© 2024 New Atlas
Architecture

Undersea restaurants, tree towers and hanging skyscrapers: The top architecture concepts of 2017

By Rich Haridy
December 21, 2017
Undersea restaurants, tree towers and hanging skyscrapers: The top architecture concepts of 2017
The best conceptual architecture of 2017 was an assortment of mind-bending imaginative designs from some amazing architectural firms
The best conceptual architecture of 2017 was an assortment of mind-bending imaginative designs from some amazing architectural firms
View 77 Images
From Clouds Architecture Office comes this extraordinary concept for an upside-down skyscraper that hangs from an orbiting asteroid
1/77
From Clouds Architecture Office comes this extraordinary concept for an upside-down skyscraper that hangs from an orbiting asteroid
From Clouds Architecture Office comes this extraordinary concept for an upside-down skyscraper that hangs from an orbiting asteroid
2/77
From Clouds Architecture Office comes this extraordinary concept for an upside-down skyscraper that hangs from an orbiting asteroid
From Clouds Architecture Office comes this extraordinary concept for an upside-down skyscraper that hangs from an orbiting asteroid
3/77
From Clouds Architecture Office comes this extraordinary concept for an upside-down skyscraper that hangs from an orbiting asteroid
The Nautilus Eco-Resort was one of most exciting concepts seen in 2017 with its Fibonacci-inspired shape
4/77
The Nautilus Eco-Resort was one of most exciting concepts seen in 2017 with its Fibonacci-inspired shape
The Nautilus Eco-Resort was one of most exciting concepts seen in 2017 with its Fibonacci-inspired shape
5/77
The Nautilus Eco-Resort was one of most exciting concepts seen in 2017 with its Fibonacci-inspired shape
The Nautilus Eco-Resort was one of most exciting concepts seen in 2017 with its Fibonacci-inspired shape
6/77
The Nautilus Eco-Resort was one of most exciting concepts seen in 2017 with its Fibonacci-inspired shape
The Nautilus Eco-Resort was one of most exciting concepts seen in 2017 with its Fibonacci-inspired shape
7/77
The Nautilus Eco-Resort was one of most exciting concepts seen in 2017 with its Fibonacci-inspired shape
The Nautilus Eco-Resort was one of most exciting concepts seen in 2017 with its Fibonacci-inspired shape
8/77
The Nautilus Eco-Resort was one of most exciting concepts seen in 2017 with its Fibonacci-inspired shape
This undersea restaurant proposed for the coast of Norway is actually set to begin construction in 2018 making it one of the stranger concepts from 2017 that could actually see the light of day soon
9/77
This undersea restaurant proposed for the coast of Norway is actually set to begin construction in 2018 making it one of the stranger concepts from 2017 that could actually see the light of day soon
This undersea restaurant proposed for the coast of Norway is actually set to begin construction in 2018 making it one of the stranger concepts from 2017 that could actually see the light of day soon
10/77
This undersea restaurant proposed for the coast of Norway is actually set to begin construction in 2018 making it one of the stranger concepts from 2017 that could actually see the light of day soon
This undersea restaurant proposed for the coast of Norway is actually set to begin construction in 2018 making it one of the stranger concepts from 2017 that could actually see the light of day soon
11/77
This undersea restaurant proposed for the coast of Norway is actually set to begin construction in 2018 making it one of the stranger concepts from 2017 that could actually see the light of day soon
This undersea restaurant proposed for the coast of Norway is actually set to begin construction in 2018 making it one of the stranger concepts from 2017 that could actually see the light of day soon
12/77
This undersea restaurant proposed for the coast of Norway is actually set to begin construction in 2018 making it one of the stranger concepts from 2017 that could actually see the light of day soon
Oiio proposed this giant skyscraper called "The Big Bend" designed to circumvent New York's diminishing space concerns by turn a small foundation footprint into a large building area
13/77
Oiio proposed this giant skyscraper called "The Big Bend" designed to circumvent New York's diminishing space concerns by turn a small foundation footprint into a large building area
Oiio proposed this giant skyscraper called "The Big Bend" designed to circumvent New York's diminishing space concerns by turn a small foundation footprint into a large building area
