16 Awesome Buildings That Will Be Finished in 2014

There’s little use in fighting the coming waves of innovation, and when it comes to architecture, new designs are always popping up around the world. The breakneck speed that new projects appear across international horizons is an inspiring sign of the progress of humanity. Next year will be another era of bold architecture, where firms are going beyond the norm to create never-before-seen structures. From designs that seem to overpower the landscape yet use eco-friendly technologies to buildings hidden in remote locations, 2014 means a year of awe-inspiring architecture. Celebrate the new year with 16 Awesome Buildings That Will Be Completed in 2014.

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Location: Kolding, Denmark
Architect: Schmidt/Hammer/Lassen Architects

You don't often think of hospitals as pillars of interesting design, but the firm Schmidt/Hammer/Lassen takes the design of a new hospital in Denmark to the next level. Because this was a reconstruction project, the details of the structure are based, in part, on the surrounding architecture, landscape, and buildings on site. The new design totally reshapes the identity of the building while retaining the essential aspects of its original structure.

Location: Hainan, China
Architect: NL Architects

The unique design of this supermarket incorporates the terraced landscape of China's southernmost city into the design of the building itself. And as clever as that may be, the wraparound design of the building hides the waste removal services with wrapped gardens, exposing larger curtain walls. From above, it appears to just be a lush hill of greenery, but when approaching from the front, it reveals itself to be a market.

Location: Osaka, Japan
Architect: César Pelli

The name of the skyscraper translates roughly to the phrase "to brighten and clear up." The terraced construction will feature different levels of retail, residential, and commercial space, in addition to a few levels for a museum. Though this building was opened in one fashion in 1988, it has been reformulated for a new construction that will make it the tallest building in Japan.

Location: Valletta, Malta
Architect: Renzo Piano

After a series of supply delays from a nearby stone quarry, the City Gate and Parliament project for the bohemian city of Valletta in Malta was delayed until sometime at the end of next year. The complex design of the façade, helmed by renowned architect Renzo Piano, is said to also be partly to blame for the delays. But, as you can see from these renderings, the wait will be well worth the immaculate construction. The building has touches of old world design while simultaneously featuring elements that could be of no other time but the present. Both opulent and refined, the building is set to be functional by quarter two of 2014.

Location: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Architect: Saudi Diyar Consultants

The Lamar Towers are a super future-forward pair of mixed-used developments. Located in Saudi Arabia, they look like something out of Blade Runner or Star Wars. In Arabic, "Lamar" means "liquid gold," which refers to the reflection of the gold façade of the buildings on the nearby water.

Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Architect: National Engineering Bureau

It seems every development company in the world is racing to build the tallest skyscraper out there. Although this project in the slated to be completed very soon, it might only briefly hold the title. There are about four or five other projects expected to be completed in 2014 that could be the tallest.

Location: Mumbai, India
Architect: Pei Cobb Freed & Partners

Besides becoming the world's second tallest residential tower upon completion, the World One Mumbai tower will also be the tallest building in all of India. Featuring smooth design in elegant curves, it's a massive addition to the Mumbai skyline.

Location: Wuxi, China
Architect: Aedas

The Wharf features an innovative high-modern design. From one façade, it appears to be a typical, boxy skyscraper. But from other angles, it reveals itself to be a gorgeous, angular innovation. This is just one gem in the immense slew of buildings going up in China within the next year.

Location: Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Architect: MVRDV

The unique design of this building might have a military tinge to it if it weren't so inviting and colorful. The Rotterdam Market Hall features an arched collection of apartments, many of which are still for rent. Underneath the arch, the building features at least 100 market stalls. MVRD's innovative design allows for windows on both ends of the apartments, one with a balcony facing the market and one balcony facing outward. A truly mixed-use space, bringing the market to the residents.

Location: Harbin, China
Architect: MAD Architects

The Harbin Cultural Center is the newest addition to China's culture economy: a mixed used facility that pinions around a massive and gorgeous performing arts center. Sitting on the banks of the Songhua River, its flowing lines mimic the river itself. Though the Harbin Cultural Center has a flashy design, its materials are anything but, relying on austere white aluminum and white stone to blend into the landscape of China's snowy northeast corridor.

Location: Mexico City
Architect: Richard Meier & Partners Architects

This new skyscraper in Mexico City features 34 gorgeous floors of sustainable architecture inspired by the vibrant surrounding culture of Mexico City. The design draws on ancient Aztec and Mexican architectural ideals. In addition, it incorporates a sculptural façade. As part of a bigger development project by Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects, this is a true dream team of development and design.

Location: Beijing, China
Architect: Zaha Hadid Architects

The Wangjing Soho building acts as a beacon on the way to Beijing's international airport. Comprised of three, upright pebble-like buildings, the architect, world-renowned designer Zaha Hadid, envisioned this building to look like the fluid motions of a Chinese fan.

Location: Shanghai, China
Architect: Gensler Architects

Much of the inspiration behind the buildings that are going up in 2014 keeps the environment in mind. That's part of the Shanghai Tower's design as well, which will rely on geothermal energy for power. In addition, its unique shape reduces wind drag on the structure, requiring fewer construction materials. It's façade helps with energy conservation as well, with one outer transparent layer and a second central transparent façade.

Location: Wadi Rum, Jordan
Architect: Oppenheim Architecture and Design

This in-construction resort, carved out of the hillside in the Wadi Rum desert of Jordan, looks like something out of a surreal adventure video game. Designed by the ever eco-conscious American firm Oppenheim Architecture and Design, the resort is 80,000 feet of rock, situated above pools, sand dunes, and canyons. Not only does it blend seamlessly into the natural landscape, but the construction materials are sourced from the surrounding area as well, creating a seamless blend between construction and natural landscape. When the resort is completed, sometime in 2014, it will be provided with naturally filtered water, driven by botanical and biological processes.

Location: Changsha, Hunan, China
Architect: Broad Group

If the construction of this building moves forward, it will become the tallest building in the world. It's almost an outlandish plan, with the developers saying it would only take 90 days to complete the construction on the building. This skyscraper will include a hotel, a hospital, residential space, schools, offices, and more. The name Sky City is quite apt, considering the developers are trying to make an entirely sustainable environment high above the ground.

Location: London
Architect: Rogers Strik Harbour + Partners

The Leadenhall building, which has come to be known as "the Cheesegrater" is the newest addition to the skyline of London. To be completed in 2014, it features a distinctive wedge shape with many perforated areas, hence its new nickname. The building sits next to another Rogers building, the Lloyd's building on Leadenhall Street. Rogers creates a dialogue between the two skyscrapers in one major metropolitan center.