Five cities with unusual architecture that are worth seeing

Architecture is one of the most expressive ways to get to know the soul of a city. It tells about its history, ambitions and cultural code. There are places in the world where buildings and entire urban landscapes become the main reason for travelling. They don't just complement the trip, they create unforgettable impressions that remain in your memory for years to come. These cities demonstrate how different approaches to construction and planning can create unique living spaces.

Centrum Air offers the opportunity to see these cities with your own eyes – thanks to convenient direct flights and well-planned itineraries, you can easily plan a trip to the most inspiring architectural destinations.

The selected destinations are of particular interest as they combine a rich historical heritage with bold contemporary projects. Here you can trace how styles and technologies have changed over the centuries and how local traditions are reflected in the most futuristic structures. Each of these cities offers its own unique architectural narrative, which provides a better understanding of the region as a whole. Travelling to these cities is not just a holiday, but a real educational experience that broadens your horizons.

Dubai – the architecture of the future, born in the desert

Dubai is a unique example of a rapid transformation from a small settlement to a global metropolis. Architecture plays a key role here, demonstrating the capabilities of modern technology and the boldness of engineering thought. The city constantly strives to set new records and rethink traditional ideas about urban planning. At the same time, local architects skilfully integrate elements of Arab culture into ultra-modern projects, creating a unique style that cannot be confused with any other.

The main architectural objects worthy of attention are:

• Burj Khalifa is not just the tallest building in the world, but an entire vertical city. It is 828 metres high and includes residential apartments, office space, the Armani Hotel and observation decks. Interestingly, the designers were inspired by the shape of a local flower, the lily, as well as elements of traditional Islamic architecture. A system of tubular structures made it possible to achieve such a height without a massive frame. The building is equipped with an advanced control system that monitors energy consumption, water supply and microclimate. The observation deck on the 148th floor is the highest in the world and offers a panoramic view of the city and the desert.

• Burj Al Arab – this sail-shaped hotel became a symbol of modern Dubai even before the appearance of many other iconic landmarks. It stands on an artificial island, which is an engineering feat in itself. The most advanced materials and technologies available at the time were used in its construction. The hotel's interiors are exceptionally luxurious, and there is even a fountain with water jets reaching several metres in height. Another distinctive feature is its construction, which includes a large amount of steel and glass, creating the effect of a sail floating above the water.

• The Museum of the Future has become a new architectural icon of the city. Its ring shape with a void in the centre symbolises the unknown future, and the Arabic calligraphy on the façade represents quotes from the ruler of Dubai about development and progress. The façade consists of more than a thousand individual panels, each of which was manufactured using robotic technology. The building has no traditional supports, creating the effect of a floating structure. Inside are exhibition spaces dedicated to innovation and the technologies of the future.

• Dubai Mall and Dubai Fountain – these facilities are examples of a large-scale approach to the creation of public spaces. The shopping centre is one of the largest in the world and includes an underwater zoo and an ice rink. The Dubai Fountain is located on a 12-hectare artificial lake and can shoot water jets up to 150 metres high, combining them with lighting and music. The fountain's control system includes thousands of individual nozzles and spotlights.

Dubai's architecture continues to evolve, and the city has plans for even more ambitious projects. Here you can see how modern technologies make it possible to create a comfortable environment in a challenging climate. The use of energy-saving materials, water recovery systems and advanced engineering solutions makes the city interesting not only from an aesthetic point of view, but also from a technical one. It is a place where you can clearly see what the city of the future might look like.

Baku – a fusion of East and West on the shores of the Caspian Sea

Baku is an amazing city that has long been an important crossroads of trade routes, which is reflected in its appearance. Here you can see the influence of Persian, Ottoman, Russian and Western European architectural traditions. In recent decades, the city has been actively developing, becoming a platform for the implementation of bold architectural ideas of international calibre.

The main architectural objects worthy of attention are:

• The Heydar Aliyev Centre, designed by world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid, has become the city's new landmark. Its futuristic shape, devoid of right angles, symbolises Azerbaijan's forward-looking and dynamic development. The construction required the use of unique engineering solutions and specially developed materials. Inside, there are exhibition halls, a museum, auditoriums and administrative offices. The lighting system, which emphasises the smooth lines of the façade at night, deserves special attention.

• Icheri Sheher, the old town surrounded by well-preserved fortress walls, is the heart of historic Baku. Here you can see traditional Azerbaijani architecture with its characteristic courtyards, carved stone details and distinctive window designs. Maiden Tower is the most mysterious structure in the city, whose origin and purpose are still debated among researchers. The Palace of the Shirvanshahs is a complex of buildings including palace buildings, a mosque, a mausoleum and a bathhouse, demonstrating the high level of architectural development in the Middle Ages.

