Architecture has been enriched with extraordinary designs from the beginning of civilization, resulting in many architects leaving their imprint around the world. These masterpieces of construction are still a reason of amazement for the world. It is needless to say that architects have a boon to have their work be loved and praised by each and every one. Well, there are some architects that go beyond their imagination and their creativity to conjure up something so timeless and irreplaceable that we have nothing to say except WOW! So here is a blog about the weird architectures from around the world that will marvel you.
- Waldspirale, Darmstadt Germany – Translated to “forest spiral” in English, this residential complex reflects the general plan of the building and its green roof. Some of its notable features are the tower that resembles Russian onion domes, the absence of straight lines and sharp colors, and the multicolored paint on the building.
- The Crooked House (Krzywy Domek), Sopot, Poland – This irregular shaped building is part of the Rezydent shopping center. Designed by Szotynscy and Zaleski, they were inspired by fairy tale drawings. It was built in 2004 and it can be entered from either Monte Cassino or Morska Streets. It is a three-story building with a magical look. Be amazed by the green shades on its curved roof.
- The Crazy House (Hằng Nga Guesthouse), Vietnam – Popularly known as “The Crazy House”, this guesthouse is an unconventional building designed and constructed by Vietnamese architect Đặng Việt Nga. Described as the “fairy tale house”, this building resembles a giant tree, incorporating sculptured designs representing animals, mushrooms, spider webs, and caves. This architecture is often referred to as expressionist.
- Mind House Barcelona, Spain – One of the most popular attractions in Barcelona, Park Guell is a prime spot to check out some of Gaudi’s amazing creations. The Mind House is considered to be so amazing that it is sure to be on this list! This three story house has an attic and its roof is studded and painted in a checked white and gray pattern. The Mind House looks like a house straight off a fairy tale.
- Dancing Building, Prague Czech Republic – Built at the bank of Vltava River in Prague, this stunning building was designed by Vlado Milunić and Frank Gehry in 1992 and completed in 1996. The initial name was inspired by the legendary dance duo and also because of the dancing outlines and curves. To be noted that, this building has been in many controversies because of its non-traditional design.
- Cubic Houses (Kubus Woningen) Rotterdam, Netherlands – A set of innovative houses built in Rotterdam, Netherlands, it was designed by architect Piet Blom and based on the concept of living as an urban roof. Its main purpose was to optimize the space inside. His concept was to create a forest of houses whereby each tree would represent an abstract tree.
- Bahá’í House of Worship a.k.a Lotus Temple, New Delhi India – Completed in 1989, this mother temple of the Indian subcontinent looks like a flower due to which it is called Lotus Temple. Anyone can visit this place and it is one of the most popular places in New Delhi. Popular among architecture experts, this place has won many awards for its exceptional design.
- Wonderworks, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, USA – Wonderworks has to be one of the favorite tourist places in Pigeon Forge. This indoor amusement park is an upside down structure that plays with your mind at the first look. The fake palm trees along the roof add a quirky quotient to this structure. It takes about 3-4 hours to tour each attraction. Guests can throw birthday parties and have a school trip.
- Stone House (Casa do Penado), Celorico de Basto, Portugal – This architectural monument is located exactly between Celorico de Basto and Fafe in the north of Portugal. It was named because it was built from four large boulders that serve as the foundation, walls, and ceiling of the house. It took two years for its completion in 1974. It was initially used as a holiday destination but today Stone House is a small museum of relics and photographs from Penedo’s history.
- National Theater, Beijing China – Described as the giant egg, this art center contains an opera house. It was designed by French architect Paul Andreu and the construction started in December 2001 and was inaugurated in December 2007. The exterior of the theater is a titanium accented glass dome that is surrounded by a man-made lake. It is said to either look like an egg floating on water or a water drop. It is needless to say that it was designed as an iconic feature.
- Palais Idéal du Facteur Cheval, Hauterives France – Located in the southeastern of France, this building was created by Ferdinand Cheval, the town’s postman. This place is an extraordinary example of the naive art architecture. Back to Cheval, he used to pick up stones during his daily mail round and carried them home to build the Palais Idéal. The Palais is a mix of different styles with inspirations from Christianity to Hinduism. It is also the burial place of Cheval.
One question to be asked – How do these places even exist?