After the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, in-progress construction work was paused and building deadlines extended.
Now as we close out 2021, we can appreciate the architecture that finally made it to opening day.
Its time to reflect on some of the most inspirational and thoughtful projects of the year.
Some of the projects on this list are perfect representations of our hopes for the future.
They help us consider how we will continue to live in cities and how we will live together.
With the opening ofLittle Island, New Yorkers emerged from home and reentered the public space.
Photo: Jordi Anguera (Website|Instagram|Facebook|LinkedIn)
Join us as we celebrate the buildings and structures that made us feel inspired and hopeful in 2021.
2021 brought us theCasa Batllo 10D Experiencewhere organizers celebrated the historic building reopening its doors.
The work includes a curtain of aluminum chain by Kriskador.
Photo: Ossip van Duivenbode (Website|Instagram|LinkedIn)
Read more onour previous coverage of the staircase.
The project is part of theLiget Budapestredevelopment plan and celebrates the long history of Hungarian contribution to music.
Visitors to the center will watch icebergs break off and float away.
Photo: Ossip van Duivenbode (Website|Instagram|LinkedIn)
The form is therefore defined by both the harsh climate of the area and the experience of the visitor.
We discuss the design logic and interesting stories behind the Ilulissat Icefjord Centre.
you’re free to also read more about it inour previous coverage of the building.
Photo: Liget Budapest (Website|Instagram|Facebook|YouTube|LinkedIn)
Inspired by the form of the infinity symbol, the firm’s architects created two distinct but connected buildings.
Both buildings are finished with perforated aluminum panels, rotated to allow light in.
The interior of the project explores dynamic workspaces designed to encourage people to work together.
Photo: Liget Budapest (Website|Instagram|Facebook|YouTube|LinkedIn)
The park is raised on sculptural piles which act as giant planters for the project.
See more fantastic images of the elevated park inour previous coverage of Little Island.
For more projects by BIG, read aboutour ten favorite buildings by Bjarke Ingels Group.
Photo: Adam Mørk (Website|Facebook|Instagram)
you might also find more information on this particular structure in our previous coverage ofMarsk Tower.
These considerations led the architects to a dynamic form with gentle curves representing the folds of silk.
The theater is wrapped in bright red panels covered with illustrations based on the work ofZhang Hongfei.
Photo: Felx Amiss (Website)
One of the boldest designs at the event wasTerraThe Sustainability PavilionbyGrimshaw.
At the center is a massive energy tree covered in solar panels and made from 97% recycled steel.
Read more about the expos sustainability pavilion inour previous coverage of Terra.
Photo: Liang Xue (Website)
The interior is organized around a two-level reading room at the center of the project.
The entire structure is topped with a terrace looking out to the South China Sea.
Photo: Timothy Schenck (Website|Instagram|Twitter|Tumblr|LinkedIn)
Photo Richard Silver (Website|Facebook|Instagram|Pinterest)
Photo: Rasmus Hjortshøj (Website|Instagram|Facebook|Behance)
Photo: Rasmus Hjortshøj (Website|Instagram|Facebook|Behance)
Photo: Chong‐Art Photography
Photo: Chong‐Art Photography
Photo: Dubai Expo 2020 (Website|Instagram|Facebook|Twitter|YouTube|LinkedIn)
Photo: CreatAR Images (Website|Instagram|Facebook)