• The Flame Towers – this complex of three skyscrapers has become the dominant feature of modern Baku. The shape of the buildings symbolises tongues of flame, referring to the symbolism of Azerbaijan as the ‘land of fires’. The facades are covered with media screens, which create the effect of a giant living fire at night. The towers house offices, apartments and a hotel. Modern energy-saving systems and smart building management technologies were used in their construction.

• Baku Seaside Boulevard – this 3-kilometre-long promenade is a fine example of landscape architecture. It features a musical fountain, numerous recreation areas and cultural facilities. Of particular interest is the Carpet Museum, whose building is shaped like a rolled-up carpet. The designers paid special attention to landscaping and creating a comfortable pedestrian environment, making this place popular for walks among residents and visitors to the city.

Baku's architecture continues to evolve while maintaining a connection with its historical heritage. New projects fit neatly into the existing urban environment, creating a harmonious transition from old to new. The city demonstrates how modern architecture can be developed without losing its cultural identity. This makes it particularly interesting for studying urbanisation processes in the modern world.

Seoul – a technological synthesis of tradition and innovation

Seoul has gone from a modest settlement to one of the most developed megacities in the world, and this transformation is clearly reflected in its architecture. A distinctive feature of Seoul is its careful attitude towards its historical heritage – here you can find palaces of the Joseon dynasty neighbouring ultra-modern skyscrapers, and this neighbourhood looks organic.

The main architectural objects worthy of attention are:

• The palaces of the Joseon Dynasty – five large palace complexes scattered throughout the city centre are classic examples of Korean palace architecture. The most significant is Gyeongbokgung, built in the 14th century. Its complex includes dozens of buildings arranged according to the principles of traditional Korean geomancy. The Gyeongjeongjeon Pavilion, the main throne room standing on a stone foundation and crowned with a two-tiered roof, deserves special attention. The buildings' structures demonstrate a sophisticated system of wooden joints designed without the use of nails.

• Lotte World Tower – this 123-storey skyscraper, 555 metres high, is the fifth tallest building in the world. Its shape is inspired by traditional Korean ceramics and writing. The tower is equipped with state-of-the-art safety systems, including dampers to absorb vibrations from wind and earthquakes. The building houses offices, a luxury hotel, observation decks and private apartments. High-speed lifts take visitors to the observation deck on the 123rd floor in just one minute.

• Panpo Bridge and Moonlight Rainbow Fountain – this engineering project combines practical function with artistic design. The fountain, installed on both sides of the bridge, is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the longest bridge fountain in the world. The system includes 380 nozzles that draw water from the Han River, filter it and create ever-changing water patterns. An evening light show using 10,000 LEDs transforms the bridge into a spectacular display visible from many points in the city.

• Cheonno District – this historic area showcases various stages of Korean architectural development. Here you can see traditional hanok houses with ondol (underfloor heating) and curved tile roofs, alongside colonial-era buildings and modern structures. Of particular interest are Bukchon Village, where hanok houses of the nobility have been preserved, and Namsangol Village, which showcases traditional dwellings from different regions of Korea. Restoration work is carried out using traditional materials and techniques.

Seoul's architecture continues to evolve, maintaining a delicate balance between innovation and tradition. The city authorities pay special attention to creating a comfortable urban environment, developing public spaces and integrating green areas into the urban landscape. Seoul demonstrates how modern technologies can be used to preserve cultural heritage and improve the quality of life in a metropolis.

Bangkok – the glow of gold and an eclectic mix of styles

In Bangkok, the city's architecture reflects Thailand's complex history, which has absorbed the influence of neighbouring cultures and Western colonial styles. A distinctive feature of the city is that religious buildings in the form of temples remain the architectural landmarks that define the city's appearance, despite active modern construction.

The main architectural sites worth seeing are:

• The Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha – this vast complex represents the pinnacle of traditional Thai architecture. Construction began in 1782 and continued for several centuries. Wat Phra Kaew, where the Emerald Buddha is kept, displays all the characteristic elements of Thai religious architecture: multi-level roofs richly decorated with gold and coloured glass mosaics, elaborate stucco work and sculptural representations of mythological creatures. Every detail has a symbolic meaning related to Buddhist teachings.

• Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn) – located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, this temple is known for its central prang (tower) 79 metres high. Its distinctive feature is its coloured porcelain and ceramic decoration, which creates intricate patterns and shimmers in the sun. The prang's design symbolises Mount Meru, the centre of the universe in Buddhist cosmology. Climbing to the upper levels of the tower allows you to see the details of the decoration and enjoy a panoramic view of the river and the city.

