No, these are not Photoshopped. The buildings below are actual buildings created in unusual shapes. Check out the genius of the unusual, and unique, architecture used in the design of these real life buildings.
Longaberger Basket Building (Newark, OH)
The Longaberger Basket Building is a seven-story, 160 times larger-than-life replica of Longaberger’s Medium Market Basket located in Newark, Ohio. The iconic building was completed in 1997 and served as the headquarters of the Longaberger Company until 2016.
The building stands 192 feet tall and is 126 feet long and 208 feet wide. It is made of stucco over a steel structure and features two 25-foot, gold-painted handles that weigh almost 150 tons each. Inside the building, there are 84 windows and two heated parking garages that can hold up to 500 cars.
The Longaberger Basket Building was designed by NBBJ, a Columbus-based architectural firm, and was the brainchild of Dave Longaberger, the founder of the Longaberger Company. It was built as a unique and memorable headquarters for the company and quickly became a tourist attraction in Newark, Ohio.
Piano House (China)
The Piano House, also known as the Shining Ark, is a unique building located in Huainan City, China. It was designed by Huainan Fangkai Decoration Project Co. Ltd. and completed in 2007. The building is shaped like a grand piano, with a large glass violin leaning against it.
The Piano House serves as a music and cultural center, with facilities such as music classrooms, rehearsal halls, and a small concert hall. It has become a popular tourist attraction in the area, with visitors coming to take photos and enjoy the unique architecture.
In addition to its musical facilities, the Piano House also houses a coffee shop and a rooftop terrace with views of the surrounding area.
Upside Down House (Poland)
The Upside Down House in Poland is a popular tourist attraction that offers a unique and fun experience to visitors. Located in the town of Szymbark, the house is a fully furnished two-story building that is completely upside down, with the roof on the ground and the foundation on the ceiling.
Inside the house, visitors can explore different rooms such as the bedroom, kitchen, and living room, all of which are designed to create an illusion of being upside down. There are also various objects and furniture items that are fixed to the ceiling to create a surreal and mind-bending experience.
Device to Root Out Evil (Canada)
The Device to Root Out Evil is a sculpture created by Dennis Oppenheim in 1997. It is a large, upside-down church made of glass and steel, with its steeple embedded into the ground. The sculpture was originally installed in Vancouver, Canada, but was later moved to Calgary, Alberta. The piece was meant to challenge the traditional notion of a church as a place of worship and raise questions about the relationship between religion, power, and authority. Despite controversy and criticism, the sculpture has become a popular landmark and a symbol of artistic expression in Canada.
Experience Music Project (Seattle, WA)
The Experience Music Project (EMP) is a museum located in Seattle, Washington, dedicated to contemporary popular culture, music, and science fiction. Founded by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen in 2000, the museum was later renamed the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) in 2016.
MoPOP is home to numerous exhibits and interactive installations, showcasing the history of popular music and its impact on society. The museum also features a vast collection of artifacts, including instruments, costumes, and personal items belonging to iconic musicians such as Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana, and Prince.
In addition to its music exhibits, MoPOP also houses displays dedicated to science fiction, horror, and fantasy. Exhibits include original props and costumes from popular films and TV shows, including Star Trek, Doctor Who, and The Princess Bride.
Grand Lisboa Hotel and Casino (Macau)
The Grand Lisboa Hotel and Casino is a luxurious hotel and casino located in Macau, China. It is one of the most iconic landmarks of the city and is known for its unique architecture and stunning views. The hotel has 58 floors and is 261 meters tall, making it one of the tallest buildings in Macau.
The casino at Grand Lisboa offers a wide range of gaming options for visitors, including slot machines, table games, and poker. It is also home to some of the world’s most prestigious poker tournaments, making it a popular destination for professional poker players.
The hotel has over 400 rooms and suites, all of which are elegantly decorated and equipped with modern amenities. Guests can enjoy a range of dining options, including Chinese, Western, and Japanese cuisine, as well as a variety of bars and lounges.
In addition to its casino and accommodations, the Grand Lisboa also features a spa, fitness center, and outdoor swimming pool. It is conveniently located in the heart of Macau’s entertainment district, making it an ideal destination for those looking to experience the city’s vibrant nightlife and cultural attractions.
Habitat-67 (Canada)
Habitat-67 is a unique residential complex located in Montreal, Canada. It was designed by Canadian architect Moshe Safdie and built as a pavilion for the World Expo in 1967.
The complex consists of 354 individual prefabricated concrete units stacked in various combinations to form 146 residences of different sizes and configurations. The units are connected by a series of pedestrian walkways and bridges, creating a network of outdoor spaces and green areas.
Habitat-67 was designed to provide affordable housing in a high-density urban environment while incorporating elements of privacy, community, and sustainability. Its innovative design and construction methods have made it an icon of modern architecture and a symbol of Montreal’s cultural heritage.
Today, Habitat-67 is a popular tourist attraction and a highly sought-after residential address. It continues to inspire architects and urban planners around the world with its visionary approach to urban housing.
