Iconic buildings are more than architectural marvels; they have the power to transform the essence of a community, impact their surroundings and influence humanity. They shape how people feel, observe, and experience a particular space and its environment. AD explores mega-structures that have left indelible marks on the architectural and human landscapes around them. These unique buildings have set new gold standards and earned a place in the Guinness World Records.
The largest mirrored building: Maraya Concert Hall, Saudi Arabia by Giò Forma
Maraya Concert Hall, situated in Saudi Arabia's AlUla province, has garnered international acclaim for its groundbreaking design. Achieving a Guinness World Record as the largest mirrored building globally, its exterior is adorned with massive mirrors, reflecting AlUla's majestic landscape, including the UNESCO-listed Hegra region. This architectural wonder, named "Maraya" meaning "mirrors" in Arabic, embodies a seamless blend of modernity and tradition. Designed by Florian Boje of Gio Forma, the hall showcases meticulous segmentation and sculpting techniques reminiscent of the Nabataean civilization's architectural prowess.
Its external cladding displays 9,740 square metres of mirrors, which exceeds the minimum of 6,500 square metre. Boje's vision marries the inherent simplicity of the cube-shaped structure with the extravagance of its mirrored façade, creating a site-specific landmark that resonates with both elegance and meaning. The hall, holding up to 500 seats, not only captivates the eye but also invites contemplation on humanity's relationship with nature, as reflected in its harmonious integration with AlUla's natural environment.
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The largest office building in the world: Surat Diamond Bourse, Gujarat by Morphogenesis
The Surat Diamond Bourse surpassed the Pentagon to become the world’s largest office building, earning a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records. Designed by the multifaceted AD100 design firm Morphogenesis, the building has become a symbol of community impact, redefining concepts of building performance, energy efficiency, and the potential for decentralised development.
Occupying a 36-acre site with a built-up area of 7.1 million square feet, it brings together 65,000 diamond buyers, makers, and sellers under one roof. The building also exceeds conventional sustainability standards. For instance, the office block's north-south orientation and narrow floor plate ensure that 75% of the offices are day-lit. Additionally, 100% of the building's community spaces are naturally ventilated with passive cooling. Its form is designed to direct wind, utilising the Venturi effect to keep the circulation spaces naturally ventilated.
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The largest solar-powered building in the world: Apple Headquarters, California by Foster + Partners
Designed by Foster + Partners, the Apple Headquarters in Cupertino, California, is often referred to as the “spaceship” due to its futuristic and distinctive circular design. Covering 175 acres, this headquarters is the largest solar-powered building in the world. The office features an impressive 17 megawatts of rooftop solar panels, providing most of its energy needs and helping it achieve the goal of being 100% powered by renewable energy.
The design emphasizes sustainability and environmental responsibility, incorporating natural ventilation and high-efficiency LED lighting to reduce energy consumption. The campus also includes a 100,000-square-foot fitness centre, extensive parklands with drought-resistant plants, and an orchard. The integration of advanced technology with green architecture makes Apple Park a pioneering example of sustainable design in the corporate world. Foster + Partners’ innovative approach has set a new benchmark for environmentally conscious architecture and corporate responsibility.
Tallest cantilevered building: Central Park Tower, New York by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture and Adamson Associates
Central Park Tower in New York stands tall as the world's tallest cantilevered building, reaching an impressive height of 1,550 feet. This architectural marvel, designed by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture and Adamson Associates, is a residential tower housing 179 luxury residences. At the ground level, it features a seven-story, 285,000-square-foot retail space that serves as Nordstrom's New York City flagship store. Developed by Real Estate Developers, Extell Development Company, the building boasts a dramatic cantilever, offering unparalleled views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline.
Completed in 2022, the tower epitomises luxury with its blend of modern design and cutting-edge engineering. The building's sleek glass façade and elegant structural form have redefined New York’s skyline, making it a landmark of modern urban architecture. Central Park Tower not only exemplifies architectural innovation but also sets new standards for residential luxury, offering an unmatched living experience in the heart of Manhattan.
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The world's skinniest skyscraper: Steinway Tower, New York by SHoP Architects
Rounding up our list of record-breaking iconic buildings is the Steinway Tower. Designed by SHoP Architects, this NYC architectural marvel is renowned as the World's Skinniest Skyscraper. Officially known as 111 West 57th Street, the tower stands at an impressive 1,428 feet tall with a remarkable width-to-height ratio of 1:23, making it a strikingly slender addition to the Manhattan skyline.
Completed in 2021, Steinway Tower seamlessly blends modern design with historical context by incorporating the original Steinway Hall, a 1925 landmark, into its base. The facade showcases a mix of terracotta, bronze, and glass, creating a visually stunning texture that shifts with the light. The terracotta blocks, modeled, extruded, glazed, and stacked into a soft, wave-like pattern, offer a novel yet familiar appearance. These staggered elements across the facade generate a distinctive moiré effect that changes dramatically when viewed in different lights or from various distances. The tower contains 60 luxury residences, each offering breathtaking views of Central Park and beyond.