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Strangest Buildings In The World
Get ready to be fascinated by some of the strangest buildings in the world. These architectural wonders are known for their extraordinary and unusual designs that defy norms. If you appreciate unique and unconventional architecture, you don’t want to miss out on these astonishing structures.
Here are some of the strangest buildings that exist, featuring twisted towers and upside-down houses that will surely capture your imagination.
1. The Cube Houses
Cube houses, also known as kubuswoningen in Dutch, are an extraordinary architectural marvel found in Helmond and Rotterdam, Netherlands. These unique houses were designed by architect Piet Blom with the aim of creating urban living spaces that make the most of limited land.
The concept behind these houses is to maximize interior space by elevating a conventional house corner and placing it on top of a hexagon-shaped pylon. Blom envisioned these houses as a village within a city, where each house symbolizes a tree and the collective houses form a forest. The primary focus of cube houses worldwide is to optimize space distribution and improve the functionality of the rooms inside.
2. Kansas City Library (Missouri, USA)
Kansas City boasts one of the most peculiar architectural marvels in the world. Standing proudly in the heart of the city, the building showcases a distinctive feature known as the “Community Bookshelf.” The idea behind this remarkable exterior, which consists of the spines of 22 books, was actually suggested by the citizens of Kansas City themselves.
When it comes to unusual structures, the Community Bookshelf takes the cake. It is a testament to the creativity and collaborative spirit of the local community. Rather than settling for a conventional design, the people of Kansas City decided to embark on a truly distinctive venture.
3. The Basket Building, United States
This is the Basket building, which is considered one of the strangest buildings in the world. It was built in the 1990s by Longaberger, resembling one of their baskets. The building has seven stories and covers an area of 180,000 square feet. Designing and constructing the building was challenging because each floor was wider than the one below it. The handles of the basket weigh around 150 tons and can be heated in cold weather to prevent ice from falling on the glass roof. The building opened in 1997 but was later abandoned by the company.
This seven-story building is shaped like a giant basket. Originally built as the headquarters for a basket manufacturing company, it now serves as an office space and a quirky landmark.
In 2017, the building was purchased by Steve Coon and Bobby George. They initially planned to sell it, but in 2019, Coon announced his intention to transform it into a luxury hotel and have it listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
4. The Dancing House
The Dancing House, also known as Ginger and Fred, is a unique building located in Prague, Czech Republic. It was designed by architects Vlado Milunić and Frank Gehry and completed in 1996. Originally named after the famous dancers Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire due to its resemblance to a dancing couple, the building now houses a restaurant called Ginger & Fred on its seventh floor. Gehry decided to change the name to avoid bringing American Hollywood-style tackiness to Prague.
5. Wat Samphran Temple, Thailand
The world is home to numerous remarkable structures, and among them stands a truly unique marvel. Known far and wide, this Buddhist temple captivates all who lay eyes upon it. Standing tall at 17 stories, its pink cylindrical shape is a sight to behold. What sets it apart even further is the massive dragon sculpture that gracefully winds its way around the temple, adding an extra touch of grandeur and awe.
6. Hang Nga (Dalat, Vietnam)
In the charming city of Dalat, Vietnam, stands one of the most peculiar buildings in the world. Aptly named the Wild House, it has captivated visitors with its unique design that draws inspiration from the wonders of nature. Often likened to the creations of renowned artists Salvador Dalà and Antoni GaudÃ, this guesthouse is a true architectural marvel.
Located in the picturesque town of Dalat, Hang Nga, as it is officially known, has gained global recognition for its extraordinary appearance. Its unconventional design embraces organic forms and seamlessly integrates them into the structure. With its twisted corridors, curved staircases, and whimsical shapes, the Wild House offers an experience unlike any other.
7. Atomium, Belgium
Have you ever seen a building that looks like a giant iron crystal? Well, get ready to be amazed because the Atomium in Brussels, Belgium is just that! This extraordinary structure, standing at a towering height of 102 meters, was originally built for the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair. Today, it serves as both a museum and a restaurant.
The Atomium is truly one of the strangest buildings you’ll ever come across. Made entirely of stainless steel, it mimics the structure of a unit cell from an iron crystal. Its striking design and massive size make it an unmistakable landmark in Brussels.
8. The Upside Down House, Germany
The Upside Down House in Trassenheide, Germany. This remarkable building stands out as one of the most peculiar structures worldwide due to its mind-bending design that defies gravity.
The Upside Down House is a sight to behold, captivating visitors with its inverted structure. Step inside, and you’ll find yourself immersed in a topsy-turvy world where everything appears to be hanging from the ceiling. From furniture to household items, each element has been cleverly affixed to create an uncanny and disorienting experience.
9. Nautilus House, Mexico
The Nautilus House, located in Mexico City, Mexico, stands out as one of the most peculiar, architectural wonders and one of the strangest buildings in the world. This extraordinary residence, resembling a magnificent seashell, harmoniously blends elements of modern architecture with captivating contemporary art. The brilliant mind behind this masterpiece is none other than Javier Senosiain, the visionary architect from Arquitectura Organica.
10. Meitan Tea Museum, China
In the southern province of Guizhou, China stands an extraordinary architectural marvel known as the Meitan Tea Museum. Standing tall at an impressive height of 74 meters, this building proudly represents the renowned “hometown of Chinese green tea.”
The Meitan Tea Museum is widely recognized as one of the most peculiar structures in the world. Located in Guizhou, it serves as a significant symbol of pride for the region, celebrated for its rich tea heritage
Conclusion:
These extraordinary buildings showcase the limitless creativity of architects and challenge our perception of what a structure should look like. They stand as testaments to human ingenuity and remind us that in the world of architecture, anything is possible.