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The Foster + Partners have completed the first of a cluster of solar powered buildings in Masdar city, Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. The Masdar Institute is  a graduate level, research-oriented university which is focused on option energy, sustainability, and the environment, that will generate more solar energy than it consumes. The building features a perforated frontage made of glass-reinforced concrete colored with local sand and detailed with patterns found in traditional Islamic architecture.

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Chinese architects Atelier 11 recently completed the spherical Diamond Arena in Beijing, China, which seats up to 15,000 spectators and will host international tennis matches. The dedicated China National Tennis Center is a 15,000-capacity stadium which is currently hosting the China Open 2011, starring world class players Jo-Wilfred Tsonga, Jurgen Melzer and Andy Roddick.

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This futuristic design by Australia-based architects Lacoste+Stevenson was submitted for the Busan Opera House competition. The emulation invited entries from all over the wotld to design a landmark Opera House, which is to be constructed in 2014 with the goal of increasing tourism to the city of Busan, South Korea. Aiming to maximize on the surrounding parkland as well as to make the architecture perceptive for great outdoor events, the project features moveable frontage parts that open and close to meet the needs of a huge range of events.

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Unusually rotund and magnificently modern, the Villa Ronde by Ciel Rouge Creation and Henri Gyeundan Architects rises naturally from the sea on Japan‘s coast. This building includes a private museum, a guest house and a resort. The design features a porous front elevation that allows the interior to experience the wind and sun light as well as provide wide views of the surrounding landscape. Cross ventilation is achieved thanks to an inner garden that serves as a convection system in attracting fresh air.

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Looking for the classic Palm Springs Experience? Caliente Tropics Resort Palm Springs is one of the last fully preserved and prime examples of the classic Polynesian-styled hotels of the 1960s! Polynesian and Tiki Playground feature upscale, boutique-styled guestrooms keep secret custom furnishings. The exterior has been made for to celebrate the specific mid-century look when the resort opened in 1964 – a true Palm Springs icon!

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InterContinental Century City is a business-friendly hotel located in the heart of Los Angeles, close to Museum of Tolerance, University of California Los Angeles, and Paley Center for Media. Complementary points of interest are Museum of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and Hammer Museum. Set near the famous suburb of Beverly Hills, the InterContinental Los Angeles Century City is only a short walk from the MGM Tower, Rodeo Drive and the many movie studios of Century City.

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Situated in one of the most prestigious areas of Los Angeles, in the heart of Beverly Hills, just a 10-minute from famous Rodeo Drive, The Peninsula Hotel is only 20 minutes from Los Angeles International Airport. The hotel is tucked amid lush gardens offering luxurious comfort, sophisticated facilities, extraordinary dining and legendary Peninsula service. From the moment you arrive you are in the hands of your own relations manager, who will know your name, have your registration materials and keys, and escort you to your room, suite, or private villa  and will care for all of your need and desires.

Continue reading The definition of luxury starts even from before you check-in

Hotel Lancaster is an Art Deco luxury boutique hotel dating from 1889, located in the heart of Paris just 100 metres from the Champs Elysées and the Arc de Triomphe. Only a 3-minute walk away from Le Louvre, it offers a classic and elegant atmosphere. Originally built as a townhouse for a Spanish nobleman, the hotel has retained its sense of elegance and history over the centuries.  

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Nestled at the base of the stunning Catalina Mountains, in northern Tucson, Arizona, Miraval Arizona Resort is a top-rated all-inclusive destination retreat. Located amid 400 acres of lush gardens, the resort is a place dedicated to opening eyes, minds, and hearts. Consistently rated #1, Miraval Arizona Resort is a must for those looking for an inspiring experience whether you choose adventure or relaxation.

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Castle of Penela is settled in a Penela town in Penela Municipality in Coimbra Govern , Portugal.
The chessman had been constructed on a comic dominating the part and was previously a fastness safeguarding Coimbra in nowadays of the Reconquista. The origins of the lingo are contentious and are attributed by many authors to ancient Gaelic tribes.
The example hall was shapely in 1087 by Determine Sesnando the oldest controller of Coimbra, but what can be seen at instant dates from the 14th to 16th centuries.

Continue reading Shaped like an irregular polygon