In the future when we look back at the architecture of the late 20th and early 21st centuries one of the big trends that will stand out is architectural glazing.

Glass is everywhere, across most sectors from residential to commercial, to education, to healthcare. Glass structures have become the essence of modern architecture.

As a homage to this great 21st century trend we explore 9 inspirational architectural glass buildings worldwide:

1. Basque Health Department Headquarters, Bilbao


Regarded as one of the most iconic buildings in Spain, the headquarters of the Basque Health Department was designed by Coll-Berru Arquitectos. The polyhedral glass façade allows natural light to enter the building whilst also reflecting the sky. The angled glass overs multiple changing views of the city and aims to capture the spirit of Bilbao. The projected was completed in 2009 after 6 years.

2. The Netherlands Institute for Sound and Vision


Designed by architects Willem Jan Neuteling and Michiel Riedijk, this building is structured like a cube and covered in coloured cast-glass panels. The museum located in Hilversum houses the most audio visual materials produced in the Netherlands.

3. 30 St Mary Axe (or The Gherkin)


The Gherkin, designed by architectural firm Foster and Partners, is the tallest building in London’s financial district. The building is covered in thick laminated glass panels to make the most of natural light within the city. The project was completed in 2003 and won the RIBA Stirling Prize in 2004.

4. The National Grand Theatre, Beijing


The multi-purpose glass building houses an opera house, concert hall and shopping district. Designed by French architect Paul Andreu in 2007 the structure is made to look like an egg floating on water. Made up of glass and titanium the building cost ¥3.2 billion.

5. Prada store, Tokyo


Located in the fashionable district of Aoyama the Prada Store’s glazed exterior almost looks like a store wrapped in quilted bubble wrap. Designed by Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron, the building incorporates curved glass panels which create a sense of movement when customers move throughout the store.

6. Fondation Louis Vuitton arts centre


Deisgned by Frank Gehry, the Fondation Louis Vuitton arts centre is covered in 12 billowing glass sails. The structure was opened in October 2014 and was inspired by the glass Grand Palais. In May 2016 artist Daniel Buren covered the sails in multi-coloured filters.

7. Ironbank, Auckland


The exterior of the Ironbank is made from rusted steel and glass, aiming to show the contrasts within the city of Auckland. Designed by leading architect Gerald Parsonson the building is said to look like stacked shipping containers.

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