These buildings would have transformed skylines, but they were never built
The Atlas of Never Built Architecture: A Glimpse into Architectural What-Ifs #
A new compendium showcases 350 unrealized architectural projects, offering a fascinating look at what could have been in cityscapes around the world. These unbuilt designs represent pure, unadulterated visions that escaped the inevitable editing and compromises often imposed by market forces and politics.
Among the intriguing concepts featured in the book are:
- A Mayan temple-inspired tower for the New York Stock Exchange
- A Disney World companion park called Night World
- A 344-foot-tall alabaster egg design for Paris’ Centre Pompidou
The collection spans various eras and architectural styles, from futuristic utopian designs of the 1970s to contemporary projects that fell victim to the Great Recession. It includes ambitious plans like a $100-million Dubai Opera House and a skyward neighborhood in Jakarta featuring residential spaces, offices, entertainment venues, and religious buildings.
Many projects were halted due to financial constraints or logistical challenges. For instance, the New Orleans National Jazz Center, intended as a post-Hurricane Katrina cultural icon, couldn’t secure adequate funding. Similarly, a Las Vegas hotel called Xanadu, meant to transform the strip in 1975, was abandoned due to disagreements over infrastructure costs.
In some cases, the untimely death of key figures led to the abandonment of projects. Examples include the transformation of Chandigarh in northern India and the Ngaren: Museum of Humankind in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley.
Design controversies also played a role in the rejection of some projects. A striking example is the Temple of Atomic Catastrophes, conceived in 1954, which bore a resemblance to a mushroom cloud and was not taken seriously at the time.
The book highlights how these unbuilt projects offer insight into architectural innovation, societal aspirations, and the complex factors that influence urban development. It serves as a testament to the creativity and vision of architects while also revealing the practical challenges that often prevent bold ideas from becoming reality.