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I do not favor picking out a single structure, given that so many different cultures and societies have built marvelous structure in various places on the globe. Indeed, there are cultures whose structural achievements are only today coming to light.In the United States I would say it was the original Pennsylvania Station in New York City, without a doubt. This was an architectural but also a cultural landmark that gave people a sense of what America was like during the peak of the era of the railroads, the robber barons of the 19th century, and the height of that phase of the nation’s march towards industrialization and economic dominance.In Europe one might be inclined to rue the loss of the some of the original bridges over the Thames (incl. London, Waterloo and Westminister Bridges) in London, as well as the original Pont D’Avignon, and the Acropolis. Many great structures have been lost due to wars…most recently the historic structures at Palmyra. Unfortunately, “progress” is frequently attained at the loss of history and culture. Which is why parents should take every opportunity they have to expose their children to architectural and structural marvels when they have a chance. For example, whole generations only have photos to give them a sense of what New York City’s World Trade Center original “Twin Towers” looked like.Much has been said about the “Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.” (Of which none remain today except the Great Pyramid of Khufu at Giza in Egypt.) Of those wonders that were lost, I am inclined (merely from the description) to debate between the Colossus of Rhodes and the Lighthouse of Alexandria. These were both structures of substantial height built during a time when skeletal-framed structure design was unknown, and both served utilitarian functions as well as being landmarks.For structures from other cultures, with the exception of those known to have been built by the Incas (Machu Picchu) and the Mayan and Aztec cultures there is insufficient knowledge of those built in the Western Hemisphere although much more information has recently emerged. In Also notable in Africa is the temple and walls of Great Zimbabwe. However, these latter items are not “lost” to history, since their ruins are still visible and are popular tourist sites.

Without question, the original Pennsylvania Station. In fact, its destruction was the catalyst that sparked the entire landmarks preservation movement, and thus saved Grand Central Terminal, which was about to be similarly destroyed.Here are some images of the original, spectacular, McKim, Mead & White building:While there is nothing we can do for the original structure but mourn its passing, the good news is that plans have now been confirmed and funded to pay homage to Penn Station by creating the spectacular new Moynihan Station Train Hall directly across the street, by converting the matching James Farley Main Post Office, which was designed by the same architects at the same time:

Before I write an answer for this question, I want to give some context.After four years of my education in Architecture, I have realized that people have very ambiguous idea of a 'well architected' building. The sad thing is, the common public mistakes 'beauty' and 'aesthetics' as the only thing that Architecture deals with. A fancy weirdly shaped building is mistaken for an 'Architectural Marvel'. I call bullshit on that.Source: WikipediaThe "Walt Disney Concert Hall – Los Angeles" was revealed in 2003 and over the years neighbors complained about it. This was due to the fact that the panels on it were so shiny that sunlight was being reflected directly into their apartment. This caused the temperature to rise by around 15 degrees Fahrenheit and so residents had to use air conditioning more. The team behind the design covered the panels with cloth in 2005. This, is an example of a bad architected space.It is easy to call the whole field of Architecture 'subjective' just because like art, every building will be liked or hated by people. But actually, people don't know how should they be judging buildings. They like or hate them based on whether they like the form, colors, shape, lighting, etc which really is the superficial stuff that an Architect has in his/her mind.The Statue of Liberty and the Eiffel Tower, for example are not even 'Architectures'. They are sculpture and structure respectively. Architecture is more than 'pretty thing to look at' objects. Architecture is experienced, used and lived, not just looked.What should an Architect be doing?You see, a civil engineer designs walls, floors, columns and beams. They need to ensure that the building envelope stands and is safe over a period of time. To them, a building is a system, a structure that needs to be firm and stable.An architect designs space. If cement, sand, metal and bricks are raw materials for a Civil Engineer, 'Space' is the raw material for an architect.We try creating places from spaces (Ashris Choudhury (আশ্রীশ চৌধুরী)'s answer to What is difference between 'space' and 'place' in architecture? Can we make a space into place? ) that people enjoy to live in.The architect prioritizes what the user 'needs': so while an architect designing a residence will value 'comfort', a museum/memorial design will try to get 'awe', 'fascination' evoked in the space, and in a mall design, architect will have 'ambiance' and 'functionality' in mind. Its these 'core' values that the space evokes is what the 'soul' of the design is.A good design can mold its users into happy and efficient people, while bad Architecture can make people stressed, unhappy and unfocused.http://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/public-health-architecture-impact-wellbeingFor example, if a bad architect would design an office, they would do it very easily by designating spaces after they decide the column structure. They would 'allocate' spaces area wise around a central space and have toilets around the corner and be done. This is a poorly 'Architectured' space which