Learning Centre, University of Economics, Vienna

Conceived by Zaha Hadid, the imposing library building is the focal point of the university campus with the rest of the buildings grouped around it. The futuristic 28,000-square-metre building’s most distinctive feature is the large black block that appears to teeter dangerously over the roof. Composed of a curving façade made of glass fibre-reinforced concrete panels, this structure houses not just the main library but also conference rooms and a cafe.