5 Interesting Construction Projects in America
Construction in America is diverse because there are so many different styles, cultures and weather conditions as you travel through the states. Each state has its own sub-cultures which means unique architectural styles are produced around the country which makes for interesting construction projects. This blog will feature some of the coolest structures in America including some you may not have had the chance to be introduced to.
5. The Arizona Biltmore Resort - Phoenix, Arizona
Designed by the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright, The Arizona Biltmore Resort has been an important landmark in Arizona since 1930. The luxurious resort has hosted iconic figures like Marilyn Monroe and several U.S Presidents throughout its life. Besides its beautiful design, the building stands out because it is made from the sand that it stands on. The blocks used to build were called “Biltmore blocks” which were a variation of textile blocks with complex geometric designs. The blocks were made on site in the desert which gives the Arizona Biltmore its community rooted reputation.
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4. Petrified Wood Building - Lamar, Colorado
Although it is a small structure, the Petrified Wood Building in Colorado is a unique building made entirely of 175 million-year-old petrified wood. Petrified wood is not actually wood but instead a fossil of plant material buried in sediment. The final form of the fossil resembles wood but is heavier and feels like stone. Since the Petrified Wood Building is made entirely out of the 175 million year old fossil it is technically the oldest building on Earth. The record breaking structure serves as a tourist attraction in Lamar, Colorado.
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3. The Pyramid - Memphis, Tennessee
At 321 feet tall, the Pyramid in Memphis is a building that attracts tourists all over the country. The Pyramid is not your typical Egyptian pyramid made of sand blocks thousands of years ago. Instead, this pyramid is made of steel and was built in 1991 as a basketball arena hosting the Memphis Grizzlies. The building has hosted famous players like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant in its time. In 2002, boxing legends Mike Tyson and Lennox Lewis fought for the heavyweight title in the Pyramid. Today, the pyramid stands as a Bass Pro Shop with several activities such as shooting, archery ranges and bowling. It features an elevator that takes you to the top where you can enjoy stunning views of Memphis.
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2. Lou Ruvo Center For Brain Health - Las Vegas, Nevada
The Lou Ruvo Center was designed by Frank Gehry and completed after over two years of construction in 2009. The 60,000 square foot complex is made of metal clad and looks like multiple buildings conjoined in different directions. The building’s architecture leaves everyone staring and wondering what’s inside the walls. The structure is a brain research center that focuses on treating patients with Alzheimers and dementia. The goal behind the breathtaking design of the building is to create a memory while looking at it since that is the goal of the researchers working to preserve memory for their patients.
1. Space Needle - Seattle, Washington
The gem of Seattle’s skyline, Space Needle stands at 605 feet tall with a unique futuristic design. The building resembles a tower with an unidentified flying object (U.F.O) attached at the top. The tower is one of Seattle’s largest attractions bringing people from all over the world to observe. Construction of the Space Needle finished in December 1961 and opened to the public on April 21, 1962. The structure needed a solid foundation to stand on, which is why it took 467 cement trucks 12 hours to pour concrete into a 30ft x 120ft hole. The needle is built to last harsh winds, earthquakes and features 25 rods at the top that helps to absorb lightning strikes. If you are ever in the Seattle area it is definitely worth heading into the needle to see the views of the city.
