Get ready to explore the next wave of design brilliance that’s reshaping the world of architecture and travel.
These awe-inspiring structures, crafted by some of the world’s most visionary architects, blend imagination, sustainability, and cutting-edge design. Here’s a curated list of must-visit global architectural wonders that are set to redefine your travel plans.
Sankara Hotel & Resort – Bali, Indonesia
This innovative, bamboo-centric resort will open its doors in 2025 and promises a perfect blend of nature and luxury. Designed by Ibuku, the visionary firm behind Bali’s renowned Green School, Sankara will use locally sourced bamboo to create sweeping, organic forms, reflecting Bali’s rich heritage in eco-friendly architecture.
The Line – Neom, Saudi Arabia
This futuristic city aims to redefine urban living with its 170-kilometre linear design that prioritises walkability and sustainability. The project envisions a vertically stacked city encased in mirrored facades, providing a car-free, zero-emission lifestyle. With parks, homes, and businesses all within a five-minute walk, Neom is set to be one of the world’s most ambitious architectural projects by 2025.
Troodos Observatory – Agridia, Cyprus
The Troodos Observatory, a blend of futuristic and natural design, mirrors the wonder of sci-fi tales. Built with reflective cladding that allows it to merge into the mountainous landscape, it’s not only a hotspot for stargazing but also for architecture lovers. The observatory boasts a 20-inch reflective telescope under a hydraulic roof, inviting visitors to marvel at the universe.
Jubail Island Eco-Resort – Abu Dhabi, UAE
Designed to harmonise with nature, Jubail Island’s eco-resort features luxurious overwater villas, mangrove forests, and sustainable design principles. It’s perfect for eco-conscious travellers looking to immerse themselves in Abu Dhabi’s rich biodiversity while enjoying modern architecture that protects the environment.
Loch Ard Blowhole Lookout – Great Ocean Road, Vic, Australia
Inspired by breaching whales and local Indigenous stories, this stunning $8 million lookout near the iconic Twelve Apostles will open in 2025. Architects Denton Corker Marshall have crafted this whale-shaped structure to overlook the dramatic blowhole, paying homage to the Eastern Maar community’s connection to the land and ocean.
Expo 2025 – Osaka, Japan
Japan’s Expo 2025 promises a display of architectural creativity like no other. With whimsical pavilions designed by top architects, one standout is Shigeru Ban’s Blue Ocean Dome—constructed from bamboo, paper tubes, and reinforced plastic. Singapore’s contribution includes a giant sphere by DP Architects, and Bahrain’s pavilion, inspired by traditional Arabian boats, is a must-see. Mark your calendar for April 13, 2025, to witness these feats of design.
David Geffen Galleries – Los Angeles, USA
Renowned architect Peter Zumthor’s first U.S. project, the David Geffen Galleries, is set to open at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art by the year’s end. This single-story, curved concrete building wrapped in glass will flood the gallery space with natural light, showcasing LACMA’s permanent collection in a breathtaking new way.
Masdar City – Abu Dhabi, UAE
One of the world’s most ambitious sustainable urban developments, Masdar City is a hub for clean-tech innovation and eco-friendly architecture. With its wind towers, narrow streets, and solar-paneled roofs, the city’s design optimises natural cooling and energy efficiency. Perfect for tech-savvy travellers, this zero-carbon city is a glimpse into the future of sustainable living.
Museum of Shakespeare – London, UK
Opening in late 2025, this unique museum takes visitors back to the 16th century, built around the remains of the historic Curtain Playhouse in Shoreditch. This site once staged the first performance of Romeo and Juliet and Henry V, and now offers an immersive experience with a museum three metres underground, giving a glimpse into Shakespeare’s world.
Grand Palais – Paris, France
Reopened in time for the 2024 Paris Olympics, the Grand Palais has undergone a major $764 million renovation. The Beaux-Arts gem is now better equipped for modern events, with restored steel supports and sunlight flooding through its massive glass dome. The iconic space will be fully open to the public by spring 2025.
Silk Road Samarkand – Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Set to open in late 2025, this massive tourism complex will combine traditional Uzbek architecture with modern amenities. Featuring luxury hotels, cultural centres, and wellness resorts, the design pays homage to Samarkand’s rich history as a stop on the ancient Silk Road while offering visitors a glimpse of Uzbekistan’s future as a global travel destination.
teamLab Phenomena – Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island is continuing to establish itself as a global cultural hub with the opening of teamLab Phenomena later this year. Joining iconic landmarks like the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the upcoming Zayed National Museum, this digital art museum by Japanese art collective teamLab is a standout. Known for its immersive experiences, teamLab’s Tokyo museum became the most visited museum in the world last year. The building itself is an architectural marvel, with a cloud-like, windowless exterior designed to be entered through a unique “organ-like” passageway.
These architectural wonders offer a glimpse into the future of design, where creativity, sustainability, and culture converge. Whether you’re a design enthusiast or a curious traveller, these global destinations should be on your must-visit list.
Stay tuned as these spaces open their doors and reshape the landscapes they inhabit! ✈️
