Photo: mathes/Depositphotos

Shanghai is home to some of the tallest buildings in the world. As such, its sweeping skyline fascinates both travelers and architecture lovers. Josh Turner, a New England-based videographer, set out to capture the sweeping heights of Shanghai's skyscrapers during a trip to China. The result is a dizzying yet thrilling bird's-eye view that only a skilled drone pilot could get.

Turner's video focuses on Shanghai's three tallest buildings—the Shanghai Tower, which at 2,073 feet is the third tallest building in the world; the Shanghai World Financial Center, known for its distinctive “bottle opener” top; and the Jin Mao Tower, designed after the tiered pagoda from traditional Chinese architecture. All of them are conveniently located in Shanghai's Pudong district.

The video may not be for those with a fear of heights—Turner's drone flies above the skyscrapers before gliding down their glass façades at lightning speed. His clever framing catches details like the reflection of the Jin Mao Tower on the windows of Shanghai World Financial Center or the sun shining through the gap at its top. Still, the real treat comes near the end, when the city lights come on, depicting the creative possibilities of lighting up a super tall building at night.

“I had the opportunity to visit Shanghai this past January (2024) and couldn't miss the chance to fly FPV around the 3 tallest towers in the city,” writes Turner. “Shanghai Tower stands at an impressive 632m (2,073ft) making it the tallest building in China and the 3rd tallest in the world behind the Burj Khalifa and Merdeka Tower. Shanghai Tower with the Shanghai World Financial Center (492m), and Jin Mao Tower (421m) dominate the city skyline. I also flew around the Oriental Pearl Tower and was able to catch the window washers who dangle by ropes every morning cleaning the glass. Enjoy!”

Watch Josh Turner's drone footage on three of the tallest buildings in China below.

Videographer Josh Turner set out to capture the sweeping heights of Shanghai's tallest buildings during a trip to China.

Josh Turner: Instagram | YouTube
h/t: [Laughing Squid]

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Nestled in Turkey's only desert region, a striking piece of architecture complements the 3.2 million solar panels that fill the area. The Central Control Building is a centerpiece for Kalyon Energy's 1,350 MWp solar power plant, which has the capacity to be the largest solar energy power plant in Europe. Designed by Bilgin Architects, the building's façade is lined with 7,200 stainless steel panels to help it blend into the desert environment.

With four levels of transparency, the steel panels help regulate internal temperatures and keep out the scorching heat. But beyond this, the design choice creates a stunning aesthetic. “The façade becomes not only a part of the building but also a part of the sky,” explains the firm. “As the night falls, the façade turns inside out, contrasting with the experience in daylight and revealing the interiors and courtyard at night.”

The building, which is purposely built at a safe distance from the surrounding solar panels, is truly an oasis in the desert. The open, bright foyer blurs the line between indoor and outdoor, leading visitors through a series of interconnected spaces. These spaces include a cafeteria and a multipurpose hall designed with infrastructure to host various events, panels, and workshops.

At the heart of the building is a lush courtyard filled with plants that transport visitors away from the desert. Gently sloping steps lead from the courtyard up to the roof for an expansive look at the surrounding solar panels. When the sun goes down, the control center takes on a different guise. The façade appears to melt away, revealing the illuminated interior and courtyard.

With its clever, contemporary design Bilgin Architects has created a Central Control Building that is not just functional. The beacon in the desert is also a symbol of sustainable energy technologies and what we can achieve to save the planet.

Bilgin Architects has designed a Central Control Building for what may become Europe's largest solar energy power plant.

Located in the Turkish desert, the structure is lined with 7,200 stainless steel panels that reflect the exterior environment.

Inside, an airy foyer leads visitors to a lush central courtyard filled with endemic plants.

The building is located strategically, so it won't cast shadows on the surrounding solar panels.

Both functional and aesthetically pleasing, Bilgin Architects has created a structure that is a symbol of sustainable energy technologies.

Bilgin Architects: Website | Instagram | Facebook 

All images by Egemen Karakaya. My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Bilgin Architects.

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Much like movies, video games are also the brainchild of artists, from character design to the soundtrack. In an effort to pay tribute to the art of video games, Japanese developer Daiwa House has just broken ground on a Game Art Museum, slated to open in the summer of 2027. Located in Yokohama, this state-of-the-art facility will be the first of its kind in the world.

Designed by Kume Sekkei Co., the Game Art Museum will be part of multi-purpose development project that also includes a 32,291-square-foot art garden and a 29-story office building. The development is located in the 52nd block of Minato Mirai 21 Central District, the largest district in the area. With sustainability in mind, the developer will also install a district heating plant underground to reduce carbon emissions.