sadly most conventional offices are. Such spaces don't encourage conversations and openness. Humans are treated like machines as if all they need is an 'allotted' chamber because we assume everybody wants 'privacy'. People start feeling alienated, bored and less efficient. A good office understands how important good architecture is, to make the space livelier and people more efficient.With this in mind, here's my pick for 'Architect-ured spaces I like'. I will be picking these buildings 'category-wise' because there is no end to good designs.1. Holocaust Memorial Museum, BerlinMemorial | MuseumI speak for this space because I have personally experienced how powerfully architectural design can be used as a narrative to simulate experience. The non uniform blocks symbolizing graves through which the museum is entered offer a subtle context to the space. The blocks grow in size as you pass through them making the overwhelming sense of claustrophobia grow as you reach the entrance. The museum is experienced through an audio-guide using microphones that narrates the incidents of the Holocaust, personalizing stories from the victims of Auschwitz. The use of lighting is done excellently to simulate depression, hope, pain and joy in the spaces. Visitors are left teary eyed and full of emotions as they leave the space with deep sympathies and connection with the victims of Holocaust.The museum achieves its objective perfectly and this remains to me, the best Architectured Space that I have visited.2. Bahai Temple (Lotus Temple), New DelhiReligiousThe space like many temples is designed to create the awe and amazement that a religious space is supposed to evoke. But unlike most temples, where Art dominates over Architecture through sculptures and paintings, the Lotus Temple has a very contemporary design, freeing itself from the semantic grammar of all other religions, which it was precisely designed to do so: create a new 'style' for the Baha'i religion. Its scale, symmetry, surreal ambiance and its landscaping makes it one of the best religious spaces, architecture-wise.3. Fallingwater, PennsylvaniaResidenceFallingwater by Architect Frank Lloyd Wright remains one of the most classic examples of 'Good Architecture'. The house has water flowing right underneath it, blending the space with the nature and merging landscape and built environment together. The natural materials makes the space comforting and relaxing.4. Google Office(s)OfficeGoogle believes in the power of Design as it is evident through the very comforting and inspiring they have in their offices that invigorates creativity and counters stress. Informal spaces are shown to reduce boredom and enhance productivity in workplaces.5. Menara Airport | Mumbai AirportAirportsMumbai:-Airports are mega-systems. They require efficient circulation of people, goods, security, management, and scheduling. Apart from this, Airports also are cultural icons of a country. The first impression an international visitor makes of a country is from the Airport. So, judging by the ability to create an unique impression, I'd pick Mumbai and Menara Airports for the sheer brilliance of fusing contemporary and traditional elements into the design. While Menara Airport displays the fine Islamic jali into the design that creates gives the space a very mosque-like ambiance, Mumbai Airport has Indian elements inspired from peacocks and Indian mandalas. Both spaces create a unique impression.6. Grillagh Water House by Patrick BradleyInnovationThis is a personal favorite. This building is made up of four stacked shipping containers. The entire project is a statement of bravery and confidence of the Architect to convert an already beautiful landscape into a residence for himself using shipping containers, a rather poor choice of material as what some might remark.Here's an overall documentation of how it was done that I'd recommend to any architecture fan.7. Indian Institute of Management, AhmedabadEducationalThe old campus of IIM Ahmedabad is an architectural masterpiece by Louis I. Kahn. The architect used local material in the design which is a homage to Indian vernacular architecture. The voids created in the overpowering brick mass are purely geometrical and form as cooling vents for the entire structure. Also, they act as interaction spaces for the students. There is ample consideration to lighten up the space naturally and ventilate it as well. Kahn's visionary design along with a group of ambitious industrialists has today made the institute one of the most elite, influential and sought after Business Schools in the world.8. Jawahar Kala Kendra, JaipurArt CenterThe Kalakendra by Late Ar. Charles Correa is a standing example of sophisticated Architecture that is deeply spiritual and humane. The plan was prepared by the noted architect Charles Correa in 1986 and the building was ready in 1991. The plan is inspired by the original city plan of Jaipur, consisting of nine squares with central square left open. The Jawahar Kala Kendra adapts and applies concepts from ancient architectural principles called the Vastu Vidya. I personally like the space for its embodiment of local culture, materials and style of architecture.Conclusion:This is, by no means a comprehensive list or even an unbiased one, for I have just scratched the surface and this list is very personal, limited to my knowledge. However, my purpose was not to enlist many buildings but explain how 'Good Architecture' is not millions of dollars pooled together to create shiny boxes of concrete and glass like its being done in Dubai now, but a celebration of human spirit, creativity and innovation. The very premise why Architecture departed from pure 'Engineering' was because it promised to stay humane and not treat buildings as machines to be repaired or configured but spaces to feel and live. While I appreciate the influx of Computational Design, Parametric Architecture, BIM Integrated Construction Project Management, and Sustainable Green Building Technology; Architecture, in my opinion, needs to preserve its core values that it started with.