We have all heard of the seven wonders of the ancient world such as the Pyramids in Egypt and the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, but what about the wonders in today’s digitally advanced world? With technology so advanced such as 3D scanners, anything and everything can be scanned, measured and immortalized in a digital environment for everyone to see. And the images are so real, you will feel like you are actually there looking up or across at the magnificent structures.
And what’s more there won’t be any tourists. So, let’s get ready to travel the world and see what wonders the digital world has to offer.
The Gherkin
Sprouting up from the pavements of the capital city of London, this impressive building formerly known as the Swiss Re Building stands at 180 metres tall and has 41 floors. Opened in 2004, the official name of this skyscraper is 30 St Mary Axe. Imagine the curves and the vertices combining on a computer screen to detail the magic behind the architecture. If you are lucky enough to stand at the foot of this modern day building, then be careful not to strain your neck. Maybe the computer screen is a better place to admire it then?
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Flinders Street Station
Swiftly across to the other side of the world, in Melbourne, Australia, you’ll see standing proud in all its yellow, brown and green glory is one of the most recognisable stations in the world. Built in 1882 and with now 15 platforms, everytime you enter it and look up and the clocks and the domes, you think you are literally stepping back in time. And time has certainly been kind to this structure as it as impressive as it was 131 years ago.
The 02 Arena
Formerly known as the Millennium Dome this spider-like structure was lost in the big city of London, looking for a home until it found its purpose in life: to become the 02 Arena, a showcase for some of the most popular forms of entertainment in the world. Measuring an impressive 100 metres high and a diameter of 365 metres, if there was ever a War of the Worlds, this threatening looking building would surely save us all!
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Observatory Hotel
Known as the European Southern Observatory Hotel, this is a mathematician’s dream. Situated in the dusty desert in Chile at 2,400 metres above sea-level, the geometry of this building is something to be definitely learnt from. Measuring 10,000 metres square and with 108 rooms and 18 offices, this is something worth analysing in more detail: as James Bond himself would agree, as it appeared in 007’s adventure, Quantum of Solace.
Beijing National Stadium
Commonly known as ‘the bird’s nest’ this is a maze of a structure and one of the main landmarks in Beijing today. Made out of 110,000 tons of steel, this mega construction can seat over 80,000 spectators. It is surely belongs on someone’s architectural wish list.
Sydney Opera House
Back in Australia and to one of the most recognized architectural designs in the world. Designed by Jorn Utzon in 1959, this magnificent structure boasts 6,223 square meters of glass; 1,056,006 roof tiles covering 1.62 hectares; is 187 metres in length and 115 metres in width; and cost $102 million. If you’re not exhausted by these figures, then even Mount Everest would not be a challenge for you.
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The Guggenheim Museum
Our final architectural wonder is one of true digital amazement because it is only because of a 3D computer programme that the design of this jagged and twisted building in Bilbao, Spain were made possible. There are more twists and turns on this building than there are on a roller coaster ride. And much more enjoyable!
So there you have it. Technology can and does help design some of the most amazing structures in the world. So if you have an idea, it can be achieved.
Contributed by Ian Appleton of 3D scanners.
Love the digital world! It not only allows us to “see” so many fantastic sites we might never get the opportunity to visit, it also brings us closer together! Great post!
That is so true Becki, thanks for checking this out
indeed u r rit. Dey r indeed wonders.
Technology has evolved time and time again. This post shows just that. Awesome post…thanks!
Yeah Steve, tech and innovation always goes hand in hand
I worked with some people who were making some of these wonders part of the digital age! They also did allot of not so wonders! Great article!
That’s so awesome Rob, thanks for dropping by
awesome post! Thankyou for sharing Obasi! It’s amazing what technology can achieve these days. The goals that can become reality these days because of technology is truly incredible.
Thanks for coming around to check this out, So lovely
Great post and a fascinating subject. Buildings are such a huge part of our everyday lives and it’s great to see such unique examples.
That is very true Shirey, you are very right about that
That is a lot of roof tiles on the opera house. haha
This is so great … all the great things that we have all over the world. That’s why traveling is a must
Sure cheryl, travel helps a lot
We are so blessed to be able to see the world in pictures. The digital world is such an amazing teaching resource … I don’t know how teachers before me did it!
That is very true HmC, thanks for checking this out
Yes, technology has come a long way and to be able to use technology in the architecture design of buildings is even more amazing. What will they come up with next? We shall see.
Yeah that is the most interesting fact about technology, New ideas! New innovations!