To the average person, a building is simply four walls and a roof, while to the architect, a building is their profession. However, I think both parties will agree that these upcoming buildings are examples of not only architecture, but of art. For all you college kids looking to travel abroad and see the beautiful sights of the world, consider visiting some of these stunning buildings. They’ll surely blow you away.

The first example of incredible architecture is the Bahá’í House of Worship, or the Lotus Temple, located in Delhi, India. The architect Fariborz Sahba traveled across India to study the local architecture and was inspired by the importance of religion and by the role the lotus flower played in the Bahá’í faith. Due to its complexity, the temple took about two and a half years to design, making it an architectural feat.

The second example is the Cube Houses residing in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Piet Blom built cube-shaped houses on top of a pedestrian bridge and each house leans over the street. What is significant about these houses is that they are completely unlike an average home. Each house sits one corner of the cube and is split into three triangle-shaped living areas. If you’re lucky enough to visit Rotterdam you can book a bed in the youth hostel within the houses or visit the local exhibitions on the Cubic Houses.

Third, the Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, CA, stands as one of the most incredible concert halls built. Frank Gehry, the creator of the building, refused to follow standard forms of architecture and created a hall that consists of curves and rounded walls. It not only makes the structure aesthetically pleasing, but it enhances the acoustics within the building.

Fourth, the Royal Ontario Museum, officially called the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal, located in Toronto, Canada displays a complex mixture of traditional and modern architecture. The museum looks like a standard brick building with massive crystal-like features jutting from its side making. It has become a major attraction and it clearly depicts the mix of influences living within the city. Even if the conspicuous architecture doesn’t draw you in, you’ll be sure to enjoy the historical galleries and nature exhibitions featured within the museum.

Lastly, the

Taj Mahal, built in the 1600’s, was created as a tomb for the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan’s deceased wife. The building was a combination of Persian, Islamic and Indian styles that required thousands of workers and about 22 years to complete. The building itself consists of a wide variety of precious stones, verses of the Quran carved into its walls and tranquil gardens that are intended to symbolize paradise. Visiting the Taj Mahal would be a true delight to anyone looking to view the rich history and art within this mausoleum.