Crooked House (Poland)
The Crooked House, also known as Krzywy Domek in Polish, is a unique building located in Sopot, Poland. Designed by architects Szotyński and Zaleski, the Crooked House was built in 2004 and is a part of the Rezydent shopping center.
The building’s unusual shape was inspired by the fairy tales of Jan Marcin Szancer and Per Dahlberg. Its undulating lines and curved walls give the impression that the building is melting or has been twisted out of shape. The Crooked House is an example of the postmodern architectural style and has become a popular tourist attraction in Sopot.
Visitors can explore the interior of the building and find cafes, restaurants, and shops. The Crooked House is considered one of the most photographed buildings in Poland, and has been featured in numerous travel guides and magazines.
In addition to its unique architecture, the Crooked House is also known for its interesting history. The building has served as a location for several films and television series, and was once home to a popular nightclub.
Leaning Tower of Wanaka (New Zealand)
The Leaning Tower of Wanaka is a tourist attraction located in Wanaka, New Zealand. It is a replica of the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy. The construction of the tower began in 1999 and was completed in 2002, reaching a height of 53 feet (17 meters).
The tower has a 53-degree lean and is made of concrete blocks. It was built by a local resident who wanted to create a unique attraction for the town. The tower is situated on a small hill overlooking Lake Wanaka, providing stunning views of the surrounding area.
Visitors are allowed to climb to the top of the tower, where they can enjoy panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. The tower also features a small gift shop at the base, where visitors can purchase souvenirs and learn more about the tower’s history.
Aqua Building (Chicago, IL)
The Aqua Building is a skyscraper located in Chicago, Illinois. It was designed by Jeanne Gang of Studio Gang Architects and completed in 2009. The building is 82 stories tall and stands at 859 feet, making it the third-tallest building in Chicago.
What sets the Aqua Building apart from other skyscrapers is its undulating, sculptural design. The building features a series of balconies that wrap around the exterior, giving it a unique appearance that resembles waves or ripples in water. The balconies also serve a practical purpose, providing shade and reducing wind resistance.
In addition to its distinctive design, the Aqua Building is also notable for its sustainability features. It has a green roof that helps reduce the urban heat island effect and conserve energy. The building also uses a rainwater collection system to irrigate the green roof and flush toilets, further reducing its environmental impact.
Rotterdam Cubic Houses (Netherlands)
Rotterdam Cubic Houses is a unique architectural concept located in the city of Rotterdam, Netherlands. The design was created by Dutch architect Piet Blom in the 1970s. The complex consists of 38 small cubic houses that are tilted at 45 degrees and raised on pylons. The houses are designed to resemble trees, with each cluster representing a forest.
The cubic houses were designed to optimize space in the city, while still providing a unique living experience. The houses have three floors, with the ground floor being used as a living area, the second floor as a sleeping area, and the top floor as a small garden. The interior of the houses is designed to maximize space, with custom-built furniture and storage areas.
The Rotterdam Cubic Houses have become a popular tourist attraction in Rotterdam, with many visitors coming to see the unique design and explore the interior of the houses. Some of the houses are also available for short-term rental, allowing visitors to experience living in a cubic house for themselves.
Conch Shell House (Mexico)
The Conch Shell House is a unique architecture marvel located on the island of Isla Mujeres in Mexico. The house is also known as Casa Caracol, which means the “Shell House” in Spanish. The house was designed by architect Eduardo Ocampo, who was inspired by the conch shell, a common shell found on the beaches of Isla Mujeres.
The Conch Shell House is a private residence that is available for rent. It is a three-story house with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, living room, and dining area. The house is designed with organic shapes and curves that mimic the shape of a conch shell. The interior of the house is decorated with colorful mosaic tiles and seashells, which add to the nautical theme of the house.
The Conch Shell House has gained popularity over the years, and it has been featured in several magazines and TV shows. The house is a popular tourist attraction, and visitors can take a tour of the house to experience its unique design and architecture.
The Esplanade (Singapore)
The Esplanade is a performing arts center located in Singapore. It is also known as the Esplanade Theatres on the Bay. The center consists of two main theaters, the Concert Hall and the Theater, as well as a number of smaller venues.
The Esplanade is one of the busiest arts centers in the world, hosting over 3,000 performances and events each year. It is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, who come to see everything from orchestral concerts to rock shows to traditional dance performances.
Wonderworks (Pigeon Forge, TN)
Wonderworks is an interactive museum located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. It features over 100 hands-on exhibits that are designed to educate and entertain visitors of all ages. Wonderworks is housed in an upside-down building that is hard to miss. The museum is divided into six different zones, each with a different focus. These zones include the Natural Disasters, Physical Challenge, Light and Sound, Imagination Lab, Space Discovery, and Far Out Art Gallery. Visitors can experience a hurricane simulator, a bed of nails, a laser tag arena, and an astronaut training simulator, among other attractions.
