1) Quadracci Pavilion, Milwaukee Museum of Modern Art; Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Its description lies somewhere between a glorious yacht, a graceful dove, and a modern dancer. Be sure to catch the Pavilion's Burke Brise Soleil at the beginning and end of the day when its wings open and close.
2) Absolute World Towers; Mississauga, Canada.
The supermodel of modern architecture, the twisting Mississauga towers have probably grown tired of hearing the compliments.
3) Sonneveld House; Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
The strong, silent type, Sonneveld House was way ahead of its time when it was built in the early 30s. Aside from its clean lines and modernist design, the home also contained a bell system to contact household help, telephone system, and highly daring color combinations.
4) Casa Batllу; Barcelona, Spain.
Gaudi's curvy masterpiece is made all the more amazing when one realizes this sensuous building was completed over 100 years ago.
5) Sydney Opera House; Sydney, Australia
It was opened in the era of polyester and bad hair but this structure has always been timeless.
6) Millau Viaduct (Viaduc de Millau); Millau, France.
In a land where beauty is everywhere, the competition for the sexy title is fierce. Simple but stunning, this structure's clean lines and an intimidating scale only add its undeniable magnetism.
7) Zwinger; Dresden, Germany.
The oldest building on our list, Zwinger, which was heavily influenced by Versailles, was all but destroyed in the Second World War. Painstakingly restored, it was the building's power, imposing facade, and largesse that put it on our list.
8) Walt Disney Concert Hall; Los Angeles, California.
Now that the controversy has died down Angelenos can't imagine their city without the shimmering panels that gleam like diamonds in the strong California sun. The building is especially vibrant now that its dazzling and vivacious new music director, Gustavo Dudamel, has taken the reigns.
9) Penang Bridge (Jambatan Pulau Pinang); Malaysia.
As slinky as a screen siren, this particular choice is almost more sculpture than bridge. Slithering across the water to connect the island of Penang with the Malaysian mainland, the bridge is also known for its annual marathon.
10) Fallingwater; Mill Run, Pennsylvania.
Having been featured on the cover of no less than Time magazine, Fallingwater remains just as mythic and legendary as its creator, the iconic Frank Lloyd Wright. Built for the Kaufman family of Kaufman's department store, the gutsy house is situated on top of a waterfall, not merely with a view of it as the family first anticipated.
BMW in 3D: think big!Newfoundland is outta this world