14/77
Oiio proposed this giant skyscraper called "The Big Bend" designed to circumvent New York's diminishing space concerns by turn a small foundation footprint into a large building area
Oiio proposed this giant skyscraper called "The Big Bend" designed to circumvent New York's diminishing space concerns by turn a small foundation footprint into a large building area
15/77
Oiio proposed this giant skyscraper called "The Big Bend" designed to circumvent New York's diminishing space concerns by turn a small foundation footprint into a large building area
This shipping container house is set to be constructed in 2018 and offers the most novel use of this commonly used building component we have seen in years
16/77
This shipping container house is set to be constructed in 2018 and offers the most novel use of this commonly used building component we have seen in years
This shipping container house is set to be constructed in 2018 and offers the most novel use of this commonly used building component we have seen in years
17/77
This shipping container house is set to be constructed in 2018 and offers the most novel use of this commonly used building component we have seen in years
This shipping container house is set to be constructed in 2018 and offers the most novel use of this commonly used building component we have seen in years
18/77
This shipping container house is set to be constructed in 2018 and offers the most novel use of this commonly used building component we have seen in years
This shipping container house is set to be constructed in 2018 and offers the most novel use of this commonly used building component we have seen in years
19/77
This shipping container house is set to be constructed in 2018 and offers the most novel use of this commonly used building component we have seen in years
Another spectacular concept from Vincent Callebaut was this idea for a ferry terminal in Seoul. Resembling a giant manta-ray this sustainable structure can in theory produce all the energy it needs from renewable solar and wind sources
20/77
Another spectacular concept from Vincent Callebaut was this idea for a ferry terminal in Seoul. Resembling a giant manta-ray this sustainable structure can in theory produce all the energy it needs from renewable solar and wind sources
Another spectacular concept from Vincent Callebaut was this idea for a ferry terminal in Seoul. Resembling a giant manta-ray this sustainable structure can in theory produce all the energy it needs from renewable solar and wind sources
21/77
Another spectacular concept from Vincent Callebaut was this idea for a ferry terminal in Seoul. Resembling a giant manta-ray this sustainable structure can in theory produce all the energy it needs from renewable solar and wind sources
Another spectacular concept from Vincent Callebaut was this idea for a ferry terminal in Seoul. Resembling a giant manta-ray this sustainable structure can in theory produce all the energy it needs from renewable solar and wind sources
22/77
Another spectacular concept from Vincent Callebaut was this idea for a ferry terminal in Seoul. Resembling a giant manta-ray this sustainable structure can in theory produce all the energy it needs from renewable solar and wind sources
Another spectacular concept from Vincent Callebaut was this idea for a ferry terminal in Seoul. Resembling a giant manta-ray this sustainable structure can in theory produce all the energy it needs from renewable solar and wind sources
23/77
Another spectacular concept from Vincent Callebaut was this idea for a ferry terminal in Seoul. Resembling a giant manta-ray this sustainable structure can in theory produce all the energy it needs from renewable solar and wind sources
Another spectacular concept from Vincent Callebaut was this idea for a ferry terminal in Seoul. Resembling a giant manta-ray this sustainable structure can in theory produce all the energy it needs from renewable solar and wind sources
24/77
Another spectacular concept from Vincent Callebaut was this idea for a ferry terminal in Seoul. Resembling a giant manta-ray this sustainable structure can in theory produce all the energy it needs from renewable solar and wind sources
This experimental structure from Margot Krasojević was commissioned by the Ordos government in Mongolia and is a mobile floating bridge that can fold up and move to different locations on a river
25/77
This experimental structure from Margot Krasojević was commissioned by the Ordos government in Mongolia and is a mobile floating bridge that can fold up and move to different locations on a river
