Far Out Architecture | Amager Bakke

The architecture of Copenhagen's Amager Bakke isn't just far out, it's functional. The "Amager Hill" (also referred to as Amager Slope and Copenhill) is part heat/power waste-to-energy plant and part sports facility. Designed by architect Bjarke Ingels, the facility opened in 2017 and burns through 70 tons of trash each hour which produces hot water and energy for 120,000 homes in the city. Oh, and Ingels included a footpath and ski slope on the building's roof.

Fab Facets | Konieczny's Ark

Another first among one of our collections, a house that aligns perfectly with our Fab Facets entries. Designed and built by KWK Promes' owner Robert Konieczny for his own residence, Konieczny's Ark has won many awards. The dwelling is simple in many ways but its connection to the landscape and functionality are sophisticated and multi-layered.

Additional Reading

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• Griffiths, A. 2017. Robert Konieczny uses drawbridge to create ark-like house on a steep Polish hillside. Dezeen.
• Sturges, S. 2016. Noah's ark: a concrete house floats above South Poland's mountainous landscape. Wallpaper.

Farm Forward | Equestrian Centre, Merricks

Our connection to horses may date make millenia but there's no doubt that equestrian architecture can be contemporary. Case in point, the Equestrian Centre in Merricks, Australia. Designed by London-based architect Seth Stein in partnership with Watson Architecture & Design in Australia, the project is the winner of numerable architecture awards and continues to wow both design and horse enthusiasts locally and internationally.

More photos on links above but here are a few in case you're chomping at the bit to see more right away...

Far Out Architecture | Harbin Opera House

The available new buildings that can add to our Far Out Architecture collection seems to be never ending. A new favorite is the Harbin Opera House by Beijing-based architecture firm MAD.

Far Out Architecture | Pearl River Tower

Our latest crush on far out architecture is the Pearl River Tower in Guangzhou, China. It features a stunning design but also some of the most advanced cost-saving, high performance, and sustainability features in modern architecture. Designed by international architecture, engineering, and urban planning firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) it is yet another inspiring accomplishment in their tradition of design excellence, innovation, and sustainability.

Far Out Architecture | Galaxy SOHO

Tomorrow today. That's the only way to describe the Galaxy SOHO complex in Beijing, China designed by Zaha Hadid. SOHO happens to be the largest office real estate development corporation in China. Galaxy SOHO is being called a new landmark in Beijing and new architectural icon for the world.

Completed in 2013, the structures utilizes parametric design which synthesizes digital technology with nature. The project achieved a LEED Silver rating for its sustainability elements. A thoroughly modern structure with references to ancient traditions, the design features inspiration from both terraced rice fields and a reinvention of the classical Chinese courtyard.

Perhaps it is the dramatic soundtrack to the project video (see below), but there are distinct moments in the video in which you feel like you have actually materialized in the TRON mainframe...fantastic!

Bravo SOHO and Ms. Hadid!

Far Out Architecture | Designer Dune

The recently completed Ordos Museum in northern China is just the latest in a long line of stunning buildings in the planned city. Designed by Beijing-based MAD Architects lead by the visionary Ma Yansong, the structure takes full advantage of both natural light and ventilation. Although the city itself is still struggling to take off, one things is for sure...the museum is a striking reference to the land and culture of the region, as well as a guidepost to the future.

Far Out Architecture | Northern Exposure

Striking a pose above the Arctic Circle in Norway, the Knut Hamsun Museum designed by Steven Holl integrates traditional Norwegian culture with modern lines.

Far Out Architecture | ROM's Michael Lee-Chin Crystal

One of the most striking buildings of the 21st century, the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) in Toronto is an ultramodern gem. Designed by architect Daniel Libeskind, the structure is inspired by the ROM’s gem and mineral collection and based on an quick sketch on a napkin. ROM's mission is to build bridges of understanding and appreciation for the world's diverse cultures and natural environments, we think it also builds a bridge to an innovative and inspiring future.

Far Out Architecture | Long Studio

Image credit: Bent Rene´Synnevåg
Long Studio is a project of achitect Todd Saunders for The Shorefast Foundation, a nonprofit organization established to preserve and strengthen community and culture on Fogo Island off the coast of Newfoundland through support of the arts. The project has won many awards and is a stunning example of how respect for people and place can produce a sum of experience that is much more than any of the parts put together. A full review of the design and project from December 2010 can be found on ArchDaily.

Far Out Architecture | Metropol Parasol

A modern marvel in an ancient city. The Metropol Parasol canopy in Seville, Spain is one of the most stunning modern structures of the 21st century. Designed by German architect Jürgen Mayer H., the massive wooden Parasol overlooks a museum, community center, and an impressive array of restaurants. A modern marvel in an ancient city.

Far Out Architecture | Kauffman Center for Performing Arts

Designed by architect Moshe Safdie, the new Kauffman Center for Performing Arts in Kansas City, Missouri is making waves, big ones. Sustainability, two venues, and grand design place it firmly on our list of far out architecture.

Far Out Architecture | Kielder Observatory

Not far from Kielder Castle in Northumberland, England, you'll find a high-design, low impact observatory that combines modern form with mechanical function. A creation of London-based Charles Barclay Architects, the Kielder Observatory is designed to sit lightly on the earth and is powered by its own solar and wind derived energy.

Far Out Architecture | TWA Terminal

Future-ish is on a mission to track down architecture ahead of its time. Our first instillation is none other than the TWA Terminal at JFK also known as the Trans World Flight Center. Designed by Eero Saarinen in 1962 the building remains one of the first and best known avant-guarde buildings from the 20th century.