Unusual buildings will make you take a second glance – from those resembling teapots to buildings that turn on their own! From houses that resemble teapots to those that move like wheels, these unexpected structures will leave you gasping! World’s Strangest buildings are intended to defy architectural convention and stand out as landmarks, providing something memorable for visitors. Additionally, they may serve practical functions or reflect local culture.
Dancing House Prague Czech Republic
The Dancing House was designed by Vlado Milunic and Frank Gehry and built in Prague, Czech Republic in 1996 as an exceptional example of deconstructivist architecture. Comprised of 99 different-shaped concrete facade panels connected by arches with “Medusa” standing proud on top of it all, this building makes an impressionful sight when visiting Prague or any of the Czech Republic. Don’t miss seeing this unique structure! If ever visiting Czech Republic it should definitely make for an impressive stop-off on your itinerary!
Its history is intriguing: during U.S. bombing of Prague in 1945, its previous structure was destroyed; subsequent to this event, however, its land lay vacant until Vaclav Havel, then dissident-turned-president, came up with an idea to construct there a cultural center as part of his plan for Prague reunification.
This building was created to resemble the famous dancing couple Fred and Ginger, making it an eye-catching structure in a city known for its historic architecture. Vlado Milunic and Frank Gehry accomplished this through using different styles throughout each part of the building; for instance, its stone tower represents Fred Astaire while its glass tower symbolizes Ginger Rogers.
Kansas City Public Library Missouri USA
The Kansas City library features numerous art pieces by both local and internationally acclaimed artists throughout its building – making it an essential stop on any visit to Kansas City.
The Community Bookself, a garage wall covered in what looks like books made of signboard mylar measuring 25 feet by 9 feet and featuring 22 titles chosen from Kansas City readers’ suggestions is undoubtedly one of the most striking architectural feats here.
Beyond its distinctive exterior, the library also offers visitors a host of other attractions and entertainment. You can watch movies in an old bank vault, attend events or indulge in delicious meals at its full-service cafe.
Mid-Continent Public Library system serves over 800,000 people in three Missouri counties and recently changed its policies to ban LGBTQ Pride displays in areas reserved for children and teenagers; staff feel this sends a negative message about inclusivity within the community and are appealing against it to the state.
Habitat 67 Montreal Canada – World’s Strangest buildings
Habitat 67 was designed by Moshe Safdie as part of Montreal, Canada’s World’s Fair pavilion in 1967 and remains a beloved landmark today. Visitors are drawn in by its architectural beauty; guided tours are available.
Safdie’s complex was an innovative concept in urban living, garnering widespread praise. Conceived as an alternative to high-rise buildings and offering green spaces, breathtaking views and spacious terraces for residents to enjoy, it garnered worldwide acclaim from critics worldwide. The housing complex used a modular, prefabricated system designed by Safdie that could be transported and assembled on site – providing residents with green spaces, breathtaking vistas and spacious terraces for living.
Today, this complex is still used by residents who love it for its privacy and sense of security compared to other apartment buildings. They appreciate being able to live somewhere both modern and traditional simultaneously; residents even enjoyed seeing Scalosian City featured as background matte painting of “Wink of an Eye” of Star Trek in remastered edition. As of 2017 Canada Post designated it a historic monument.
Lotus Temple Delhi India – World’s Strangest buildings
At the center of India’s bustling national capital, Lotus Temple provides a tranquil and calming oasis. Inspired by the lotus flower and used as a house of worship for people practicing Bahai Faith, this beautiful structure boasts nine water pools surrounded by lush gardens that combine modern architecture with peaceful spirituality.
Fariborz Sahba designed this temple in order to represent unity and peace through architecture. He chose the lotus symbol as it is commonly found across Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism religions. Additionally, solar energy powers this solar-powered structure which employs glass and steel elements for maximum natural lighting.
The Lotus Temple features nine entrances with canopies made up of large petals that extend outward from their center point, while inner petals curve inward to partially encase its prayer hall that can accommodate up to 2,500 worshipers. On top of each petal is a water pool designed to represent lotus leaves; these not only look pretty, but help keep the building cool as well.
Longaberger Headquarters Newark USA
Longaberger Company in Newark, Ohio wanted a basket-shaped building to serve as their headquarters, so construction of this seven-story basket-shaped structure began in 1995 and was finished two years later in 1997. Company founder Dave Longaberger wanted the building to reflect his family-run company’s quirky charm, financial success, and civic responsibility; hence his enumeration of 18 “Principles of Management”.
The 180,000-square foot building was created to resemble their most beloved product: a medium market basket; however, 160 times larger. As a result of their efforts and achievements in terms of both philanthropy and socially responsible business practices, they earned national recognition.
The Big Basket was featured in a Lifetime movie entitled, “Made in America.” Though the company shut its doors in 2016, its building remains open for public tours – with visitors from small towns across California queuing up for tours to view its unique structure. According to owner, Steve Coon, there may be opportunities for other development on site including hotels or data centers.
La Pedrera Barcelona Spain
La Pedrera, popularly referred to as The Quarry due to its resemblance of a rock quarry, is one of the great architectural achievements of Barcelona Spain. Antoni Gaudi created this modernist masterpiece between 1906 and 1912 as part of his Modernista movement and it now holds UNESCO World Heritage status for its unique value, aesthetic beauty, and heritage significance.
Gaudi was given the task of building a house similar to Casa Batllo; however, true artists rarely follow orders; therefore he had a much grander vision in mind for this building; one which would serve as both a spiritual symbol and tribute to Mary.
Entrance to this elegant home is through a stunning wrought iron butterfly-shaped door designed to recall organic forms. Interior spaces feature dreamlike, tapestry-like paintings featuring mythological and floral motifs.
Visitors to the building can explore its apartments and rooftop, which resembles a forest of 30 chimneys, while those purchasing the full experience ticket can participate in an augmented reality virtual tour using cutting-edge glasses to gain insights into its history and first owners.
The Crooked House Sopot Poland – World’s Strangest Buildings
Sopot, Poland is home to an iconic crooked house made of brick with no right angles that has long been an eye-catcher and popular tourist attraction. Visitors often photograph this historic structure.
The Crooked House, created by Polish architects Szotynscy and Zaleski, is an outstanding piece of architecture located on Bohaterow Monte Cassino Street near Rezydent shopping center. Constructed between 2004-2006.
The design of the building fuses modernist deconstructivism with fairy tale absurdism. The exterior is made up of glass panels while its roof is covered with green shingles reminiscent of dragon scales.
Designed with curvilinear lines that create an optical illusion that makes the building appear to dance or melt, Sopot’s iconic Crooked House has become one of the city’s most beloved landmarks, drawing tourists from around the globe. Additionally, this location houses bars, restaurants and shops to provide plenty of attractions and experiences to enjoy during a visit.
The Piano House Huainan China – World’s Strangest Buildings
Huainan City in China boasts this special building designed in the shape of a piano and violin; built in 2007, it’s become popular among newlyweds looking for an unusual background for their wedding photos.
Contrary to its appearance, the Piano House does not pertain to music despite its name. Instead, it serves as an urban planning exhibition complex featuring plans of new streets and districts designed by students at Hefei University of Technology’s Architecture Department and constructed in collaboration with designers from Huainan Fangkai Decoration Project Co.
The Piano House was designed to be as transparent as possible and features many modern materials including glass. This eye-catching structure has become a favorite spot for photo shoots, especially during nightly piano recitals when its famous section is illuminated – not to mention being perfect for romantic strolls and newlywed couples looking for unique backdrops for their wedding photos! Construction costs estimated to have totaled an estimated $35 million.