15 Times Architects Put Their Thinking Hat On And Came Up With Some Wild Designs

With the brush of a pencil, architects have the power to create the most majestic and unique buildings the world has ever seen. However, sometimes the theory on paper doesn’t always coincide with practicality, resulting in one-of-a-kind constructions that aren’t that comfortable to reside in.

The ‘Bizarre Buildings’ subreddit is full of such examples. However, it’s not a place to shame impractical designs but to celebrate how unusual and unique buildings can be. Scroll down to find the best of the bunch, and be sure to upvote the ones that charmed you the most!

While at it, don't forget to check out a conversation with Sean Waldron, partner and architect at Waldron Designs, who kindly agreed to tell us more about unique architecture.

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#1 Whale Museum That Looks Like A Whale In Norway

Bored Panda reached out to Sean Waldron, partner and architect at Waldron Designs, to learn more about unique architecture.

He explains that to architects, unique architecture mostly means capturing a moment or context in a way that hasn't been (commonly) seen before.

"Whether providing a surface on which the reflection of water ripples can fall or designing with a material that allows the transmission of the sound of the rain when it falls. Moments like these are unique because they're fairly uncommon, but they also pull people more deeply into the architecture they're inhabiting."

#2 Netherlands Beauty

However, to stand out, professionals often feel a lot of pressure. "But not necessarily in the sense that they want to be the 'next big thing,'" notes Waldron. "I'm sure many want that, but our focus should be on bettering people's lives and using our creativity to do that, which is why we feel the pressure to be unique in our office. It shifts the power of creativity from a place of ego to a place of duty to our clients."

He further explains, "The idea that standing out as a goal in itself can be extremely dangerous to architects. There's a lot of bad design (environmentally damaging, non-functional, unattractive) out in the world because an architect wanted to "stand out."

However, standing out can also be a great thing. Being honored for work that benefits a family or community and also works in concert with the environment is another way architects can stand out. Yes, it's difficult to do that, but it's also not a bad goal to have."

#3 Built In The 18th Century, This Is One Of The Oldest Buildings In Hattfjelldal Municipality In Norland, Norway

Luckily, Waldron doesn't feel intimidated by the idea that everything seems to be already done and, on the contrary, sees it as a benefit to architects. "We have the opportunity to build upon the past, but the best architects learn a lot from it. It's the same for other professions too. We all have constraints to operate within, but, again, the best geneticist, politician, or sculptor will closely study those who practiced before them and will learn from that and build on it. There are surely other ways to distinguish oneself, but I think this path is the best."

#4 Cat-Shaped Kindergarten, Germany [1200x780]

If we’re talking about unique architecture, it would be a crime not to mention the life-size Polly Pocket house that is now available to rent in Massachusetts.

To celebrate Polly’s 35th birthday as a part of their iconic series, Airbnb has created a 42-foot-tall replica of her compact house. And while she’s away celebrating, guests are welcome to visit her humble abode and try on her accessories and clothes made out of the iconic rubber material. 

#5 Casa Batlló, Barcelona, Spain

#6 Alpine Refuge From World War I Located At 2760 Meters, Monte Cristallo, Italy

It’s located in Littleton, Massachusetts. “Why?” you may ask. “Polly Pocket is actually from a town called Littleton, a fictional town called Littleton," reveals Ali Killam, a communications lead at Airbnb.

"Polly Pocket is known as the adventure doll, so we wanted to pick a place that had a lot of adventure for guests to explore, and this Littleton, Massachusetts town, you'll just experience it for yourself when you're here, but there's so much adventure to be had, it's so charming and quaint and cute."

#7 Inhabited Natural Rock Formations In Göreme, Turkey [oc]

#8 Street Art In Milan, Italy

#9 Kaiyuan Senbo Treehouse Resort, Hangzhou, China

"We just felt like this is such an iconic brand that people have memories of that they might want to share with their children now," Killam explains the motivation behind this idea. "Whether you're young, a Gen Z, or a millennial, there are different parts of Polly that have resonated over the years. That's why we thought it'd be a really fun experience for a lot of different people."

#10 King Alfred's Tower In England, Built In 1772

#11 Riverside Museum, Glasgow, UK

#12 Snake Shaped Temple In India Dedicated To Lord Krishna

To secure a stay, guests can request to book one of three one-night stays happening from September 12 to 14. The price goes at $89 per person, a nostalgic nod to Polly’s debut in 1989. Those who are unable to book a stay have the option to embark on a daytime adventure instead. Polly is opening this experience from September 16 to October 6.

#13 Azadi (Freedom) Tower, Tehran, Iran

#14 Inntel Hotel, Located Directly Outside The Train Station In Zaandam, Netherlands

#15 There's A Huge Open Market In The Netherlands With Apartments Inside