In the world of architecture, impressive buildings that challenge the limits of creativity and technology are created every year. By 2023, several new buildings are expected to become architectural icons. 

Let’s take a look at the four most important buildings that will be built in 2023 and that are worthy of being appreciated for their innovative design, investment cost, and construction elements, but above all because they are architectural gems that will set new trends in the construction industry. 

1. Lola Mora Cultural Center in Argentina (Pelli Clarke & Partners) 

The Lola Mora Cultural Center, located in a forest overlooking the city of San Salvador de Jujuy in northwestern Argentina, is dedicated to the sculptor, who was one of the most important artists of her generation. The building, whose shape was inspired by the sculpting chisel, will be a “zero energy” building, powered entirely by renewable energy stored in a bank of lithium batteries. 

In addition to a selection of her works, the institution will house a theater, a restaurant, a library, and a workshop for visiting artists. This building is an example of how architecture focuses on the planet’s urgent agenda of clean energy, energy efficiency, integration and revaluation of natural environments, and a look towards culture as a contribution to local developments that add to global sustainable development. 

1. Nordø in Denmark (Henning Larsen) 

Nordø is a 55,000 m2 development built in the center of Copenhagen, adding 115 new homes and business support to a thriving neighborhood in the Danish capital. Consisting of red brick buildings inspired by the classic Østerbro housing block, its design seeks to create an intimate village atmosphere while referencing the former industrial area. 

But what is significant about Nordø homes is that they have the DGNB Gold level certification. The DGNB certification is a standard that has been introduced to maintain comprehensive and modern sustainability measures. Several environmental, social, and economic aspects of sustainability were considered during the development and construction of this development. Another basic principle of DGNB certification is to ensure a good indoor climate through light, temperature, and natural ventilation that works from the outset. All this means that Nordø’s advanced and sustainable architecture makes it a unique place to live. 

1. Jerusalem National Library, Israel (Adrian Smith) 

The state-of-the-art architecture of the Jerusalem National Library is breathtaking. Located between two of the city’s main institutions, the Israel Museum and the Knesset, its open and transparent design contrasts with the history it houses. Designed by the Herzog & de Meuron studio, this library, which features a distinctive upper area that resembles a carved block of stone, is a modern interpretation of Jerusalem’s historic color palette. 

Inside the library, the design continues to reflect the institution’s values of openness and accessibility. The 50,500-square-foot reading room is the heart of the building, which is surrounded by facilities such as an auditorium, a youth center, and several exhibition spaces. In addition, the circular skylight and ground-level display cases that make the elements from the library’s collection visible to passersby are evidence of how architecture can serve as a means to connect the community to culture and knowledge. 

1. Merdeka 118 Malaysia (Fender Katsalidis) 

The Merdeka 118 is a masterpiece of modern architecture that now ranks among the tallest buildings in the world. Designed by Australian architectural firm Fender Katsalidis, it showcases the human capacity to create structures that defy the limits of physics and engineering. 

The building’s facade, with its triangular glass planes, is a perfect combination of art and science. Inspired by patterns found in Malaysian arts and crafts, these glass planes are not only beautiful but also highly functional, allowing more natural light in, and reducing the need for artificial lighting. 

In addition to its impressive height, Merdeka 118 also promises to be a world-class commercial, cultural, and entertainment center. With one million square feet of retail space, a 1,000-seat theater, offices, a hotel, and the tallest observation deck in Southeast Asia, this building will be the epicenter of urban life in Kuala Lumpur.