• The Riverside area and colonial architecture – buildings constructed between the late 19th and mid-20th centuries have been preserved along the Chao Phraya River. Of particular interest are the former British Embassy, Customs House and various trade missions, which combine European architectural styles with local building materials and technologies. Many of these buildings have been adapted to the tropical climate with high ceilings, large windows and ventilation systems.

• Modern skyscrapers – The Baiyoke Sky Hotel, King Power Mahanakhon and other high-rise buildings demonstrate a modern approach to architecture in a tropical climate. Many of them use double facade systems for protection from solar radiation, rainwater harvesting technologies and vertical greening. The observation decks on these buildings offer unique views of the city, allowing visitors to appreciate the scale and features of its layout.

Bangkok's architecture continues to evolve while retaining its unique identity. Contemporary architects often draw on traditional motifs, reinterpreting them in new materials and forms. The city demonstrates an amazing ability to integrate new technologies while preserving its spiritual and cultural traditions. This makes its architectural landscape one of the most distinctive in Southeast Asia.

Istanbul – the eternal city at the crossroads of civilisations

Istanbul occupies an honourable place in the history of world architecture, serving as a bridge between Europe and Asia, Christianity and Islam. The city, which has changed several names and was the capital of three empires, has preserved the architectural heritage of each of the eras of its development. A distinctive feature of Istanbul is that monuments from different periods and cultures do not simply coexist, but engage in a complex dialogue, creating a unique urban environment.

The main architectural sites worthy of attention are:

• Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya) is a building constructed in the 6th century that remained the largest Christian church in the world for almost a thousand years. Its grandiose dome with a diameter of 31 metres was a revolution in architecture. Interestingly, materials from various ancient monuments were used in its construction, including columns from the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus. After the Ottoman conquest, minarets, a mihrab and a minbar were added to the building, and the Christian mosaics were covered with plaster, creating a unique fusion of cultural layers.

• The Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque) – built in the early 17th century opposite Hagia Sophia, this mosque showcases the pinnacle of Ottoman architecture. Its distinctive feature is its six minarets, which was rare for that time. The interior is decorated with more than 20,000 handmade Iznik tiles, predominantly in shades of blue and turquoise. Natural light enters through 260 windows, many of which are filled with stained glass. Architect Sedefkar Mehmet Aga managed to create a harmonious complex that includes a madrasa, a hospital, and a caravanserai.

• The Basilica Cistern is a 6th-century underground reservoir that is an outstanding example of Byzantine engineering. The dimensions of the structure – 140 by 70 metres – allowed it to store up to 80,000 cubic metres of water. The brick vaults are supported by 336 columns, many of which were taken from older Roman buildings. Of particular interest are two columns set on bases depicting the head of Medusa. The water supply system included aqueducts and filtration facilities that provided water to a large area of the city.

• The palaces of the Ottoman period – Topkapi Palace, Dolmabahçe and other sultan's residences – demonstrate the evolution of Ottoman palace architecture. Topkapi, built over several centuries, is a complex of traditional-style pavilions arranged around courtyards. Dolmabahçe, built in the 19th century, reflects the influence of European architecture with elements of Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassicism combined with traditional Ottoman elements. The Ceremonial Hall, with its 36-metre column and 4.5-tonne chandelier, deserves special attention.

Istanbul's architecture continues to be a living organism, where modern projects fit harmoniously into the historical context. The city demonstrates an amazing ability to preserve its identity despite turbulent historical changes. Restoration work and archaeological research are constantly opening new pages in its architectural history, making Istanbul endlessly interesting to study.

Conclusion

Each of these cities offers a unique architectural experience that allows us to understand the cultural characteristics and historical path of the region. From the futuristic landscapes of Dubai to the centuries-old layers of Istanbul, all of these destinations demonstrate a variety of approaches to creating an urban environment. Architecture here becomes not just a backdrop, but an active participant in the dialogue between past and future, tradition and innovation.

Studying these cities can change the way we think about space and its organisation. They show that even when using modern technologies and international architectural trends, it is possible to preserve unique local character. These examples inspire a more thoughtful approach to our own urban environment and an understanding of how architecture affects quality of life and cultural identity.

To get the most out of such trips, it is worth planning your route in advance, not only to tourist attractions, but also to architectural quarters, museums and modern urban spaces. Look at buildings not as landmarks, but as a reflection of the era, values and worldview of the people who created them. Take photos of details, pay attention to materials and forms – over time, you will begin to notice how architecture affects the atmosphere of the city and the mood of its inhabitants. And most importantly, be inspired: perhaps this trip will be the impetus for travelling to new countries.