This experimental structure from Margot Krasojević was commissioned by the Ordos government in Mongolia and is a mobile floating bridge that can fold up and move to different locations on a river
26/77
This experimental structure from Margot Krasojević was commissioned by the Ordos government in Mongolia and is a mobile floating bridge that can fold up and move to different locations on a river
One of the weirdest concepts of 2017 came from a collective of South Korean designers entering the eVolo skyscraper concept competition. Called "The Giant Sequoia Skyscraper" this design proposes building spaces inside of giant trees
27/77
One of the weirdest concepts of 2017 came from a collective of South Korean designers entering the eVolo skyscraper concept competition. Called "The Giant Sequoia Skyscraper" this design proposes building spaces inside of giant trees
One of the weirdest concepts of 2017 came from a collective of South Korean designers entering the eVolo skyscraper concept competition. Called "The Giant Sequoia Skyscraper" this design proposes building spaces inside of giant trees
28/77
One of the weirdest concepts of 2017 came from a collective of South Korean designers entering the eVolo skyscraper concept competition. Called "The Giant Sequoia Skyscraper" this design proposes building spaces inside of giant trees
One of the weirdest concepts of 2017 came from a collective of South Korean designers entering the eVolo skyscraper concept competition. Called "The Giant Sequoia Skyscraper" this design proposes building spaces inside of giant trees
29/77
One of the weirdest concepts of 2017 came from a collective of South Korean designers entering the eVolo skyscraper concept competition. Called "The Giant Sequoia Skyscraper" this design proposes building spaces inside of giant trees
Seriously entering construction phase in 2017 was Heatherwick's amazing Vessel, a weird staircase/art piece that we never thought would actually come to life
30/77
Seriously entering construction phase in 2017 was Heatherwick's amazing Vessel, a weird staircase/art piece that we never thought would actually come to life
Seriously entering construction phase in 2017 was Heatherwick's amazing Vessel, a weird staircase/art piece that we never thought would actually come to life
31/77
Seriously entering construction phase in 2017 was Heatherwick's amazing Vessel, a weird staircase/art piece that we never thought would actually come to life
Seriously entering construction phase in 2017 was Heatherwick's amazing Vessel, a weird staircase/art piece that we never thought would actually come to life
32/77
Seriously entering construction phase in 2017 was Heatherwick's amazing Vessel, a weird staircase/art piece that we never thought would actually come to life
Another exciting concept that is becoming real is Stefano Boeri's epic Forest City set for completion in Liuzhou, China by 2020
33/77
Another exciting concept that is becoming real is Stefano Boeri's epic Forest City set for completion in Liuzhou, China by 2020
Another exciting concept that is becoming real is Stefano Boeri's epic Forest City set for completion in Liuzhou, China by 2020
34/77
Another exciting concept that is becoming real is Stefano Boeri's epic Forest City set for completion in Liuzhou, China by 2020
Another exciting concept that is becoming real is Stefano Boeri's epic Forest City set for completion in Liuzhou, China by 2020
35/77
Another exciting concept that is becoming real is Stefano Boeri's epic Forest City set for completion in Liuzhou, China by 2020
Another exciting concept that is becoming real is Stefano Boeri's epic Forest City set for completion in Liuzhou, China by 2020
36/77
Another exciting concept that is becoming real is Stefano Boeri's epic Forest City set for completion in Liuzhou, China by 2020
Back in more extreme conceptual territory is Bjarke Ingels amazing Mars City simulation commissioned by the UAE government. To be built in the desert and budgeted at around US$140 million dollars
37/77
Back in more extreme conceptual territory is Bjarke Ingels amazing Mars City simulation commissioned by the UAE government. To be built in the desert and budgeted at around US$140 million dollars
Back in more extreme conceptual territory is Bjarke Ingels amazing Mars City simulation commissioned by the UAE government. To be built in the desert and budgeted at around US$140 million dollars
38/77
Back in more extreme conceptual territory is Bjarke Ingels amazing Mars City simulation commissioned by the UAE government. To be built in the desert and budgeted at around US$140 million dollars
