is currently being built in Cagliari, Italy.
4/56
Zaha Hadid's flowing, sci-fi styled buildings have set the benchmark for 21st century futurism in architecture. This contemporary art museum is currently being built in Cagliari, Italy.
Zaha Hadid's flowing, sci-fi styled buildings have set the benchmark for 21st century futurism in architecture. This contemporary art museum is currently being built in Cagliari, Italy.
5/56
Zaha Hadid's flowing, sci-fi styled buildings have set the benchmark for 21st century futurism in architecture. This contemporary art museum is currently being built in Cagliari, Italy.
Zaha Hadid's flowing, sci-fi styled buildings have set the benchmark for 21st century futurism in architecture. This contemporary art museum is currently being built in Cagliari, Italy.
6/56
Zaha Hadid's flowing, sci-fi styled buildings have set the benchmark for 21st century futurism in architecture. This contemporary art museum is currently being built in Cagliari, Italy.
The Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center was completed in 2010 in Kazakhstan. The giant tent connects to the country's history of the tent as a nomadic building
7/56
The Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center was completed in 2010 in Kazakhstan. The giant tent connects to the country's history of the tent as a nomadic building
The Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center was completed in 2010 in Kazakhstan. The giant tent connects to the country's history of the tent as a nomadic building
8/56
The Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center was completed in 2010 in Kazakhstan. The giant tent connects to the country's history of the tent as a nomadic building
The Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center was completed in 2010 in Kazakhstan. The giant tent connects to the country's history of the tent as a nomadic building
9/56
The Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center was completed in 2010 in Kazakhstan. The giant tent connects to the country's history of the tent as a nomadic building
Zaha Hadid's Heydar Aliyev Centre in Azerbaijan is one of her most spectacular achievements sitting in compelling contrast to the blocky, brutalist Soviet architecture that surrounds it
10/56
Zaha Hadid's Heydar Aliyev Centre in Azerbaijan is one of her most spectacular achievements sitting in compelling contrast to the blocky, brutalist Soviet architecture that surrounds it
Zaha Hadid's Heydar Aliyev Centre in Azerbaijan is one of her most spectacular achievements sitting in compelling contrast to the blocky, brutalist Soviet architecture that surrounds it
11/56
Zaha Hadid's Heydar Aliyev Centre in Azerbaijan is one of her most spectacular achievements sitting in compelling contrast to the blocky, brutalist Soviet architecture that surrounds it
Zaha Hadid's Heydar Aliyev Centre in Azerbaijan is one of her most spectacular achievements sitting in compelling contrast to the blocky, brutalist Soviet architecture that surrounds it
12/56
Zaha Hadid's Heydar Aliyev Centre in Azerbaijan is one of her most spectacular achievements sitting in compelling contrast to the blocky, brutalist Soviet architecture that surrounds it
Completed in 2012, Gardens By The Bay in Singapore consist of several giant "Supertrees" home to exotic vertical gardens
13/56
Completed in 2012, Gardens By The Bay in Singapore consist of several giant "Supertrees" home to exotic vertical gardens
MAD Architects completed this spectacular alien-looking structure in 2011. The Ordos Museum, located in Mongolia near the Gobi desert
14/56
MAD Architects completed this spectacular alien-looking structure in 2011. The Ordos Museum, located in Mongolia near the Gobi desert
MAD Architects completed this spectacular alien-looking structure in 2011. The Ordos Museum, located in Mongolia near the Gobi desert
15/56
MAD Architects completed this spectacular alien-looking structure in 2011. The Ordos Museum, located in Mongolia near the Gobi desert
MAD Architects completed this spectacular alien-looking structure in 2011. The Ordos Museum, located in Mongolia near the Gobi desert
16/56
MAD Architects completed this spectacular alien-looking structure in 2011. The Ordos Museum, located in Mongolia near the Gobi desert
Believe it or not this weird structure is a border checkpoint commissioned by the government of Georgia and located on the border of the country to Turkey. Designed by Berlin-based architects J.Mayer.H, it was build in 2011
17/56
Believe it or not this weird structure is a border checkpoint commissioned by the government of Georgia and located on the border of the country to Turkey. Designed by Berlin-based architects J.Mayer.H, it was build in 2011
Believe it or not this weird structure is a border checkpoint commissioned by the government of Georgia and located on the border of the country to Turkey. Designed by Berlin-based architects J.Mayer.H, it was build in 2011
18/56
Believe it or not this weird structure is a border checkpoint commissioned by the government of Georgia and located on the border of the country to Turkey. Designed by Berlin-based architects J.Mayer.H, it was build in 2011