Koyo, a subsidiary of Koei Tecmo Holdings and known for popular video game franchises like “Dynasty Warriors” and “Ninja Gaiden,” is in charge of developing the Game Art Museum. The company plans to use cutting-edge CG technology to spotlight the many elements of the video game world building, whether it's overall visuals, music, sound, character features, or interactive experiences.

The museum's façade also pays tribute to the creative work behind video games with a “life-inspired” spiral design. Beyond the building, there's also more to see for fans of video games. During the day, visitors can roam the art garden, home to colorful seasonal plants. At night, this green area will have projection mapping displays, turning it into an immersive game-like environment.

Once it opens, the developers hope this museum will not only attract gamers and pop culture fans from around the world, but also expand the local museum offerings for those who call Yokohama home. To stay up to date with this project, visit Daiwa House's website.

Japanese developer Daiwa House has just broken ground on a Game Art Museum, slated to open in Yokohama in summer 2027.

Located in Yokohama, this state-of-the-art facility will be the first of its kind in the world.

Daiwa House: Website
h/t: [NextShark]

All images via Daiwa House.

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There is nothing quite as magical as seeing a city come alive at night. This experience is precisely what Nikita Busyak captures in his ongoing glowing city sketch series.

Busyak draws beautiful cityscape scenes with Micron pens, using precise linework and shading techniques, before digitally modifying the drawings by filling them in with light. This effect makes the windows look like they are glowing, and golden light emanates from them onto the nearby sidewalks and balconies. His artwork is incredibly intimate, and it is hard to look at Busyak's drawings and not be reminded of the last great evening walk you had.

Busyak is Ukranian, and drawings are based on the sights around his native country. However, the longer his series has gone on, the more the artist has begun to experiment with lighting and setting. Some of the most recent pieces feature color-changing lights rather than strictly yellow ones. Another piece features an old sailing vessel illuminated by the lanterns on the deck.

Scroll down to see more of Busyak's art, and follow the artist on Instagram to keep up to date with his latest projects.

Artist Nikita Busyak is known for his glowing pen drawings of buildings.

The artist illuminates his drawings by digitally editing in glowing light, adding to the intimate feel of his work.

Busyak is Ukranian and often draws buildings from around his country.

As incredible as Busyak's architectural illustrations are, his talent is not limited to drawing buildings.

Nikita Busyak: Telegram | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Nikita Busyak.

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Lush vertical terraces climb up the side of a new building set for one of São Paulo's fastest-growing green neighborhoods. Designed by Victor B. Ortiz Architecture, Urupê Tower is a stunning example of biophilic design. Inspired by the fungal growth on a tree trunk, the mixed-use building will provide panoramic views of the area.

The lush vegetation on the facade demonstrates how manmade structures can harmonize with the natural world. Aside from aesthetic impact, the greenery will also create micro-climates to offset the impact of the architecture. Plants play a role in every facet of the design and are present on all sides of the building. In this way, people will be able to deeply engage with nature even in an urban setting.

Victor B. Ortiz Architecture, which has its roots in São Paulo, is keenly aware of the environmental impacts that construction projects can have. Through the use of renewable materials and the incorporation of natural elements, it attempts to limit or mitigate these effects. The studio values the importance of creating spaces that are both functional and environmentally responsible.

Urupê Tower is a stunning piece of biophilic design by Victor B. Ortiz Architecture.

Set for one of São Paulo's fastest-growing green neighborhoods, it was inspired by the way fungi grow on tree trunks.

The cascading terraces create a vertical garden that harmonizes the manmade structure with nature.

Victor B. Ortiz Architecture: Website | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Victor B. Ortiz Architecture.

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Global design firm Populous has been tapped to create the Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Stadium. Located in Qiddiya City atop a 650-foot cliff, this multi-use venue is part of a plan to create a new entertainment, sports, and culture capital in Saudi Arabia.

Qiddiya City is being developed by the Qiddiya Investment Company, and will be filled with theme parks, a race track, rides, and 160,000 residences. The cornerstone of the development is the stadium, which will be fully compliant with FIFA regulations. Populous has revealed its design for the 45,000 seat stadium, which will host both sporting and entertainment events.

The high-tech stadium includes a combined retractable roof, pitch, and LED wall. This will allow the space to transform for any type of event in a matter of hours. Additionally, the LED wall will be a portal to live event broadcasts, high-definition films and laser shows, offering guests a novel, immersive experience with each visit. When not activated, it will open to reveal breathtaking views of Qiddiya City.

As an anchor of Qiddiya City, the stadium is setting the bar high with its innovative, cubic design and use of technology. Populous was inspired by its location on a Tuwaiq cliff and also pushed itself to embody Qiddiya's motto of “Play Life.”

