With the open borders, many of us are looking to head overseas to visit friends and relatives; for exotic adventures and relaxation. Wherever we go, we experience a variety of architecture whether we seek it out or not. For those of us that enjoy new architectural experiences, here are a few buildings and places that I have visited over the years that resonated with me and may pique your interest.

Marques de Riscal Hotel and Winery, Elciego, Spain In the heart of the Rioja wine region of northern Spain, Frank Gehry has designed an amazing hotel that floats above the winery and vineyard below. The titanium panels in pink, silver and gold signify the colours of wine and create a dramatic façade. The sandstone base anchors the building and relates to the historic winery buildings.

Gardens by the Bay, Singapore While the many exotic plants are amazing in these 100-hectare gardens in the heart of Singapore, the architecture plays a significant role in the overall experience. The “Supertree” structural canopies can be climbed and walked between via suspended walkways creating a viewing observatory over the whole venue; “Cloud Forest” is a 42-metre high ‘mountain’ whilst the Flower Dome displays a sensory feast of international floral habitats in the world’s largest glass greenhouse.

Apartheid Museum, Johannesburg, South Africa The Apartheid Museum, designed by a consortium of South African architects, pulls no punches with the raw architecture outside and the confronting exhibits inside. Spread over seven hectares, visitors wander inside and out and select whether to be black or white throughout their journey, exposing them to the very brutal reality that was apartheid.

Dubrovnik, Croatia The Old Town of Dubrovnik on the edge of the Adriatic Sea has been listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. The Medieval town is architecturally united by the thick stone walls and terracotta roofing. It’s a great place to explore and get lost in the myriad of lanes and small squares.

Architectural travel