This Little Known Building In Florida Was Just Named One Of The Most Beautiful In The World

You might think that Florida’s most beautiful buildings are located in a big city like Miami, but according to architects, one of the most beautiful buildings in the world is right here in Central Florida. It was placed among famous buildings such as the Parthenon and the Empire State Building on Travel and Leisure’s list of 22 Most Beautiful Buildings in The World (originally published by BusinessInsider) and has won many awards. Can you guess which building it is?

Florida Polytechnic University’s Innovation, Science and Technology (IST) building has been recognized as an iconic piece of American architecture.

Flickr/Matthew Paulson

The building serves as the center of the school’s campus and has won dozens of awards for its innovative design. This makes sense considering that FPU is the state’s first and only public polytechnic university, with a focus on STEM education and constant innovation.

Flickr/Matthew Paulson

The building (and the rest of FPU’s campus) was designed by world-renowned Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. The IST building serves as the main laboratory and classroom space for FPU students.

Flickr/Felipe Garcia

The white, dome-shaped building is breathtaking upon first glance, but there’s so much more to it.

Flickr/Felipe Garcia

The roof actually has more than 90 robotic louvers (the structure you see on top of the building’s base) that follow the path of the sun, changing the shape of the building as the day goes on.

Flickr/Matthew Paulson

That means the building will actually look very different depending on when you visit — even during the same day. How cool is that?

Flickr/Felipe Garcia

Inside the dome, the arches cast elegant shadows on the pathways, and everything inside and out has a very sleek and modern feel. If you want to see the IST building for yourself, visitors are welcome to check it out. FPU is located at 4700 Research Way in Lakeland.

Flickr/Felipe Garcia

While you’re in Lakeland, which is located in Polk County about halfway between Tampa and Orlando, you can also visit the largest collection of architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s work at Florida Southern College, only a short drive from FPU.

Flickr/scurr

What do you think about this massive work of art hiding right here in Florida? What’s your favorite building in the Sunshine State?

Flickr/Matthew Paulson

Flickr/Felipe Garcia

Flickr/scurr

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