Currently standing as the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa just steals attention from all those in its sight (even in a city like Dubai). The Burj Khalifa is still relatively new (its construction finished in 2010) and is about 700 ft. taller than the next tallest building in the world. Interestingly, the building has concave sides which emit an inviting sensation and almost serve to mask its daunting size.  It also is wider on the bottom and gets narrower and narrower towards the top which I figure is to ensure a strong foundation. The Burj Khalifa has mixed uses including an LED light show as shown above. Coupled with the music and fountain show in front of it, the Burj Khalifa can really come alive! I got a chance to visit the Burj Khalifa one time and saw this live. The fact that such a tall building can be constructed and the exterior can be used for entertainment that the entire city can enjoy is truly incredible.

While it is widely considered the most famous cube in the world, it did not always exist this way. That’s right, the most famous cube in the world actually used to be more of a rectangular shape capped with a semi-circle when it was first built by Abraham. It wasn’t until the early years of Muhammad (pbuh) that the Kaabah was rebuilt in the shape of a cube due to financial shortages. As the heart of the Muslim world, this building symbolizes tranquility, solace, and the aspiration of self-improvement. Every year,  millions of Muslims travel to this building on the pilgrimage known as the Hajj. Yet all throughout the year, there is never an hour, day or night, when the Kaabah is not accompanied. The Kaabah has an entire mosque built around with structures and columns that tower over it. When I visited it two years ago, upon entering the mosque I could not get sight of the black cube. It was as if it was evading me and forcing me to come to the center to admire it. When I first caught a glimpse of it, the rush of emotions was overwhelming. It was the pinnacle of contentment mixed with awe. While it does not have some intricate design or zealous structure, it is its symmetry and simplicity that grants the Kaabah its beauty.