2020: The year of architecture

In the field of architecture, there are several important milestones that we can look forward to this year. Here are some significant buildings and projects that are expected to be completed in 2020.

Grand Egyptian Museum (Cairo)

With an acronym like GEM, the Grand Egyptian Museum of Cairo is truly a valuable jewel that is set to make the world gasp in awe this 2020. Once it opens, it will be considered as the largest archaeological museum in the world. It is slated to showcase the complete collection that was obtained from Tutankhamun’s tomb in an unprecedented discovery in 1922.

The project began in 2002 when an architectural competition was held to search for a grand design. A total of 1557 entries from 82 countries were considered, but in the end Irish firm Heneghan Peng claimed victory.

The winning design pays homage to the famous pyramids of Egypt. It is being built on the Giza plateau, with its north and south walls directly aligned with the Great Pyramid of Khufu and the Pyramid of Menkaure. The museum façade is cast in translucent alabaster stone and the majestic entrance hall features a 12-meter granite statute of King Ramses II.

This modern museum aims to become a tourist landmark in Egypt’s famous historical city. It is the perfect complement to the ancient pyramids, presenting modern ideals yet remaining rooted in Egyptian culture.

Australia 108 (Victoria)

With a height of 318.7 meters and a total of 108 floors, the Australia 108 tower is set to become the tallest building in the Land Down Under. What makes it remarkable is that it houses residential apartments, with the highest residence on the 100th floor. The penthouse—which currently holds Australia’s record for the most expensive individual apartment sale—was sold for $25 million in 2015. Once finished, this would be the highest residential unit in the Southern Hemisphere.

The design of the skyscraper was originally conceived by Fender Katsalidis Architects, a local firm, in 2009. The building was supposed to reach a height of only 226 meters, but later revisions saw the project boom into a staggering 388-meter tower. Now nearing completion, the building’s final design is lower, but nevertheless still looms over the Australian skyline. The building adheres to the principles of feng shui to attract Asian buyers, as it features the lucky number 8 from the height of the building to the total number of floors of the project.

Dubai Creek Tower (Dubai)

In a race to build the world’s tallest structure, Dubai is set to become the titleholder in 2020. With Spanish-Swiss architect Santiago Calatrava at the reins, the country is currently developing the Dubai Creek Tower, which is set to open this year. The height of the tower remains officially unknown, with some uncorroborated sources citing a height that range from 928 meters to 1400 meters. There are talks of putting up the world’s highest mosque on one of the top floors of the superstructure.

Besides its height, the tower is projected to become an icon due to its unique, rocket ship-like design. A slender, column-like body gracefully expands to an oval-shaped top.

Known as the City of Superlatives, Dubai has always been known to succeed in its ambitious architectural projects. With the addition of Dubai Creek Tower, the sky truly becomes the limit for this innovative city.

New Clark International Airport (Pampanga)

Shifting our attention to the local scene, the new Clark International Airport aims to be operational by 2020. Designed by local firm BUDJI+ROYAL Architecture+Design, the airport features elements of the Philippine natural landscape. It takes the form of Mount Pinatubo, Mount Arayat and the Zambales Mountain range. Using glue-laminated timber and metal as the primary materials, the project showcases Filipino culture in the era of modernity.

Occupying approximately 100,000 sqm of interior space, the new international airport aims to take some of the load off Manila’s airports. With this new terminal, the Philippines would be able to accommodate more tourists and cater to the increasing passenger traffic.

The new Clark International Airport is something that Filipinos can be proud of. It is made up of locally sourced materials, such as lahar for its flooring and eco-friendly glulam for its ceiling. The designers also considered the Filipinos’ penchant for welcoming and seeing-off their loved ones. In the words of one of its principal designers, Budji Layug: “It will show the world that we are in business.”

The rise of these new landmarks attests to the technological advancements and modern ideas. Despite these innovations, many of these projects still consider tradition and culture in their designs. This reminds us that history remains part of our architectural identity and national development.

As we move forward into 2020, let us be reminded to be grateful for our past, like these buildings that remain loyal to their roots. Hopefully, this year would be a bountiful one, not only for the field of architecture, but for other industries across the world as well.

Sources:

www.theartnewspaper.com/www.skyscrapercenter.com/

www.smh.com.au/outoftownblog.com/lifestyle.inquirer.net

dubai-experience.com/ Djehouty, Karl Fender via Wikimedia Commons /Budji + Royal Official FB Page

Dubai Creek Tower FB Page