It’s a bird. It’s a plane. It’s a … performing arts center? Home to high-tech architectural wonders of the twenty-first century and the postmodern gems of decades past, Asia has more than its fair share of spectacular modern design. Innovative structures that combine the best of art and science dot the skyline across Asia, where experimental architects are given free reign.
Not everyone appreciates some designers’ artistic license—many controversial buildings have been given endearing (or even downright snarky) nicknames that are almost as popular as the buildings themselves. Whether you love ’em or hate ’em, these spectacular structures are totally free to look at and usually pretty cheap to enter, making them ideal spots not to be missed on your next trip.
1. Esplanade-Theaters on the Bay, Singapore
Nickname: The Durian Fruit
Photo source:Henry407 (HL)
Esplanade – Theaters on the Bay is a state-of-the-art performance center located in Esplanade Park, in downtown Singapore. It was completed in 2002 and designed by UK architectural firm DP Architects PTE, which explains its “unique” exterior:
“A secondary sun shading lattice is used with folded sunshades which gradually transform in shape and orientation. The resulting dynamic and ever-changing mesh of dappled sunlight and shadows has given this world class performing arts venue its distinctively Singaporean personality.”
But not everyone is convinced. The merits of the building’s design have been the subject of intense debate in Singapore. Many residents think the design is “too Western” and doesn’t accurately represent Singapore’s vibrant meld of Asian cultures. Others just call the complex downright ugly, saying it looks like Chinese dumplings, copulating aardvarks, or even the infamous (and stinky!) durian fruit.
Even though the exterior may be controversial, the interior of this much-disputed building is pretty remarkable. Inside is a 1,600-seat concert hall, 2,000-seat theater, recital theater, black-box theater, and private event spaces; there are also multiple outdoor performance spaces. Even if you aren’t interested in shelling out for a concert here, make sure to visit the art exhibit space, the shopping mall, and an open-to-the-public library to experience this structure for free.
2. Grand Lisboa, Macau
Nickname: The Pineapple
Photo source:Michael McDonough
Macau is the Las Vegas of China, located on a peninsula thirty-seven miles southwest of Hong Kong. Although there are tons of gigantic, glittering casinos/hotels in Macau, the Grand Lisboa stands out even among the other opulent structures. Completed in 2007, the Grand Lisboa is owned by famed Macau businessman (and one of the richest men in the world) Stanley Ho … who isn’t necessarily known for his conservative design choices. The Grand Lisboa’s shape is supposed to look like a lotus leaf resting on a sphere, but many people have likened it to, among another things, a giant pineapple.
The casino has 430 hotel rooms and suites, 268 gaming tables, and 786 slot machines and is the first casino in Macau to offer Texas Hold ’Em poker. Feel like checking out something especially neat? The Star of Stanley Ho, a 218.08 carat diamond, is on permanent display at the casino. The diamond is the largest cushion-shaped, internally flawless D-color diamond in the world!
