Zaha Hadid's design for the Qatar 2022 World Cup stadium attracted criticism for its resemblance to a certain part of the female anatomy. She says that it was inspired by the sail of a dhow, a traditional Arab fishing boat, but we leave it to you to decide.
Courtesy Zaha Hadid Architects
Creators of the Absolute World Towers 1 & 2 in Mississauga, Canada, were not shy to admit the inspiration behind their design: Marilyn Monroe's shapely curves. The buildings, which were also nicknamed after the iconic actress, were voted the best skyscraper completed in 2012.
Tom Arban Photography Inc.
The design for Apple's new headquarters looks more suited to the set of "Star Wars' than Cupertino, California. The round structure has been compared to a space ship and the tree-filled central green space is the size of a small forest. Let's hope GPS systems are included in employee benefits.
Foster and Partner/City of Cupertino
This plan won the international design competition for the new Museum of the Human Body in Montpellier, France. Inside its curvy form, the human body will be explored from an artistic, scientific and societal point of view.
Courtesy Bjarke Ingels Group
The Flame Towers of Baku, Azerbaijan, twist sensually high above the capital's skyline. They are covered in LED screens and at night flicker like fire, visible from all points in the city.
Courtesy HOK
The Batumi Aquarium in the seaside city of Batumi, Georgia, is inspired by pebbles that wash out on its beaches. The structure, which resembles a rock formation, is due for completion in 2015 and will be visible from both land and sea.
Henning Larsen Architects
Wangjing SOHO is an office and retail complex in Beijing whose gently curving walls resemble Chinese fans embraced in an entrancing dance. The design, due to be completed in 2014, is meant to evoke the image of Koi, a traditional Chinese symbol of wealth, luck, health and happiness.
Zaha Hadid Architects
Zaha Hadid's plan for the redevelopment of a disused factory in Belgrade, Serbia, gives a lesson in regeneration with style. Indoor and outdoor spaces are seamlessly fused by meandering flow lines, seductively enticing visitors to go in.
Zaha Hadid Architects
Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center in Azerbeijan's capital, Baku, is all sensual folds and soft lines. Situated on the main road into the city, its balletic shape turns heads of locals and tourists alike.
Helene Binet
The pedestrian walkway across Meixi Lake in Changsha, China, is modeled after the Möbius strip, a never-ending form whose end connects to its beginning. The sinuous footbridge will have multiple pathways, and construction is expected to start in 2014.
NEXT Architects
Regium Waterfront in Reggio Calabria, southern Italy, draws inspiration from the symmetry of a starfish. Its smooth, curving structure will house the Museum of Mediterranean History. Completion is planned for 2015.
Zaha Hadid Architects
The Blue Planet in Copenhagen, northern Europe's largest aquarium, opened to the public in March. Located on the waterfront, its gently sloping wings resemble a whirlpool that binds the sea and land together.
3XN Architects
The Wave building in the Danish town of Vejle mirrors the soft movements on the surface of the fjord during the day and resembles illuminated mountain peaks at night.
Courtesy Henning Larsen Architects
The library in the Chinese city of Dalian is designed to curve sensuously around a central core that will house a public space with a water feature. The building weaves into the ground creating a series of courtyards, before sweeping into the air forming a bold landmark.
Courtesy 10 Design
The hourglass shape of Soumaya Museum in Mexico City is completely clad in aluminum, and its seductive form houses a priceless collection of European art.