Fine products of modern architecture

Today’s architecture shows the diversity of design principles. Everywhere, you find different aesthetics: one structure hailing nostalgia or heritage; across the road an edgy, modernist building; a few blocks away, a biophilic one that has a sprawling greenery.. There are no rules, just expressions–no one template, just unbounded creativity.

Given the rising demand for homes in urban centers, property developers have launched vertical residential projects left and right. Condominiums are tall boxes no more. Especially in the past two decades, thanks to the competition, technological advancements and a sense of global citizenship, builders have pushed to stand out. Below is a list of some of the awesome residential buildings from different parts of the globe.

Absolute World in Ontario, Canada — ARCHDAILY.COM

Curves of life

In Ontario, Canada, one can find two striking residential towers that make up Absolute World. Chinese architecture firm MAD Studio came up with the design, nicknamed “Marilyn Monroe towers.” MAD founder Ma Yansong wanted to counter a cityscape of boxy buildings with a structure reminding people of “the twisting fluidity or natural lines found in life.” The design offers a panoramic view to the residents. Balconies wrap the floors, inviting people to commune, while shading units from direct sunlight in the summer months.

SMDC’s Sail Residences

Safe harbor

Another impressive structure is SM Development Corp.’s Sail Residences, the so-called “gem of the Mall of Asia district.” It reflects the beauty of luxe seaside resorts and waterfront homes; and possesses amenities and furnishings equaling those in luxury cruise ships. “Welcome aboard,” the residence greets the homeowner, who takes that well-deserved vacation whenever they come home. Up for grabs are spacious units with balconies, nestled in a community for the hip and remarkable. The premier address is just a few steps away from workplaces, retail and food shops, and transport nodes.

Lotte World Tower in Seoul — ARCHDAILY.COM

Undeniable grandeur

Another remarkable building would be the Lotte World Tower in Seoul. It is South Korea’s tallest and the world’s fifth tallest skyscraper at 123 stories and 556 meters high. The uber-rich hold residence or book rooms in this building. LEED Gold certified, Lotte World Tower uses wind turbines, photovoltaic panels and shading devices. It is a modern interpretation of Korean ceramics, porcelain and calligraphy, noted New York-based architecture firm Kohn Pedersen Fox: “The seam that runs from top to bottom of the structure gestures toward the old center of the city.”

Bosco Verticale in Milan —GREENROOFS.COM

Forest living

Can you cram 900 trees, 5,000 shrubs and 11,000 perennial plants in a pair of residential buildings? Milan’s Bosco Verticale–“vertical forest,” in English–says ‘si’. The project, thought up by Stefano Boeri Architetti, is a pair of structures whose vegetation absorbs carbon dioxide, produces a microclimate and drowns out urban noise. “In just a few years this characteristic has resulted in the image of the Vertical Forest becoming a new symbol for Milan,” noted the studio.

Ortigas Land’s The Imperium at Capitol Commons

Royal lifestyle

One need not look past the Philippines to find headways in residential architecture. Take The Imperium at Capitol Commons. With this project, Ortigas Land wants to deliver homes that stand out in quality, timeless elegance, sophistication and modernity. The 62-story tower has only four units per floor, providing spacious living quarters for buyers. It features slanted windows that offer impressive views while increasing illumination and ventilation; while a “light shelf” design allows daylight to penetrate the units. Let the infinity-edge pool, mini-theater with reclining chairs and other grand amenities speak for the opulence of the building.