Dezeen Magazine

10 buildings to look forward to in 2018

A colossal theatre complex in Taipei and a Copenhagen power station with a ski slope on the roof are among Dezeen editor Amy Frearson's pick of the top 10 buildings to look forward to in 2018.


Tapei Performing Arts Center, Taiwan, by OMA

Rem Koolhaas' firm first unveiled its design for this theatre complex in the Taiwanese capital back in 2009, but it is finally going to open in 2018.

The Taipei Performing Arts Centre will offer three auditoriums, including a 1,500-seat grand theatre and a pair of 800-seat playhouses, one of which will be contained inside a huge sphere.

Find out more about Tapei Performing Arts Center ›


Amager Resource Center, Denmark, by BIG

BIG fans will be excited to hear that, in 2018, the firm will at last unveil its Copenhagen power plant with a ski slope on the roof.

The building will also boast a chimney that blows smoke rings. Speaking to Dezeen in 2014, Bjarke Ingels said the building would "transform people's perceptions" about public utility buildings.

Find out more about Amager Resource Center ›


The New Central Library Christchurch by Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects

Christchurch Central Library, New Zealand, by Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects and Architectus

This golden library building is designed to replace the facility left wrecked by the earthquakes that struck Christchurch in 2010 and 2011.

It will be articulated as a stack of three blocks, offering both digital technologies and a local heritage archive.

Find out more about Christchurch Central Library ›


Photo by Jason Orton

Secular Retreat, UK, by Peter Zumthor

Peter Zumthor's Devon retreat was supposed to be one of the first completed properties from Living Architecture, the company launched by Alain de Botton to offer holiday stays in architect-designed houses. But the project was hit by numerous delays.

It will finally open in 2018, featuring rammed concrete walls and five guest bedrooms.

Find out more about the Secular Retreat ›


Kengo Kuma's V&A Dundee project

V&A Dundee, UK, by Kengo Kuma and Associates

Japanese architect Kengo Kuma designed this outpost of the V&A museum in Dundee, Scotland.

The building will feature a facade of horizontal concrete striations and a pointed corner that projects out over the water like the prow of a boat.

Find out more about V&A Dundee ›


Coal Drops Yard by Thomas Heatherwick

Coal Drops Yard, UK, by Heatherwick Studio

Thomas Heatherwick's studio is converting a Victorian coal yard in London's King's Cross to create this canal-side shopping destination.

The buildings will be fully refurbished, but will also be adapted so that their traditional gabled roofs curve up towards each other and kiss.

Find out more about Coal Drops Yard ›


Qatar National Library, Qatar, by OMA

Instagram users have already offered a preview of this library in Doha – the second building on the list from OMA.

The 45,000-square-metre structure will be divided up into three wings, each housing a different type of library. The National Library will contain heritage material relating to Qatar and the region, the University and Research Library will contain education resources, and the Metropolitan Public Library will serve the local community.

Find out more about Qatar National Library ›


Leeza Soho by Zaha Hadid Architects

Leeza Soho Tower, China, by Zaha Hadid Architects

Zaha Hadid Architects has a number of buildings completing in 2018, including some impressive hotels. But one of the most exciting is this 207-metre skyscraper, which will contain the world's tallest atrium.

As it rises, this atrium will twist 45 degrees to align the uppermost floors with the east-west axis of Lize Road – one of west Beijing's main streets.

Find out more about Leeza Soho Tower ›


Paradise city by MVRDV

Paradise City, South Korea, by MVRDV

One of the most extravagant designs that will be realised next year is this entertainment complex that MVRDV is building in the South Korean capital.

It will feature a nightclub and a shopping centre, both designed to feature a "concrete casting" of neighbouring facades. The main entrance will be marked by a large golden circle, which will be visible to tourists flying into the nearby Incheon airport.

Find out more about Paradise City ›


Calgary's New Central Library and Library Plaza, Canada, by Snøhetta

New buildings completing in Canada next year include this public library that Snøhetta is building around a railway line.

Timber-lined arches at the building's entrance will reference the chinook cloud formations typical in Alberta. These will lead in to a grand light-filled atrium, providing "a vibrant, welcoming and accessible public space" in the heart of the city.

Find out more about Calgary's New Central Library ›