The Most Anticipated Buildings of 2020

Set for completion in 2020 ahead of a 2021 opening, Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen is the world’s first publicly accessible art depot, which is designed to host an archive of 151,000 artworks owned by the Museum Boijmans van Beuningen. It will feature exhibition halls, a sculpture roof garden and a restaurant, and will also allow private art collectors to store their own collections. Its distinctive bowl shape and reflective façade are designed to echo the surrounding Museumpark.

Image courtesy of MVRV

An observation tower planned for the city of Dubai, Creek Tower is set to be the tallest in the world when it is completed, reaching at least 828m. Inspired by the natural forms of the lily, the tower’s design references Islamic tradition, evoking the shape of a minaret. It will include 10 observation decks, including a 360° observation space. The structure will also include a cooling system that will supply water to keep the façade clean, and integrated shading.

Image courtesy of Santiago Calatrava

Something of a national embarrassment to Germany as it has been delayed for eight years due to a myriad of faults, Berlin Brandenburg Airport will open in 2020. It has been designed to host 34 million passengers a year, serving as the primary airport for the German capital, and is likely to attract much scrutiny when it finally opens its doors. However, some remain sceptical about the 2020 target, suggesting that further delays may be ahead.

Image courtesy of Moniteurs

Providing a novel take on the trend for integrating landscaping into building design, Heatherwick Studio’s mixed-use development will imitate a hill-like topography, creating the illusion of a green mountain in the dense yet flat city. The 300,000 sq metre project features stepped modules, at the corners of which are mounted growing spaces for trees, providing the landscaped finish while giving the project its name.

Image courtesy of Heatherwick Studio

Plagued by delays, the Grand Egyptian Museum is set to finally open in 2020, housing over 100,000 objects – many of which have never been displayed before – across 500,000 sq metres. The $1bn project will provide a dramatic addition to the nearby pyramids, with the hope of boosting tourism in the region and country. The museum will house a vast selection of exhibition spaces, as well as a 250-seat 3D cinema, as well as a children’s museum.

Image courtesy of Heneghan Peng