This Week's Most Instagram-Worthy Architecture

The world is brimming with jaw-dropping built environments that are begging to be shot, and in this new weekly series, we round up the most photogenic architecture and interiors to surface recently. Whether its for a simple #sneakerhand shot or a full-blown high fashion photoshoot, these publicly-accessible places are guaranteed to help you rack up the Likes for their arresting visual aesthetic. Take a look at our selection below and get ready for your next photography outing.

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The Rock – Wellington, New Zealand

Built in 2010 to expand the passenger capacity of Wellington International Airport, The Rock is by far one of the most unique airport terminals the world over. Whereas airport architecture tries to convey concepts of flight and levity but more often than not ends up looking bland and repetitive, The Rock is modelled on a more earthbound, geological aesthetic that reassures arriving passengers with the anchoring qualities of terra firma. Mirroring the rugged nature of the Wellington coastline, the building is covered in durable copper sheeting on the exterior, while the interior is clad in warm, honey-colored macrocarpa wood.

Pueblo Serena Church – Monterrey, Mexico

At first glance, the Pueblo Serena Church resembles a whitewashed factory more than a place of worship. With its sharply angled facades and geometric, chimney-like bell tower, the building cuts a sharp profile against the blindingly blue Mexican sky. At different times of day, the sun casts jagged shadows on the exterior walls for some dynamic light play. Meanwhile, the stark interior of the church is almost devoid of ornamentation save for a Latin cross cut into the wall above the altar and lit with natural light, making for a space conducive to deep meditation.

RAI Car Park – Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Segueing to a more quotidian building, this newly-erected car park in Amsterdam’s business district is a work of modernism enshrined in prefab concrete. Connected to the RAI Amsterdam Exhibition and Convention Center, the first floor of the car park and convert into an event space if needed. What makes the car park stand out, however, are the twin helix ramps that wind upwards for eight floors and come within inches of each other, creating a surprisingly elegant structure with its confluence of curves. At night, the ramps are outlined with blue LEDs, making for a positively futuristic sight.

MAAT – Lisbon, Portugal

Portugal’s capital city saw the addition of its latest landmark just last week with the long-awaited opening of the MAAT art museum. Designed by architect Amanda Levete, the monumental complex is defined by a single, sweeping curve rising in stark white contrast to the sea that sits just a few feet from the building’s perimeter. The exterior is clad in three-dimensional crackle glazed tiles that play with the ever-changing angle of sunlight as well as reflections from the water, making for a mesmerizing sight at all times of day.

Phoenix International Media Center - Beijing, China

Despite Chinese president Xi Jinping’s call for an end to “weird architecture” in the Middle Kingdom, architecture practice BIAD UFO is slipping in a last word with the new headquarters for national broadcaster Phoenix Television. The impressive structure is shaped like a massive doughnut, with its latticed glass-and-steel exterior creating a vast inner atrium that houses two bulbous office buildings within. Citing the Möbius strip as an influence, the architect wanted to emphasize the concept of openness, in line with the media company’s own ambitions.