Back in more extreme conceptual territory is Bjarke Ingels amazing Mars City simulation commissioned by the UAE government. To be built in the desert and budgeted at around US$140 million dollars
39/77
Back in more extreme conceptual territory is Bjarke Ingels amazing Mars City simulation commissioned by the UAE government. To be built in the desert and budgeted at around US$140 million dollars
Back in more extreme conceptual territory is Bjarke Ingels amazing Mars City simulation commissioned by the UAE government. To be built in the desert and budgeted at around US$140 million dollars
40/77
Back in more extreme conceptual territory is Bjarke Ingels amazing Mars City simulation commissioned by the UAE government. To be built in the desert and budgeted at around US$140 million dollars
Among numerous timber skyscraper concepts this one from DFA Studio was the most impressive, reaching 712 ft and made from Glulam (glue-laminated timber)
41/77
Among numerous timber skyscraper concepts this one from DFA Studio was the most impressive, reaching 712 ft and made from Glulam (glue-laminated timber)
Among numerous timber skyscraper concepts this one from DFA Studio was the most impressive, reaching 712 ft and made from Glulam (glue-laminated timber)
42/77
Among numerous timber skyscraper concepts this one from DFA Studio was the most impressive, reaching 712 ft and made from Glulam (glue-laminated timber)
Among numerous timber skyscraper concepts this one from DFA Studio was the most impressive, reaching 712 ft and made from Glulam (glue-laminated timber)
43/77
Among numerous timber skyscraper concepts this one from DFA Studio was the most impressive, reaching 712 ft and made from Glulam (glue-laminated timber)
Aedas' dragon-inspired dual tower design is set for construction in China's Southern Guangdong province
44/77
Aedas' dragon-inspired dual tower design is set for construction in China's Southern Guangdong province
Aedas' dragon-inspired dual tower design is set for construction in China's Southern Guangdong province
45/77
Aedas' dragon-inspired dual tower design is set for construction in China's Southern Guangdong province
Aedas' dragon-inspired dual tower design is set for construction in China's Southern Guangdong province
46/77
Aedas' dragon-inspired dual tower design is set for construction in China's Southern Guangdong province
Aedas' dragon-inspired dual tower design is set for construction in China's Southern Guangdong province
47/77
Aedas' dragon-inspired dual tower design is set for construction in China's Southern Guangdong province
Another concept for a skyscraper interspersed with a green facade is the Occitanie Tower designed by Starchitect Daniel Libeskind's firm with construction set to begin in 2018 in Toulouse, France
48/77
Another concept for a skyscraper interspersed with a green facade is the Occitanie Tower designed by Starchitect Daniel Libeskind's firm with construction set to begin in 2018 in Toulouse, France
Another concept for a skyscraper interspersed with a green facade is the Occitanie Tower designed by Starchitect Daniel Libeskind's firm with construction set to begin in 2018 in Toulouse, France
49/77
Another concept for a skyscraper interspersed with a green facade is the Occitanie Tower designed by Starchitect Daniel Libeskind's firm with construction set to begin in 2018 in Toulouse, France
Another concept for a skyscraper interspersed with a green facade is the Occitanie Tower designed by Starchitect Daniel Libeskind's firm with construction set to begin in 2018 in Toulouse, France
50/77
Another concept for a skyscraper interspersed with a green facade is the Occitanie Tower designed by Starchitect Daniel Libeskind's firm with construction set to begin in 2018 in Toulouse, France
The most amusingly off-the-wall concept of 2017 was MVRDV's proposal to redesign an old army barracks in Germany into a new neighborhood with four giant letter shaped residential towers that spell HOME
51/77
The most amusingly off-the-wall concept of 2017 was MVRDV's proposal to redesign an old army barracks in Germany into a new neighborhood with four giant letter shaped residential towers that spell HOME
The most amusingly off-the-wall concept of 2017 was MVRDV's proposal to redesign an old army barracks in Germany into a new neighborhood with four giant letter shaped residential towers that spell HOME
52/77
The most amusingly off-the-wall concept of 2017 was MVRDV's proposal to redesign an old army barracks in Germany into a new neighborhood with four giant letter shaped residential towers that spell HOME