“The stadium exterior is formed by a collection of modular cubes that act as an extension of the Tuwaiq cliff, framed by portals that glimpse into the future of the city. The stadium spans the height of the cliff to connect the upper plateau and the Gaming & Esports district, to the lower plateau and theme parks below,” explained Rhys Courtney, Populous senior principal and project lead for the stadium.

“The cubes and portals spill down the cliff to create a massive digital canvas that interacts with users at different scales, from street-level vistas to the three-sided seating bowl experience, to citywide views—transcending the stadium typology.”

Populous estimates that there will be 7.6 million annual visits to the stadium, with guests selecting from multiple entertainment options that will occur inside each day. The climate controlled space is built on top of a cooling lake in order to reduce energy consumption and will use captured rainwater to pre-cool the air conditioning system.

This is the second project that Populous is working on in Qiddiya City, as they are also designing its immersive Esports Arena.

Global design firm Populous is creating a cutting-edge multi-use stadium outside of Riyadh.

The Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Stadium is a centerpiece of Qiddiya City and will host multiple events daily.

Populous: Website | Facebook | Instagram

All images © Populous.

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This year's Burning Man Festival is on the horizon, and the organization has just revealed the design for 2024's Black Rock City Temple. As the centerpiece of the festival, taking the lead on the design is an enormous honor. Caroline Ghosn, also known as Glitter Kitty, is taking the helm on this year's design, which is titled Temple of Together.

For Ghosn, who attended her first Burning Man in 2014, the design unites the powerful emotions she has experienced firsthand at Black Rock City. Unity, community, and respect are themes central to the design and are immediately evident in the large mesh set of praying hands that sit at one entrance.

The stunning design, which includes a fenced courtyard, gives a nod to different architectural styles. Neo-gothic arches repeat throughout the Temple, and the symmetry of Art Deco design is also ever-present. The cladding is an homage to the wooden Khaizaran chair Ghosn sat on as a child as she dreamed of being an artist. Its woven texture will allow light to penetrate into the Temple, unifying those inside under its warm glow.

The woven cladding also serves a practical purpose, as it will allow for the use of sustainable materials. Volunteers, who each year come together to raise the Temple, will also participate in the weaving process. Therefore, when the Temple of Together is erected, it will truly be a community project.

Ghosn's role as lead artist comes after her 2022 Disturb My Slumber installation, which was one of that year's burns. She is now making history as the first female Temple lead artist and the first BIPOC Temple lead artist. She also plans to break more barriers by pushing for her Temple to be the most environmentally sustainable design in the history of Burning Man. To that end, she has woven sustainable practices into the proposal and even consulted with past Temple lead artists on how to source the most sustainable materials.

Now that the design has been revealed, Ghosn will be assembling an expert team, as well as volunteers, to make her vision come to life in time for the big event.

Burning Man has revealed the design for its 2024 Black Rock City Temple.

Artist Caroline Ghosn is making history as the first female and first BIPOC lead artist for the iconic Temple.

She hopes to make her Temple of Together the most sustainable Temple ever created.

Take a walk through the incredible design for the 2024 Burning Man Temple.

Caroline Ghosn: Website | Instagram

All images via Maissa Sader.

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Famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright is best remembered for his sweeping architecture, including the Guggenheim Museum and Fallingwater. But some of the most celebrated aspects of his work can also be studied through some of his lesser known pieces, such as Tirranna. This house is located next to the Noroton River in Connecticut, and Architectural Digest recently shared an insightful video tour of the property alongside Stuart Graff, CEO of Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation.

Graff spotlights the solar hemicycle, the main curve that shapes the living space with floor-to-ceiling windows. In addition to blurring the line between indoors and outdoors, it can be regarded as an early form of sustainable design. By following the movement of the sun throughout the day, it naturally illuminates and heats the space, something vital during the winter months.

Throughout the tour, Graff takes time to revel in the details of Wright's work. For example, he analyzes the contrast between Philippine mahogany and naked concrete. This shows not only Wright’s love for materials and making clear what the house was made from, but also offers an emotional experience by replicating the diversity of trees and bushes found in the woods.

Tirranna, an indigenous term for running water, also features some of Wright’s signature choices. For example, Graff lists the subdued shade of red on floor, a construction grid system, built-in shelves that control how the art and objects are displayed throughout the house, and the neatly designed chairs. Above all, Wright prizes the relationship between the house and the surrounding landscape—especially the river right beside it. The name, Tirranna, even references this, as an Australian Indigenous term for “running water.”

It's thanks to all of these choices, Graff concludes, that the building seems to always have belonged in this setting. “When I first encountered Wright’s work as an 8-year-old boy, it was the space and the light that got me all excited,” he declares. “I now understand why that gives us the feeling that it does, why we feel different in a Frank Lloyd Wright house. That’s because he uses space and light to create this sense of intimacy with the world around us.”