Believe it or not this weird structure is a border checkpoint commissioned by the government of Georgia and located on the border of the country to Turkey. Designed by Berlin-based architects J.Mayer.H, it was build in 2011
19/56
Believe it or not this weird structure is a border checkpoint commissioned by the government of Georgia and located on the border of the country to Turkey. Designed by Berlin-based architects J.Mayer.H, it was build in 2011
The Agora Garden Tower is almost complete in Taipai, Taiwan. Designed by architect Vincent Callebaut, the structure is inspired by the twist of human DNA
20/56
The Agora Garden Tower is almost complete in Taipai, Taiwan. Designed by architect Vincent Callebaut, the structure is inspired by the twist of human DNA
The Agora Garden Tower is almost complete in Taipai, Taiwan. Designed by architect Vincent Callebaut, the structure is inspired by the twist of human DNA
21/56
The Agora Garden Tower is almost complete in Taipai, Taiwan. Designed by architect Vincent Callebaut, the structure is inspired by the twist of human DNA
The Agora Garden Tower is almost complete in Taipai, Taiwan. Designed by architect Vincent Callebaut, the structure is inspired by the twist of human DNA
22/56
The Agora Garden Tower is almost complete in Taipai, Taiwan. Designed by architect Vincent Callebaut, the structure is inspired by the twist of human DNA
Almost complete, and set to be China's tallest tower, the Wuhan Greenland Center is a bullet-shaped, aerodynamic marvel
23/56
Almost complete, and set to be China's tallest tower, the Wuhan Greenland Center is a bullet-shaped, aerodynamic marvel
Almost complete, and set to be China's tallest tower, the Wuhan Greenland Center is a bullet-shaped, aerodynamic marvel
24/56
Almost complete, and set to be China's tallest tower, the Wuhan Greenland Center is a bullet-shaped, aerodynamic marvel
Almost complete, and set to be China's tallest tower, the Wuhan Greenland Center is a bullet-shaped, aerodynamic marvel
25/56
Almost complete, and set to be China's tallest tower, the Wuhan Greenland Center is a bullet-shaped, aerodynamic marvel
MAD Architects' extraordinary opera house in Harbin, China looks like an alien spaceship - both inside and out
26/56
MAD Architects' extraordinary opera house in Harbin, China looks like an alien spaceship - both inside and out
MAD Architects' extraordinary opera house in Harbin, China looks like an alien spaceship - both inside and out
27/56
MAD Architects' extraordinary opera house in Harbin, China looks like an alien spaceship - both inside and out
MAD Architects' extraordinary opera house in Harbin, China looks like an alien spaceship - both inside and out
28/56
MAD Architects' extraordinary opera house in Harbin, China looks like an alien spaceship - both inside and out
MAD Architects' extraordinary opera house in Harbin, China looks like an alien spaceship - both inside and out
29/56
MAD Architects' extraordinary opera house in Harbin, China looks like an alien spaceship - both inside and out
The Kunsthaus Graz is an art museum in Austria that resembles a strange alien blob sitting among traditional European buildings
30/56
The Kunsthaus Graz is an art museum in Austria that resembles a strange alien blob sitting among traditional European buildings
The Kunsthaus Graz is an art museum in Austria that resembles a strange alien blob sitting among traditional European buildings
31/56
The Kunsthaus Graz is an art museum in Austria that resembles a strange alien blob sitting among traditional European buildings
Completed in 2008, the Bahrain World Trade Center incorporates wind turbines in between its two towering spires
32/56
Completed in 2008, the Bahrain World Trade Center incorporates wind turbines in between its two towering spires
Completed in 2008, the Bahrain World Trade Center incorporates wind turbines in between its two towering spires
33/56
Completed in 2008, the Bahrain World Trade Center incorporates wind turbines in between its two towering spires
Completed in 2008, the Bahrain World Trade Center incorporates wind turbines in between its two towering spires
34/56
Completed in 2008, the Bahrain World Trade Center incorporates wind turbines in between its two towering spires
Another spectacular work from J.Mayer.H, the Metropol Parasol is a giant timber construction holding an elevated walkway
35/56
Another spectacular work from J.Mayer.H, the Metropol Parasol is a giant timber construction holding an elevated walkway
Another spectacular work from J.Mayer.H, the Metropol Parasol is a giant timber construction holding an elevated walkway
36/56
Another spectacular work from J.Mayer.H, the Metropol Parasol is a giant timber construction holding an elevated walkway
Another spectacular work from J.Mayer.H, the Metropol Parasol is a giant timber construction holding an elevated walkway
37/56
Another spectacular work from J.Mayer.H, the Metropol Parasol is a giant timber construction holding an elevated walkway
The Cybertecture Egg, designed by James Law, is a high-tech office building in Mumbai
38/56
The Cybertecture Egg, designed by James Law, is a high-tech office building in Mumbai 
The Cybertecture Egg, designed by James Law, is a high-tech office building in Mumbai
39/56