The most amusingly off-the-wall concept of 2017 was MVRDV's proposal to redesign an old army barracks in Germany into a new neighborhood with four giant letter shaped residential towers that spell HOME
53/77
The most amusingly off-the-wall concept of 2017 was MVRDV's proposal to redesign an old army barracks in Germany into a new neighborhood with four giant letter shaped residential towers that spell HOME
Another interesting concept from MVRDV is a seven-tower neighborhood planned for Abu Dhabi called the Pixel Towers with a modern pixelated cubic aesthetic
54/77
Another interesting concept from MVRDV is a seven-tower neighborhood planned for Abu Dhabi called the Pixel Towers with a modern pixelated cubic aesthetic
Another interesting concept from MVRDV is a seven-tower neighborhood planned for Abu Dhabi called the Pixel Towers with a modern pixelated cubic aesthetic
55/77
Another interesting concept from MVRDV is a seven-tower neighborhood planned for Abu Dhabi called the Pixel Towers with a modern pixelated cubic aesthetic
Another interesting concept from MVRDV is a seven-tower neighborhood planned for Abu Dhabi called the Pixel Towers with a modern pixelated cubic aesthetic
56/77
Another interesting concept from MVRDV is a seven-tower neighborhood planned for Abu Dhabi called the Pixel Towers with a modern pixelated cubic aesthetic
Another interesting concept from MVRDV is a seven-tower neighborhood planned for Abu Dhabi called the Pixel Towers with a modern pixelated cubic aesthetic
57/77
Another interesting concept from MVRDV is a seven-tower neighborhood planned for Abu Dhabi called the Pixel Towers with a modern pixelated cubic aesthetic
MAD Architects delivered this intriguing concept for a Paris skyscraper renovation turning the facade into a giant concave mirror designed to reflect an upside-down image of the Eiffel Tower
58/77
MAD Architects delivered this intriguing concept for a Paris skyscraper renovation turning the facade into a giant concave mirror designed to reflect an upside-down image of the Eiffel Tower
MAD Architects delivered this intriguing concept for a Paris skyscraper renovation turning the facade into a giant concave mirror designed to reflect an upside-down image of the Eiffel Tower
59/77
MAD Architects delivered this intriguing concept for a Paris skyscraper renovation turning the facade into a giant concave mirror designed to reflect an upside-down image of the Eiffel Tower
MAD Architects delivered this intriguing concept for a Paris skyscraper renovation turning the facade into a giant concave mirror designed to reflect an upside-down image of the Eiffel Tower
60/77
MAD Architects delivered this intriguing concept for a Paris skyscraper renovation turning the facade into a giant concave mirror designed to reflect an upside-down image of the Eiffel Tower
Second place in eVolo’s 2017 Skyscraper Competition was this fascinating concept from two United States architects. Called Vertical Factories it turns a giant skyscraper into its own self-sustaining ecosystem
61/77
Second place in eVolo’s 2017 Skyscraper Competition was this fascinating concept from two United States architects. Called Vertical Factories it turns a giant skyscraper into its own self-sustaining ecosystem
Second place in eVolo’s 2017 Skyscraper Competition was this fascinating concept from two United States architects. Called Vertical Factories it turns a giant skyscraper into its own self-sustaining ecosystem
62/77
Second place in eVolo’s 2017 Skyscraper Competition was this fascinating concept from two United States architects. Called Vertical Factories it turns a giant skyscraper into its own self-sustaining ecosystem
This spectacular concept received an honorable mention in the eVolo skyscraper competition. Called Heal-Berg the structure is more than carbon neutral, it is designed to actually help repair the surrounding environment
63/77
This spectacular concept received an honorable mention in the eVolo skyscraper competition. Called Heal-Berg the structure is more than carbon neutral, it is designed to actually help repair the surrounding environment
This spectacular concept received an honorable mention in the eVolo skyscraper competition. Called Heal-Berg the structure is more than carbon neutral, it is designed to actually help repair the surrounding environment
64/77
This spectacular concept received an honorable mention in the eVolo skyscraper competition. Called Heal-Berg the structure is more than carbon neutral, it is designed to actually help repair the surrounding environment
