Humankind is often limited only by its imagination. This is no exception when it comes to architecture. Over the last 100 years, building projects have become increasingly advanced as technology and innovation have advanced. Some radical places, when taken out of context, can look almost like a fever dream.
In the Mojave Desert, visitors can find miniature replicas of monuments from various nations, while in another location, glowing metal structures shaped like trees are situated below a massive bridge suspended in the sky. These destinations showcase the full extent of human creativity when imagination is given free rein.
Las Vegas
Las Vegas needs no introduction, but it has humble beginnings as a railroad and ranching town. This all changed in the 1930s. Gambling was legalized, and the Hoover Dam was built. The rest is history. Today, tourists can witness the unique character of Las Vegas and the surrounding area. Spring or Autumn are good times to visit because the temperatures are milder. During other seasons, keeping to the strip can help beat the heat.
Parking at casinos is often expensive and crowded, but visitors can conveniently use rideshare services or the Deuce bus to get around. For popular restaurants and major events, advance reservations are highly recommended to ensure the best experience. Surreal attractions include Blackout, a restaurant where diners eat in complete darkness, discovering their food only by taste and texture. Zak Bagans’ Haunted Museum offers a tour of unusual artifacts, some allegedly tied to infamous real-life criminals. The Neon Museum (Neon Boneyard), a collection of historic Las Vegas signs, glows vibrantly at night against the desert sky.
Marina Bay Sands and the Supertree Grove
Marina Bay Sands and the Supertree Grove in Singapore are a resort designed by Moshe Safdie. Supertree Grove consists of 18 tree-like vertical gardens, measuring 25-50 meters tall. For travelers, it’s worth visiting the SkyPark Observation Deck on the 57th floor. There’s a ship-like deck that hangs over the edge of the towers. From there, both city lights and neon trees can be seen.
Spectra is a free nightly show, but visitors should check the latest schedule, as times are subject to change. For a surreal experience, Gardens by the Bay hosts the nightly Garden Rhapsody show, where the Supertrees light up and pulse in sync with music often around 7:45 pm and 8:45 pm, but exact times should be checked in advance.
Downtown Dubai
Downtown Dubai in the UAE is an example of surreal architecture, as if taken from a dreamscape. The Burj Khalifa rises 2,700 feet above the city, making it the tallest building in the world. At its base lies an expansive artificial lake, where choreographed fountains dance to the rhythm of pop music.
The Dubai Fountain shows on Burj Lake are must-see attractions, expelling jets of water up to 150 meters high, often synchronized to ballads and pop. Beyond shopping, the Dubai Mall surprises visitors with an aquarium, an ice rink, and endless themed zones. Rooftop bars can help visitors get a better view of the dominating city that sits in the confines of the Arabian Desert.
Sources:
Marina Bay Sands – Architecture of Marina Bay Sands – 2025-03-24
Gardens by the Bay – Our History – 2020-12-31
Channel NewsAsia – From reclaimed land to glass domes and towering metal ‘Supertrees’ – 2022-07-29
Encyclopaedia Britannica – Burj Khalifa | Height, Architect, Top Floor, & Facts – 2025-11-24
GoConstruct – Iconic Construction Projects – Burj Khalifa – 2009-12-31
VisitLasVegas.com (Official) – Las Vegas Hotels, Shows, Things to Do, Restaurants – 2025-12-31