The Cybertecture Egg, designed by James Law, is a high-tech office building in Mumbai 
Housing China's Central Television network this stunning building from OMA architects turns the traditional skyscraper into a weird geometric loop
40/56
Housing China's Central Television network this stunning building from OMA architects turns the traditional skyscraper into a weird geometric loop
Housing China's Central Television network this stunning building from OMA architects turns the traditional skyscraper into a weird geometric loop
41/56
Housing China's Central Television network this stunning building from OMA architects turns the traditional skyscraper into a weird geometric loop
Housing China's Central Television network this stunning building from OMA architects turns the traditional skyscraper into a weird geometric loop
42/56
Housing China's Central Television network this stunning building from OMA architects turns the traditional skyscraper into a weird geometric loop
Housing China's Central Television network this stunning building from OMA architects turns the traditional skyscraper into a weird geometric loop
43/56
Housing China's Central Television network this stunning building from OMA architects turns the traditional skyscraper into a weird geometric loop
Another extraordinary Zaha Hadid design, the Guangzhou Opera House in China looks like a location for a sci-fi movie set a hundred years in the future
44/56
Another extraordinary Zaha Hadid design, the Guangzhou Opera House in China looks like a location for a sci-fi movie set a hundred years in the future
Another extraordinary Zaha Hadid design, the Guangzhou Opera House in China looks like a location for a sci-fi movie set a hundred years in the future
45/56
Another extraordinary Zaha Hadid design, the Guangzhou Opera House in China looks like a location for a sci-fi movie set a hundred years in the future
Another extraordinary Zaha Hadid design, the Guangzhou Opera House in China looks like a location for a sci-fi movie set a hundred years in the future
46/56
Another extraordinary Zaha Hadid design, the Guangzhou Opera House in China looks like a location for a sci-fi movie set a hundred years in the future
Another extraordinary Zaha Hadid design, the Guangzhou Opera House in China looks like a location for a sci-fi movie set a hundred years in the future
47/56
Another extraordinary Zaha Hadid design, the Guangzhou Opera House in China looks like a location for a sci-fi movie set a hundred years in the future
Antonio Sant'Elia defined futurist architecture in the early 20th century and although almost none of his work was ever built his influence was enormous on modern architecture
48/56
Antonio Sant'Elia defined futurist architecture in the early 20th century and although almost none of his work was ever built his influence was enormous on modern architecture
Antonio Sant'Elia defined futurist architecture in the early 20th century and although almost none of his work was ever built his influence was enormous on modern architecture
49/56
Antonio Sant'Elia defined futurist architecture in the early 20th century and although almost none of his work was ever built his influence was enormous on modern architecture
Antonio Sant'Elia defined futurist architecture in the early 20th century and although almost none of his work was ever built his influence was enormous on modern architecture
50/56
Antonio Sant'Elia defined futurist architecture in the early 20th century and although almost none of his work was ever built his influence was enormous on modern architecture
Antonio Sant'Elia defined futurist architecture in the early 20th century and although almost none of his work was ever built his influence was enormous on modern architecture
51/56
Antonio Sant'Elia defined futurist architecture in the early 20th century and although almost none of his work was ever built his influence was enormous on modern architecture
With the influx of new materials and engineering technology, architects have been building some stunning futurist-inspired buildings for the 21st century
52/56
With the influx of new materials and engineering technology, architects have been building some stunning futurist-inspired buildings for the 21st century
Completed in 2012, Gardens By The Bay in Singapore consist of several giant "Supertrees" home to exotic vertical gardens
53/56
Completed in 2012, Gardens By The Bay in Singapore consist of several giant "Supertrees" home to exotic vertical gardens
Completed in 2012, Gardens By The Bay in Singapore consist of several giant "Supertrees" home to exotic vertical gardens
54/56
Completed in 2012, Gardens By The Bay in Singapore consist of several giant "Supertrees" home to exotic vertical gardens
Completed in 2012, Gardens By The Bay in Singapore consist of several giant "Supertrees" home to exotic vertical gardens
55/56
Completed in 2012, Gardens By The Bay in Singapore consist of several giant "Supertrees" home to exotic vertical gardens
Completed in 2012, Gardens By The Bay in Singapore consist of several giant "Supertrees" home to exotic vertical gardens
56/56
Completed in 2012, Gardens By The Bay in Singapore consist of several giant "Supertrees" home to exotic vertical gardens
View gallery - 56 images

