2023 promises to be a year of remarkable new openings, whether it's the world's second-tallest tower or an interfaith religious complex in Abu Dhabi.
National Library of Israel building's distinctive upper volume resembles a huge block of carved rock, with local limestone mixed into the cement as a nod to Jerusalem's historic color palette. Inside, facilities including an auditorium, a youth center and various exhibition spaces, are configured around the 50,500-square-foot reading hall.
Nordø, Copenhagen, Denmark is a redbrick facade that honors to the site's industrial past, sizable public gardens and a rooftop terrace, the 115-home development promises residents an "island oasis" with easy access to the district's growing collection of restaurants and public spaces.
Lola Mora Cultural Center, Argentina is dedicated to its namesake sculptor, one of the early 20th century's pioneering female artists. The building, whose form was inspired by a sculptor's chisel, is "net-zero energy" building.
Abrahamic Family House, Abu Dhabi, UAE, the new interfaith complex comprising three Abrahamic religions (Islam, Christianity and Judaism) has three identically-sized cubic forms on a "secular" visitor pavilion, the project's mosque, synagogue and church stand in aesthetic harmony.
Merdeka 118, Kuala Lumpur is now the world's second-tallest building behind Dubai's Burj Khalifa. It is also one of just four so-called "mega tall" skyscrapers — a term used to describe towers measuring over 600 meters, or 1,969 feet — in the world.
Destination Crenshaw, LA, USA is a $100 million public-private initiative. The 1.3-mile cultural corridor will feature pedestrian walkways, ten new public parks, street furniture, and over 100 artworks spotlighting Black art and culture.
Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, India hass a 2.7-million-square-foot Terminal 2 entering operation early next year. It is dubbed as a "terminal in a garden" — a series of interconnected buildings joined by landscaped spaces and populated with plants, bamboo-clad pavilions, indoor waterfalls and rattan furnishings.
Grand Egyptian Museum, Giza, Egypt is a 5.2-million-square-foot structure featuring exhibition spaces, a conservation center and an atrium tall enough to house an enormous statue of Ramses II (with headroom to spare).
