Fountain Place, Dallas

One of the skyline's most familiar features, the 60-story Fountain Place is the fifth-tallest building in Dallas and ranks among the most uniquely shaped buildings anywhere in the world. Though it stands perfectly well on its own, initial plans actually called for twin towers, with the second tower rotated 90 degrees from the original; however, with the collapse of the Texas oil, banking and real estate industry, followed by the savings and loan scandal of the 1980s, the project was never completed. Only recently, four decades later, has a sibling tower been set for completion on an adjacent lot.

Designed by I.M. Pei and Partners, the original high-riser is truly a work of art, reflecting the sky and surrounding structures with its green glass façade. Like an alluring crystal or a multi-faceted prism, it presents a different look from different angles, but what draws people even more is the beautiful water garden at street level, created by the same company that would later built the Fountains of Bellagio in Las Vegas. It's a wonderful, tranquil oasis with plenty of space to sit, read, and/or eat even on the hottest summer days, as the big trees shade piercing summer heat.