Futurism was an artistic and social movement founded in Italy in the early 20th century. Several pioneering architects took the ideology and turned it into a design movement creating urban structures known for lyrical sculptural qualities.

Over the course of the 20th century futurism slowly fell our of favor as space age aesthetics took over. A resurgence known as Neo-Futurism arose in the 1960s and 70s, developed by Buckminster Fuller, as technology rapidly began to drive new and spectacular architectural visions. As we race into the 21st century we are seeing yet another resurgence in futurist architecture.

Driven by incredible advances in engineering technologies, this new futurist aesthetic has resulted in strange alien structures that often feel like they are sets for science fiction stories. From starchitect Zaha Hadid to the expansive MAD Architects, we take a look at some stunning 21 century examples of futurist architecture.

Take a look through our futurist architecture gallery for a trip through this modern and exciting aesthetic.

View gallery - 56 images

Tags

ArchitectureZaha HadidFuturisticArchitectsMAD Architects
2 comments
Rich Haridy
Rich Haridy
Rich has written for a number of online and print publications over the last decade while also acting as film critic for several radio broadcasters and podcasts. His interests focus on psychedelic science, new media, and science oddities. Rich completed his Masters degree in the Arts back in 2013 before joining New Atlas in 2016.

Most Viewed

Load More
2 comments
Vernon Miles Kerr
Looking at a catalogue of Frank Lloyd Wright buildings, my continual reaction is one of pleasant surprise. The logic of "Form follows function," is evident from the way the building is placed in its environment and from its declared purpose. And yet his buildings were futuristic when originally built, and even look "modern"now, in the 21st Century.
This modern "Futurism" is completely different. Whether intended by the architect or not, my initial reaction to most of these designs is not pleasant surprise but, more like shock. Moreover, most of the buildings in this article offer no hint of their purpose and seem to be plopped down at the site with no thought whatsoever given to appropriateness for the surrounding geology. This kind of "Futurism" seems more like a gimmick than a valid philosophy. Will these designs stand the test of time, like Wright's did, or will they look outlandish and dated in a few decades? In my opinion, it's the latter.
ei3io
I agree with the repetitive metaphor to alien space ships but not the lack of architectural evaluations with too often hidden or missing architect's name.