What will the buildings of the future look like? Well, some are already here. Take a look at dramatic structures now open to the public: a ‘mushroom’ that combines art and agriculture; an opera house that lets people saunter along its stepped facade; a floating ‘oasis’ full of classrooms; a mosque with net-zero goals; a church that mirrors a forest. Tucked into each are tips on new ways forward for us all.
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Perhaps the most architecturally dramatic structure opening this year is the Shanghai Grand Opera House in China. Inside the building three auditoriums serve as performing-arts venues.
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Outside, the façade itself forms a massive stepped space that will serve as a free, 24-hour park and lookout point for the city’s people. The 10-storey helical façade was designed by the Norwegian firm Snohetta.
Also opening this year, on Saadiyat Island, is the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. Designed by the late legend Frank Gehry (1929-2025), this hive-like structure made up of 10 sweeping metal cones and sails will hold galleries connected by glass bridges and catwalks.
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Saadiyat Island already holds a number of architectural marvels, as part of Abu Dhabi’s push to raise its global image as a hub of contemporary art and culture. Above, the Zayed National Museum with its soaring white falcon-like wings, named for the late founder of the country.
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What will the buildings of the future look like? Well, some are already here. Take a look at dramatic structures now open to the public: a ‘mushroom’ that combines art and agriculture; an opera house that lets people saunter along its stepped facade; a floating ‘oasis’ full of classrooms; a mosque with net-zero goals; a church that mirrors a forest. Tucked into each are tips on new ways forward for us all.
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Zendaya poses for photographers upon arrival at the Spider-Man: Brand New Day premiere in London, England, Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Photo by Alberto Pezzali/Invision/AP)
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As Spider-Man: Brand New Day gears up to release in theatres on July 30 in India, Zendaya's spectacular press tour has once again cemented her status as the undisputed queen of method dressing. Working closely with her longtime stylist, Law Roach, the actor served a series of jaw-dropping Spider-Man-inspired looks that blurred the line between couture and character.
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Christopher Nolan's epic action drama The Odyssey is all set to hit the screens on July 17. On Tuesday, the cast and crew of the film arrived in New York for the film's grand premiere, dressed in elaborate designer ensembles. Here's a look at who wore what.
