We are sure to have come across buildings and marveled at the thought process that went behind constructing them. Architects love to leave their mark behind in the world, and several structures and buildings have taken life to fulfill this wish. Here are some of the most unusual buildings that will leave you in awe.

1 Dancing House in Prague

Designed by Croatian-Czech architect Vlado Milunic, the building was made to symbolize Czechoslovakia’s transition from a communist country to parliamentary democracy. 

Dancing House is a building of historical significance. The building is the center of cultural activity. The original idea of the architect for the building was to create a static and dynamic part, like the yin and yang symbol.

The style is known as “new-baroque” due to the unusualness of the shape of the building. The shape is supported by 99 concrete panels and covers an area of 5,300 sq. ft. 

Critics point out that it does not fit into the surroundings of the city of Prague. The shape was disputable initially, but several years later it is now recognized as a work of art. There are many offices in the building along with a French restaurant with a beautiful view. (Source)

2 Haines Shoe House in Pennsylvania

Haines Shoe House is an unusual shoe-shaped house. It is a classic example of American roadside mimetic architecture. It was built for shoe salesman Mahlon Haines (a.k.a the “shoe wizard”). 

Located in Hellam Township of Pennsylvania is the shoe-shaped house of a successful shoe salesman. The toe is where the living room is, and the heel is the kitchen. It was built between 1948 and 1949. There are two bedrooms in the ankle and an ice-cream shop at the steps.

The owner after completion moved to a house across the street and made the shoe house a vacation spot. Haines passed away in 1962 upon which his two employees took up the running of the place. In 1987, Haines’ granddaughter purchased and renovated it. The interior of the house covers 1,500 sq. ft. 

He turned the house into a promotional prize to couples and newlyweds who never had a honeymoon. They get a live-in maid, chauffeur, and a cook.

There is a shoe mailbox, a boot-decorated fence, and a dog house shaped like a boot. Every window is decorated with stained glass shoes. The front door has a stained-glass portrait of Haines, holding the shoes. This is so far the best example of quirky architectural leaps. (Source)

3 Nativity of the Giraffe in Paris

The Nativity of the Giraffe is a childcare center in Paris. The idea behind this was to bring out a child’s imagination on the urban landscape. Its giraffe acts as a supporting structure for the upper story. 

The facility is equipped with a 60-bed childcare center and a 20-bed daycare. The wild animals make the place feel appropriate for the kids. The giraffe appears to be peacefully eating leaves from the park nearby. There are more animal sculptures throughout the building. The building is made in such a way that architecture turns into storytelling. 

The entrance is positioned in such a way that the visitors have to walk through the giraffe’s leg to enter.

The space stands as a metaphor for the urban jungle in an area of 100,000 sq. ft to 300,000 sq. ft. The playful and dreamlike architecture of the building inspires urban people to live with a bit of poetry. (Source)

4 Bubble Palace in Paris

Bubble Palace in France is occupied by the designer Pierre Cardin, and as the name says, looks like a bubble. The place, designed by Antti Lovag, is 1,200 sq. m. It is an ensemble of bubble clusters and a great example of modern architecture. 

The space is a cluster of bubbles interwoven together that was built for a French industrialist. It has ten-bedroom suits and an assembly of other bubble modules with pools and terraces. The whole area is around 13,000 sq. ft. Originally designed in 1992, the property also has an auditorium with 500 seats. 

The house is built to mimic the caves people lived in during the prehistoric era. Along with it came circular shapes, no corners, and lines in the structure which trademarks Lovag. The straight line, according to Lovag, is aggression to nature. (Source)

5 Ren Building in China

The building is built to correspond with the slogan of the city “Better City, Better Life.” The first building that emerges from the water is dedicated to activities of the body such as sports and water culture, and the second building that emerges from land is dedicated to enlightenment and spirit. 

What makes the building unique is that the two buildings merge into one 1,000 room hotel that is inspired by the Chinese character of “People.” The concept of connecting land and water shows the uniqueness of the architecture of this area.

Together they arch into one building in the middle. The arch makes a square that is sheltered from rain for outdoor gatherings and activities but allows sunlight from both sides.

With large curved plazas and continuous buildings, this place creates a pleasant space for the public along the sides of the river.

It was a very recognizable landmark for the World Expo in 2010 that was in Shanghai. This very abstract and iconic building gives out an amazing view of the HuangPu River. (Source)