There are 100s of architecture precedents every architect and architecture student should know. To save you time here are 10 absolute bangers for your inspiration and arch-encyclopaedia!

Why is learning architectural precedents important?

Architectural precedent studies are crucial to understanding architecture history, innovation, and cultural providing valuable knowledge and insights for architects and architecture students.

• Beijing National Stadium

• Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

• Sydney Opera House

• House of Falling Water

• Heydar Aliyev Cultural Centre

• Seagram Building

• The Burj al Arab

• Petronas Towers

• Empire State Building

• 30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin)

Find out more 👇

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

Frank Gehry, Bilbao, Spain. 1997

One of Gehry’s most famous buildings and an icon piece of modernist architecture. The unique form of the Guggenheim Museum has been a subject of study and inspiration in the architecture world. A huge feeder to Bilbao economy and showcases contemporary art exhibitions.

Beijing National Stadium (Bird’s Nest)

Herzog & De Meuron Architekten, Arup Sport and the China Architecture Design and Research Group, Beijing, China

Built for the 2008 Olympic Games and stage for the athletic track and field events. Nicknamed the ‘birds nest’ because of its web-like steel structure forming its outer skin.

Sydney Opera House

Jorn Utzon. Sydney, Australia. 1956

Undoubtedly a world-famous piece of architecture known for its iconic design made possible by innovative technology and engineering achievements.

House of Falling Water

Frank Lloyd Wright. Bear Run, Pennsylvania. 1936

Frank Lloyd Wright is a renowned architect of the Modernist movement. This residential building is designed over a waterfall. Inspired by the harmony between human and nature that occurs in Japanese architecture.

Heydar Aliyev Cultural Centre

Zaha Hadid. Baku, Azerbaijan. 2012

The Centres rippling sweeping form takes inspiration from Islamic calligraphy and traditional Azeri architecture. The skin is formed from glass fibre reinforced concrete panels between a steel space frame. This ambitious project received instant recognition in the architecture community.

Seagram Building

Mies van der Rohe, New York City. 1958

It could be argued the Seagram Building appears like many other skyscrapers in NYC being built today.

However, the Seagram is a pioneer of the modern/contemporary skyscraper.

Adhering to the rules of modernism the Seagram was designed for functionality, when in use and in construction. Using steel and glass over the traditional stone and brick.

The Burj al Arab

Tom Wright of WKK architects. Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The worlds only 7-star luxury hotel. Known for its iconic ‘sail’ design and being built on an artificial island. Opened in 1999 and catalysis for Dubai’s surge in world tourism.

Petronas Towers Kuala Lumpur

César Pelli, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 1996

The tallest twin towers in the world and a major landmark of Kuala Lumpur. Visible from many places across the city.

Empire State Building

William F. Lamb, New York, America. 1931

Empire State Building is a historical landmark in New York and a huge tourist attraction. An infamous Art Deco piece of architecture. The 102-story steel-frame skyscraper remained the tallest building in the world from 1931 to 1971.

30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin)

Norman Foster, London. 2004

Nicknamed The Gherkin for obvious reasons, The building is one of the most recognisable in London. Its unique form is made possible by a spiralling helix steel structure and glass skin.  Located in the citi’s key financial district

The Eiffel Tower

Gustave Eiffel, Paris, 1889

The Eiffel Tower is one of the most iconic and recognisable structures in Paris, France. It is a wrought iron lattice tower designed by Gustave Eiffel and built in 1889. The Eiffel Tower held the world record for tallest man made structure for 41 years.

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