Ten of the world’s most famous concrete structures

Concrete presents numerous structural and aesthetic advantages, and hence it is a versatile construction material suitable for almost any building type. Its flexibility allows for the realization of various architectural styles, ranging from neoclassical and modern to gothic and postmodern. Few building materials can match the versatility and timelessness of concrete. Beyond its resilience and durability, concrete provides unique possibilities in difficult or extreme architectural designs. In the following lines, remarkable concrete structures from around the world are presented to highlight these possibilities:

The Pantheon (Rome, Italy): Constructed in the second century CE, the Pantheon, a Roman temple, boasts the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome. Despite enduring centuries of natural disasters and conflicts, it stands as a remarkable engineering achievement today.

Sydney Opera House (Sydney, Australia): Recognized worldwide as one of Australia's most iconic buildings, the Sydney Opera House showcases precast concrete panels supported by precast ribs. Its design is modern while it is groundbreaking for its complex geometry. The building serves as a prime example of precast concrete applied in sculptural designs.

Long Museum (Shanghai, China): Situated on a historic wharf, the Long Museum seamlessly integrates old and new structures. It is a "vault-umbrella" structure and as-cast concrete finishes establish continuity between the original industrial elements and modern designs.

Bank of London and South America (Buenos Aires, Argentina): This Buenos Aires bank features dynamic concrete pillars and a sleek glass facade, offering a clear contrast to the typical neoclassical buildings in the district. Careful alignment of the concrete supports allows the bank to complement its surroundings.

Fallingwater (Mill Run, United States): Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, Fallingwater's reinforced concrete slabs anchor cantilevered terraces to natural rock formations. The structure is built partially over a waterfall, remaining a daring project of engineering and innovation.

Saint-Jean de Montmartre (Paris, France): A pioneer in church construction, Saint-Jean de Montmartre was constructed using reinforced concrete, combined metal wire, brick, and concrete for a quicker and more economical option. Despite initial criticism, Saint-Jean de Montmartre set a design precedent that continued throughout the 20th century.

Hoover Dam (Nevada, USA): Completed in 1936, the Hoover Dam is a massive concrete arch-gravity dam on the border between the U.S. states of Nevada and Arizona. It is a key structure for water management and power generation. Using concrete, laborers successfully constructed Lake Mead, which stands as the largest artificial reservoir in the United States to date.

The Pentagon (Virginia, USA): Serving as the principal office facility for the United States Department of Defense, the Pentagon is a five-sided structure located in Arlington County, Virginia. Boasting over 400,000 cubic yards of concrete, it is one of the most notable structures worldwide.

The Panama Canal (Panama, America): A crucial hub for global trade, the Panama Canal acts as a vital link connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The Panama Canal was constructed by the United States starting in 1904. Over the course of a decade, the project required approximately 4,500,000 cubic yards of concrete.

Portuguese National Pavilion, Expo 98 (Lisbon, Portugal): The Portuguese National Pavilion, a masterpiece by architect Álvaro Siza Vieira, graces Lisbon with its iconic design. Constructed for Expo '98, the pavilion's soaring concrete canopy symbolizes Portugal's maritime heritage, evoking a sense of fluidity and openness. With its gravity-defying curves and commitment to innovation, the Pavilion of Portugal stands as a timeless testament to Portugal's cultural and architectural prowess.