This giant proposal connects two 65-storey towers by a three-floor skybridge. Situated on the banks of the Miami river this impressive concept also has its own multi-storey waterfall
65/77
This giant proposal connects two 65-storey towers by a three-floor skybridge. Situated on the banks of the Miami river this impressive concept also has its own multi-storey waterfall
This giant proposal connects two 65-storey towers by a three-floor skybridge. Situated on the banks of the Miami river this impressive concept also has its own multi-storey waterfall
66/77
This giant proposal connects two 65-storey towers by a three-floor skybridge. Situated on the banks of the Miami river this impressive concept also has its own multi-storey waterfall
This giant proposal connects two 65-storey towers by a three-floor skybridge. Situated on the banks of the Miami river this impressive concept also has its own multi-storey waterfall
67/77
This giant proposal connects two 65-storey towers by a three-floor skybridge. Situated on the banks of the Miami river this impressive concept also has its own multi-storey waterfall
This giant proposal connects two 65-storey towers by a three-floor skybridge. Situated on the banks of the Miami river this impressive concept also has its own multi-storey waterfall
68/77
This giant proposal connects two 65-storey towers by a three-floor skybridge. Situated on the banks of the Miami river this impressive concept also has its own multi-storey waterfall
This extraordinary concept from Vincent Callebaut suggests a future where 3D-printing technology involving spider-like robots and drones can build honeycomb structures
69/77
This extraordinary concept from Vincent Callebaut suggests a future where 3D-printing technology involving spider-like robots and drones can build honeycomb structures
This extraordinary concept from Vincent Callebaut suggests a future where 3D-printing technology involving spider-like robots and drones can build honeycomb structures
70/77
This extraordinary concept from Vincent Callebaut suggests a future where 3D-printing technology involving spider-like robots and drones can build honeycomb structures
This extraordinary concept from Vincent Callebaut suggests a future where 3D-printing technology involving spider-like robots and drones can build honeycomb structures
71/77
This extraordinary concept from Vincent Callebaut suggests a future where 3D-printing technology involving spider-like robots and drones can build honeycomb structures
This extraordinary concept from Vincent Callebaut suggests a future where 3D-printing technology involving spider-like robots and drones can build honeycomb structures
72/77
This extraordinary concept from Vincent Callebaut suggests a future where 3D-printing technology involving spider-like robots and drones can build honeycomb structures
This extraordinary concept from Vincent Callebaut suggests a future where 3D-printing technology involving spider-like robots and drones can build honeycomb structures
73/77
This extraordinary concept from Vincent Callebaut suggests a future where 3D-printing technology involving spider-like robots and drones can build honeycomb structures
This extraordinary concept from Vincent Callebaut suggests a future where 3D-printing technology involving spider-like robots and drones can build honeycomb structures
74/77
This extraordinary concept from Vincent Callebaut suggests a future where 3D-printing technology involving spider-like robots and drones can build honeycomb structures
Another interesting honorable mention from the eVolo skyscraper competition. This design from Adriann Jeevananthan proposes a building composed of individual modular pods
75/77
Another interesting honorable mention from the eVolo skyscraper competition. This design from Adriann Jeevananthan proposes a building composed of individual modular pods
Another interesting honorable mention from the eVolo skyscraper competition. This design from Adriann Jeevananthan proposes a building composed of individual modular pods
76/77
Another interesting honorable mention from the eVolo skyscraper competition. This design from Adriann Jeevananthan proposes a building composed of individual modular pods
The best conceptual architecture of 2017 was an assortment of mind-bending imaginative designs from some amazing architectural firms
77/77
The best conceptual architecture of 2017 was an assortment of mind-bending imaginative designs from some amazing architectural firms
View gallery - 77 images

