In one of the most exotic oriental countries, there´s also one of the more contrasting architectural districts in the world: Baku in Azerbaijan. Known as “the eternal fire zone”, this city of long cultural and religious tradition has become in one of the preferred points for the greatest architect firms in the world, to develop and imposing monumental creations of modern Islamic design samples.
However, the city also houses a strong influence of the Soviet legacy, which it belonged for decades and left countless of impressive witness and rigid constructions.
So, the new design, art and architectural proposals bet for showing the new positive and modern face of Baku. With this technology they have also emerged ideas that are due to the new needs, but always with a futurist vision that involves culture and conservation of islamic traditions.
Within these projects are highlighted some of the most impressive buildings that have captivated the world, making Baku a reference of modern architecture and convergence of styles, that fits perfectly with the spectacular urban view.
One of these works is the integration of Flame Towers, 3 impressive buildings with a flame form, evoking the antique adoration of fire. With more than 140 meters high, stand from the rest of the landscape and can be appreciated almost anywhere of the city, what has also become them the new symbol of Baku in its new era.
Developed by the multinational group MMC Azinko and in charge of the famous HOK architects office, each tower meet different objectives and functions. The south tower and the highest of the group is a residential building with more than 40 levels and luxurious departments.
The north tower is an extravagant hotel with 33 levels, 250 exclusive suites and 61 departments. The tower located in the west side is intended for luxurious commercial offices and international shops. Thus, the base of the 3 towers make a podium which in turn serves as square and links the exterior with the interior in a aesthetic and functional way.
From its independence in the 90´s, Baku has chosen to invest in infrastructure, giving priority to culture and technology. It reflects in one of the most modern and important buildings: the Heydar Alijev Center, developed by Zaha Hadid Architects.
The complex was designed as the headquarters for many cultural programs of the city and is a symbol of the new optimistic vision in order to welcome all the visitors.
Its original design is based on the continuous relation between an immense circular hall and the interior with ondulations, forks, folds and inflections. This in turn gives a surreal air that responds to weather conditions, temperature, external loads and even earthquakes. The Heydar Alijev Center is a integration that merges with the impressive architectural landscape that gives direction and shelter to everyone in Baku.
Also, the Socar Tower developed by Heerim Architects is one of the responsibles in the futuristic panoramic that welcome the visitors. An imposing building that houses the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan and the higher building in all the Caucasus.
With a design based on the functional expressionism, has a snake form on a modern and large podium, that appears to rest on the highest tower. Its construction had a cost of more than $ 300 million and was completed in 2014 to become one of the most important buildings of the modern world.
Finally The Crescent, is maybe the most impressive in Azerbaijan.
Named like that for evoking a crescent, this development project estimated to be finished in 2017, is a sample of the splendor in the city.
Located on the shores of the Caspian, The Crescent will have an exclusive hotel with 40 levels, an office tower, a residential area and an entertainment zone. With that finished complex you will complete the first part of this captivating city, unique for combining the best of its traditions with the latest in futuristic and functional architecture.
Thus, Baku gradually becomes a cosmopolitan destination luxury amidst an area full of tradition, where the contrasts are only a sample of human genius and everything that comes in the coming decades.