Watch the Tirranna video tour above.

h/t: [Open Culture]

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Rendering of the floating pool by the Brooklyn Bridge. (Photo: Family New York)

The New York City-based organization + POOL has designed a floating pool that could soon provide New Yorkers with clean, free public swimming opportunities. The pool is equipped with expert filtration systems to remove harmful bacteria and contaminants from river water, leaving swimmers with clean and safe swimmable water.

Interestingly, the pool is shaped like an addition sign. + POOL chose this design so that each rectangular section of the pool could serve a different purpose. Once fully assembled, the 9,000-square-foot pool will have a designated section for kids, sports, laps, and lounging. The pool can also be reconfigured into an Olympic-length lap pool for swim meets.

The project is nearly 15 years in the making. + POOL started in 2010 when four designers had the idea to build a floating pool in New York City's East River. In an effort to fund the project, + POOL became the first civic architecture project to launch through Kickstarter. Since 2010, + POOL has gone from its humble beginnings as a Kickstarter project to a successful nonprofit that is passionate about accessibility and conservation.

The + POOL team plans to install a 2,000-square-foot version of the pool in a river or bay surrounding New York City this summer. According to New York Governor Kathy Hochul, the pool could be open for swimmers as soon as summer 2025.

In addition to the creation of the floating pool, + POOL is passionate about equitable swimming access for New Yorkers. They help achieve this goal by hosting a variety of swimming lessons for all ages, including a free children's swim camp for kids who would not have the opportunity otherwise. Through their Riversweeps program, + POOL also organizes events to remove debris on the Brooklyn Bridge that could wash into the East River.

An innovative new swimming pool design from + POOL will soon provide New Yorkers with access to clean and free urban swimming opportunities.

Rendering of the floating pool under the Brooklyn Bridge. (Photo: Family New York)

The pool has a built-in filtration system that enables it to clean 600,000 gallons of water a day.

Photo: Family New York

The pool can be divided into four different sections, each with its own unique purpose.

Diagram of how the pool can be divided into four sections. (Photo: PlayLab)

The 9,000-square-foot pool is also large enough for competitive swim meets.

Diagram of the pool at a swim meet. (Photo: PlayLab)

After a test run this summer, New Yorkers could be swimming in the pool as early as summer 2025.

Photo: Family New York

+ POOL: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
PlayLab: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
Family New York: Website

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by + POOL.

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Inspired by the shape of a cresting wave, the design for the Nanhai Art Center has been revealed by MAD Architects. The enormous complex includes a spacious theater, museum, and sports complex to give the citizens of Guangzhou and Foshan a new epicenter of community and culture. 

Interestingly, MAD founding partner Ma Yansong has close ties with the area, having once participated in the city's largest land art festival. “The traditional culture of Nanhai, is in the drum beat and boat drift during the dragon festival boat race and in the kung-fu in the lion dance,” he shares. “Watching them, you can feel the dynamic, vibrant, and innovative spirit from ancient times till today. We want to bring it back to modern living here.”

Built onto a lake, the project seeks to harmonize with the environment by placing the three buildings under an undulating canopy that resembles a wave. The sun canopy encourages the community to immerse themselves in the waterfront landscape while allowing them to continue the tradition of gathering together.

“The local culture of Southern Guangdong is always about the gathering of people,” Yansong shares. “To keep the same lifestyle, it has to be contributed by the contemporary cultural venues. The design of the Nanhai Art Center wants to provide the maximum gray spaces for such activities. It is also inspired by the large eaves of the traditional architecture of Lingnan.”

The entire site totals 59,445 square meters or over 14.5 acres. This includes the Grand Theater with a 1,500-seat amphitheater and 600-multipurpose hall, as well as a sprawling Sports Center complete with swimming pools, basketball courts, badminton courts, and other sporting spaces.

Commercial spaces will be scattered throughout the cultural spaces, with placement along the lake. By using a permeable facade, the design allows nature to flow back into the city and vice versa. Second-floor viewing platforms and patios help connect the cultural spaces, as well as provide further opportunities for enjoying the outdoors.

Sustainability is also at the forefront, with photovoltaic power generation, rainwater collection, and vertical greening systems incorporated into the design. Construction of the Nanhai Arts Center is scheduled to begin in 2024 and to be completed in 2029.

MAD Architects has revealed its design for the Nanhai Art Center in Foshan City, Guangdong.

Located on a lake, it features three buildings under an undulating canopy inspired by waves.

The sprawling site includes a grand theater, museum, and sports complex.

Construction will begin in 2024, with completion slated for 2029.

MAD Architects: Website | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by MAD Architects.

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