Man-Made Wonders of the Modern World

share | tweet | MORE |

 

Many times during our travels we discover some places and buildings that seem to belong to another age. Despite the fact that few famous landmarks have no functional purpose (although there are some places that seem to be designed for the pure pleasure of the viewer), these constructions simply pop out of the background.

And by this I don’t necessarily want to imply that they don’t belong there, just that some human constructions are so remarkable and unique, that it’s hard to focus on anything else in their presence. Without any further introduction, here come 5 modern man-made wonders:

Millau Viaduct, France

Crossing the valley of the river Tarn at at maximum height of 343 meters, the Millau Viaduct is one of the most daring constructions in the modern era. A contemporary replica of the famous roman viaducts, the tallest bridge in the world rises above an abyss that has almost the same height as the Empire State Building.

If you are traveling south of Paris and are in your way to southern France, then you are very likely to cross this amazing bridge, the creation of famous British architect Sir Norman Foster (who also designed London’s Gherkin).

Palm Islands, UAE

With some of the most luxurious hotels in the world, the tallest skyscraper ever built and expensive boutiques, Dubai itself is a modern wonder. But the soon to be finished Palm Islands seem to be out of this world: just imagine a palm tree shaped archipelago made of artificial islets, hosting hundreds of hotels, private houses and entertainment facilities emerging form the emerald waters of Dubai Bay…

Bailong Elevator, China

It is hard to predict what will be the faith of Bailong elevator in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park China, which stirred a lot of controversy some years ago, when it was inaugurated as the world’s tallest outdoors elevator. Even though, at its 330 height, the elevator offers breathtaking views over one of China’s major natural reservations, many voices claim that the elevator is harming the environment and does not represent a safe construction – which doesn’t make it a less remarkable construction.

Las Vegas Strip, USA

There are many ways in which one can look at Las Vegas: the entertainment capital of the world, museum of kitsch, technological wonder. But a walk down the notorious Strip is like an on spot history class that was especially created for aliens. With its indoors replica of Venice, singing fountain and gargantuan hotels, Vegas represents a permanent challenge for architects and visitors alike.

Channel Tunnel, English Channel

The Channel Tunnel has been on for such a long tome now, that people are starting to forget what a marvel of modern engineering the tunnel actually is. Since its inauguration in 1994, the tunnel has been the fastest link between England and France (a journey lasts for approximately 2 hours), caring millions of passengers every year (16.2 million only in 2007).

You might also like

share | tweet | more |

 

Leave a comment on Man-Made Wonders of the Modern World

Enter your comment below, or Trackback from your own blog. You can also subscribe to these comments via RSS
 

Leave a comment:

* your name

* your email address (will not be published)

your website

 

*=required