7 Architectural Works from Around the World that Represent the 21st Century

Domestika teachers choose the projects that, in their opinion, best define the avant-garde and the spirit of the last two decades

Like any other manifestation of human ingenuity, architecture is an art in constant transformation, intrinsically related to the historical moment in which it develops. To commemorate World Architecture Day and the Architect's Day–a day invented by the International Union of Architects (UIA) that always falls on the first Monday of October–we present seven projects that symbolize the avant-garde and the spirit of our time in the vision of different teachers of Domestika courses linked to the discipline.

This is not a ranking or a definitive list, but rather a set expert opinions, based on the distinctive and innovative features they believe are reflected in these creations.

21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa, Japan

Nishizawa), this project was chosen by Isabel Martínez Abascal (@isabelmabascal), co-founder of the LANZA atelier in Mexico City. "SANAA is a studio that always questions the relationships between interior and exterior," explains the architect: this is clearly seen in the design of the museum with a circular floor plan of 112.5 meters in diameter, which allows visitors to enter from different points.

The structure is made up of steel beams and tubular columns that support a reinforced concrete roof surrounded by a curved glass façade that allows a constant dialogue between what is inside and the surrounding landscape. The museum thus becomes a large park, a meeting point.

José Vasconcelos Public Library of Mexico, Mexico City

An immense park of about 30 thousand square meters contains, in its center, a jewel, "an ark carrying human knowledge and immersed in an exuberant botanical garden". This is how its creator, the prestigious Mexican architect Alberto Kalach, describes this project. Led by him, the team of the Taller Arquitectónico X (TAX) designed this work in 2005 which, for the Spanish architect and teacher of Domestika María Alarcón (@mariaalarcon_), is a simply excellent project, due to the lightness of its metallic, reinforced concrete, and glass structures, the use of natural light, and the beauty that invites us to visit and stay there.

"I was in Mexico at the beginning of the year and visited the library. It was quite an experience, because of the size of the project, the interior space, the way in which the spaces were generated, the desire to go and study, work or read there. It's like a dream of a diagram, a concept, come true," says Alarcón.

Anno Museum, Hamar, Norway

Completed in 2005, but begun much earlier in 1967, the museum adaptation of a former 12th century Episcopal fortress was designed entirely by Norwegian Sverre Fehn, winner of the 1997 Pritzker Prize. Built in stages, the transformation of the site, which today houses different buildings, reflects not only the architect's particular vision of his time but also anticipates many future architectural solutions, such as complete integration with the environment, respect for the history of the site, and beauty under the banner of extreme simplicity.

"It is a somewhat anonymous building that, far from seeking prominence, turns the ruins of the site and the topography into the main actor. With few interventions, the architect gives the visitor an almost spiritual experience," says Diego Escamilla, from the PALMA studio (@palmamx).

Brother Klaus Chapel, Merchenich, Germany

One of the best known projects by Australian architect Richard Leplastrier, whose structure is made of reinforced concrete, wood, glass, steel and stones, is an icon of the integration between nature and human labor, with a remarkable use of natural light. Designed in 2004, it aims to be the home of a "normal" family and has four bedrooms, two bathrooms and two parking spaces. What distinguishes it is the grace and great beauty of the details. "My houses are secret treasures to be discovered by the privileged few who can visit them," Leplastrier once said, without a hint of false modesty, referring to his projects.

"I don't know which is the most iconic building of the 21st century, but this house is my favorite surprise. The most beautiful house I've seen in a long time, meticulous, simple, and fun. Above all, they have been careful with the site, the house could be there forever or gone in a few years without a trace, and that makes it even more relevant," says Ilse Cárdenas, from the PALMA studio.

The High Line, New York, United States

This elevated New York park built on the rails of a former disused railroad is inspired by a similar project in Paris, the Coulée verte René-Dumont. A product of the revitalization of the Meatpacking District of Manhattan, it was designed in 2006 by James Corner, Diller Scofidio + Renfro.

"This work is the best example of where the architecture of our century should go, the rescue and recycling of old structures that come to life with new uses. A living space that transforms with the passage of time and invites you to tour the city from another level, relating to the built environment in a completely different way", explains architect Regina de Hoyos, from PALMA.

Social Housing in Quinta Monroy, Iquique, Chile

This project, designed by architect Alejandro Aravena and the Elemental studio in 2003, is an interesting example of intelligent use of space and limited budget. Cheap materials such as reinforced concrete give shape to houses of simple beauty, equipped with good thermal and lighting solutions, with the final touches added by residents.

"I chose this project because of the way the office approached the assignment, taking care of the most important thing: the people who live in these spaces," says Arturo Bustíos Casanova (@arturo_bustiosc). "When the budget is against everything, the best the architecture office could deliver was the design of a house and a half, allowing them (the neighbors) to create an identity for their homes. This meant a better value for the properties and helped empower the communities, which developed their own designs and constructions. Unique."

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