• Art and culture -> Design and Architecture

• 0 Comment

Which buildings around the world are prime examples of design thinking in architecture?

Scott Widdall

When it comes to design thinking in architecture, there are plenty of inspiring examples around the world. From the ancient ruins of Rome to the modern skyscrapers of Dubai, there is no shortage of innovative and beautiful buildings that demonstrate the power of design thinking to shape our built environment. Here are just a few examples of buildings that I think are prime examples of design thinking in architecture:

First up, the Sydney Opera House in Australia is a true icon of modern design. Its striking sail-like form was designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon in the 1950s, and it remains one of the most recognisable buildings in the world today. The Opera House is a testament to the power of iterative design thinking – Utzon spent years refining his concept, working with models and prototypes to arrive at the final design. The result is a building that not only looks beautiful, but also functions brilliantly as a venue for the performing arts.

Another example of design thinking at its best is the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, currently the tallest building in the world. This architectural marvel was designed by the Chicago-based firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, and it stands at a staggering 828 metres tall. What's truly remarkable about the Burj Khalifa is that its tapered shape was actually the result of a clever design hack – the architects realised that by shaping the building like a giant petal, they could reduce the wind load on the structure and make it more stable. The result is a building that not only looks breathtaking, but also performs exceptionally well in a challenging environment.

Moving back in time, the Pantheon in Rome is another building that deserves recognition as a prime example of design thinking in architecture. This ancient temple, dating back to the 2nd century AD, is famous for its impressive dome – the largest unsupported concrete dome in the world. How did the Romans manage to construct a dome of this size without the aid of modern construction techniques? The key was in the design – by creating a series of nested arches and using lighter materials at the top of the dome, the Romans were able to achieve a structure that was both stunning and structurally sound.

Modernist architecture is another rich source of examples of design thinking. The Farnsworth House, designed by the legendary architect Mies van der Rohe in 1945, is a stunning example of minimalism in design. The house is essentially a glass box, elevated on steel columns, with no internal walls or partitions. It's a masterclass in using design to create a sense of openness and connection to the natural world.

Finally, I have to mention the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain. Designed by the Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry, the Guggenheim is widely regarded as one of the most important buildings of the 20th century. Gehry's design – which features a sinuous titanium-clad exterior – was a radical departure from the staid architecture that had dominated museums up until that point. The Guggenheim Bilbao stands as a testament to the power of design thinking to break new ground and create something truly original.

In conclusion, there are countless examples of buildings from around the world that demonstrate the power of design thinking in architecture. Whether it's the iterative design process that led to the Sydney Opera House, the clever engineering behind the Burj Khalifa, or the timeless beauty of the Pantheon in Rome, these buildings serve as a reminder that great architecture is not just about aesthetics – it's about using design to solve problems and create structures that are functional, innovative, and enduring.