History has left an indelible mark on Asian cities , from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bangkok to Hanoi. Asia offers a rich and fascinating blend of different architectural styles. And below, let's explore the many layers of Asian urban design with top architectural gems from the past to the present, according to Time Out .
Esplanade, Singapore
Theatres on the Bay is an unmistakable highlight of Singapore. Dubbed the "durian theatre" since its inception two decades ago, it's a major arts center encompassing concert halls and theatres, as well as rehearsal spaces and various exhibition areas. The structure features two interconnected silver domes, with triangular glass panels and aluminum sunshades, creating the distinctive "spiky" appearance of the king of fruits...
PHOTO: Soomal Shumaila
Jockey Club Innovation Tower, Hong Kong
Hong Kong's skyline is full of eye-catching modern architecture, but none quite like the Jockey Club Creative Tower, as its name suggests. This seemingly gravity-defying 15-story tower is a slender, curving structure composed of two separate towers that appear to lean and merge into one. It houses the School of Design at Hong Kong Polytechnic University and includes studios, lecture halls, classrooms, and exhibition spaces connected by a network of walkways and ramps.
PHOTO: TIME OUT
Green School, Bali, Indonesia
A tour of Bali Green School will give you a deeper understanding of the versatility of bamboo. Nestled in the forest beside Bali's Ayung River, the school is almost entirely constructed from bamboo. Comprising numerous thatched-roof buildings and interconnected bamboo walkways, every aspect is deeply organic, aligning with the school's philosophy of sustainable living and learning.
PHOTO: TIME OUT
Dragon Temple, Bangkok, Thailand
If you think all Thai temples are traditional, elegant, and gilded, think again. Wat Samphran, also known as the "Dragon Temple" in Bangkok, is a bold yet bizarre bright pink building with a 20-meter-long dragon coiled around its 17-story facade. It's truly a surreal architectural masterpiece blending classical and modern styles, making it hard to believe at first glance that it's a fully functional Buddhist temple. Visitors can walk through the winding dragon's interior to the top of the temple, passing through various shrines, prayer rooms, and monks' quarters.
PHOTO: TIME OUT
Baba House, Singapore
Singapore is not lacking in colonial buildings and monuments that have stood the test of time. However, nowhere is history as vividly portrayed as Baba House. Built in the late 19th century, it is arguably the best-preserved Peranakan heritage house in Singapore. Donated to the National University of Singapore, this family home has been meticulously restored to recreate life in Singapore in the 1920s, complete with original furnishings and everyday items from that era.
PHOTO: FB
Kuala Lumpur Railway Station, Malaysia
The Petronas Towers may be the city's architectural icon, but Kuala Lumpur Railway Station is a masterpiece showcasing the ingenuity of the colonial era. Still a functioning railway station, its exterior remains virtually unchanged from its heyday in the early 20th century. The station's striking whitewashed structure dates from 1910, with its incredibly complex Moorish design incorporating many sophisticated Gothic elements. The onion-shaped domes and rows of horseshoe-shaped arches give it the look, feel, and atmosphere of a grand Sultan's palace.
PHOTO: TIME OUT
Hanoi Opera House
An estimated 3,000 classical architectural works are located in Hanoi, ranging from Provençal villas and Gothic churches to numerous neoclassical buildings that have become public landmarks. One must-see attraction is the Hanoi Opera House, built in 1911. The opera house's massive Gothic columns and domes are a deliberate imitation of the famous Opera Garnier in Paris, so it's no surprise that it's recognized as a jewel of the city.
PHOTO: ST
The theater's main hall welcomes visitors with sparkling chandeliers and a stately staircase. Ascend to the upper floor to reach the Mirror Room, paved with imported Italian stone, or enjoy a performance in the 900-seat auditorium with its soaring Corinthian columns and magnificent crystal chandeliers. 90-minute guided tours are offered during the day, including a short live performance on stage.
PHOTO: TN - ST - TIME OUT
Vi Nguyen
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