10 OF THE WORLD’S STRANGEST ARCHITECTURES That Will Leave You in Awe

When it comes to architecture, some buildings go beyond functionality and venture into the realm of the bizarre, the brilliant, and the downright mind-bending. From futuristic shapes to optical illusions, these structures challenge our perception of design and redefine what buildings can look like. Let’s explore 10 of the world’s strangest architectures—each one a conversation starter in its own right.

 

1. The Interlace – Singapore

A true marvel of modern architecture, The Interlace is a residential complex like no other. Instead of the conventional high-rise towers, it features 31 apartment blocks stacked hexagonally, forming a seemingly chaotic yet harmoniously designed structure. The building looks like a set of Jenga blocks frozen mid-collapse, offering plenty of open spaces and rooftop gardens. Designed by Ole Scheeren, it’s an iconic landmark in Singapore's skyline.

The Interlace – Singapore

2. Guangzhou Circle – Guangzhou, China

At first glance, the Guangzhou Circle resembles a giant doughnut—or a coin, which is fitting considering it's home to financial firms. This circular skyscraper, 138 meters tall, was designed by Italian architect Joseph di Pasquale and symbolizes unity and infinity in Chinese culture. Its reflection on the river beneath creates a perfect “8” shape—an auspicious number in Chinese tradition.

Guangzhou Circle, China

3. The Crooked House – Sopot, Poland

Straight out of a fairytale, Krzywy Domek (Crooked House) looks like it’s melting or warped by a funhouse mirror. Inspired by the illustrations of Jan Marcin Szancer, this surreal structure is part of a shopping center but feels more like a fantasy land. The curves and irregular windows give it a dreamlike quality that’s hard to forget.

The Crooked House, Poland

4. The Basket Building – Ohio, USA

Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like—a seven-story office building shaped like a giant woven picnic basket. Originally built as the headquarters for the Longaberger Basket Company, the structure is a life-sized replica of the company’s best-selling basket. It’s quirky, kitschy, and undeniably unique.

The Basket Building – Ohio

5. Habitat 67 – Montreal, Canada

An architectural experiment turned icon, Habitat 67 was designed by Moshe Safdie for the 1967 World Expo. This housing complex is made of 354 identical prefabricated concrete units stacked in a way that creates 146 unique residences. With interconnected terraces and gardens, it’s both functional and futuristic—a brutalist Lego city come to life.

Habitat 67 – Montreal

 6. Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple, India

Deep in the lush, tropical greenery of Kerala lies one of India’s most mysterious and spiritually significant temples, Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple.  Dedicated to Nagaraja, the serpent king, this unique shrine is unlike any other. According to legend, the temple’s origins trace back to Lord Parasurama, the mythical creator of Kerala. After reclaiming Kerala from the sea, Parasurama sought to purify the saline land.

Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple

 7. Casa Batlló – Barcelona, Spain

Antoni Gaudí’s Casa Batlló is a riot of color, curves, and creativity. With its bone-like balconies and scaly, dragon-like roof, it’s no wonder locals call it the "House of Bones." Gaudí avoided straight lines entirely, creating an organic, flowing structure that feels alive.

Casa Batlló – Barcelona

 8. The Cube Houses – Rotterdam, Netherlands

Designed by architect Piet Blom, the Cube Houses (Kubuswoningen) look like a forest of tilted cubes balancing on hexagonal pillars. Each cube is angled at 45 degrees and rests atop a hexagon-shaped pylon, creating a surreal and dizzying effect. Believe it or not, people actually live in them!

The Cube Houses – Rotterdam

9. The Lotus Temple – New Delhi, India

Shaped like a blooming lotus flower, this Baháʼí House of Worship is made up of 27 marble-clad petals arranged in clusters. Its serene symmetry and spiritual symbolism make it not just a stunning architectural feat but a place of peace and meditation open to people of all faiths.

The Lotus Temple

10. Atomium – Brussels, Belgium

Shaped like an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times, the Atomium is part sculpture, part science museum. Built for the 1958 World Expo, it consists of nine interconnected spheres made of stainless steel, each 18 meters in diameter. Visitors can explore the inside through escalators and tubes that link the spheres, offering exhibits, panoramic views, and a surreal sense of walking through a futuristic molecule.

Atomium – Brussels

Final Thoughts

From dancing buildings to donut-shaped towers, these architectural oddities show that the sky isn't the limit—it’s just the beginning. Whether you're an architecture buff or a curious traveler, these strange structures are bound to spark your imagination and inspire your next adventure.