Conceptual architecture can be a lot of things. It can be a realistic, yet novel, skyscraper or it can be an extremely unreal imagining seemingly straight out of a science fiction movie. We've seen a lot of strange boundary-pushing architecture concepts in 2017 and this gallery celebrates those exciting dreamers.

This selection of concepts from the past year includes a variety of insane proposals that obviously will never be actually constructed, but the value in a good piece of conceptual architecture is less in it being a practical proposition and more in the ideas it raises. Good conceptual architecture asks questions about where we are heading as a society and what kinds of design principles we should be exploring.

From Clouds Architecture Office comes this extraordinary concept for an upside-down skyscraper that hangs from an orbiting asteroid
From Clouds Architecture Office comes this extraordinary concept for an upside-down skyscraper that hangs from an orbiting asteroid

From an imaginative, yet unrealizable, skyscraper that hangs over the Earth's surface from an artificial orbiting asteroid, to a bizarre bending tower that resembles a giant paper clip, it has been a fascinating year for conceptual architecture.

A continuing trend throughout 2017 has been green plant covered buildings and high timber towers. Stefano Boeri's iconic plant-covered vertical forest towers continued to impress this year with several new concepts proposed, and what seemed like an out-there dream a few years ago actually started becoming reality in several parts of the world. The Italian architect's Forest City design for Liuzhou in China got underway, and is amazingly set to be completed by 2020.

One of the weirdest concepts of 2017 came from a collective of South Korean designers entering the eVolo skyscraper concept competition. Called "The Giant Sequoia Skyscraper" this design proposes building spaces inside of giant trees
One of the weirdest concepts of 2017 came from a collective of South Korean designers entering the eVolo skyscraper concept competition. Called "The Giant Sequoia Skyscraper" this design proposes building spaces inside of giant trees

While a spectacular 712 ft high timber structure proposed for New York City is unlikely to be built, work actually started on an exciting staircase/art installation called Vessel from Heatherwick Studio. This was one we never thought would actually see the light of day, but you never truly know whether these crazy concepts will get over the line.

Paris-based firm Vincent Callebaut Architectures again delivered a series of stunning futuristic concepts in 2017. The Nautilus Eco-Resort especially stood out from the pack with its unique perspective on sustainable architecture that envisioned rotating buildings arranged into a shape inspired by the Fibonacci sequence.

The Nautilus Eco-Resort was one of most exciting concepts seen in 2017 with its Fibonacci-inspired shape
The Nautilus Eco-Resort was one of most exciting concepts seen in 2017 with its Fibonacci-inspired shape

Take a look through our gallery for a mind-bending look at some more of the best architectural concepts of 2017 including an inspired shipping container house, a skyscraper inside the trunk of a mammoth tree and a giant simulation of a city on Mars proposed for the desert outside of Dubai.

View gallery - 77 images

Tags

ArchitectureZaha HadidArchitectsConcept ArchitectureVertical GardenVincent CallebautMAD ArchitectsBest of 2017
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
ljaques
With enough support, we can cure architecture in our time!
ei3io
New Atlas is filing a critical need in that civilization needs desperately to become more aware of the built environment and architectural benefits of great design for it.
Only a very few of these architectural selections is unfortunate because Science Fiction with comic book fantasy should not be part of “The Top Architectural Concepts of 2017” because they are NOT good Architecture which requires sound logic. To design buildings hanging from space is such an extreme folly being showcased up front as if its the top of the Top when it is utterly absurd and so illogical it therefore is very stupid no matter how beautiful their cad drawings are.
Most of the top concepts are great as they support sustainability to enhance human future environments including unique sculptural spaces.
We cant read the program logic but if it is killing giant redwoods just make a constrained human environment it would ruin the beauty of those elegant ancient trees and their forests. However if it was simply reusing dead trees planted elsewhere its pretty cool.
Last I cant let go the extreme lack of structural knowledge stacking tacky arched windows in blocks that would easily be crushed at the base of their supports if ever built like that cad ilustrator drew it.