When it comes to architecture around the world, there’s a lot of interesting things out there. Some of the best architecture out there challenges conventions, possesses ingenuity and makes a creative use of resources and ideas that you may not have considered before. Most importantly, it showcases a strong use of imagination that leaves people wishing that they’d thought of it first. We’ve rounded up four unique buildings from around the world that help to exemplify that. Take a look for yourself!
1. Habitat 67
No, this isn’t a stack of children’s building blocks although the original model of this building complex in Montreal was created out of Lego bricks. The architect Moshe Safdie designed this housing complex and community to be an attraction for Expo 67, which is when this piece of unique architecture was originally unveiled to the world.
2. Crooked House
Krzywy Domek is what this building is known as in Poland and that roughly translates to “crooked little house” in English. That’s a pretty apt description for it! This spot was built in 2004 as part of a shopping centre. It was designed by Szotyńscy & Zaleski and is meant to resemble fairytale illustrations, which makes sense given its whimsical look.
3. Dancing House
You may notice that these buildings resemble a pair of dancers, which explains why it’s also nicknamed Fred and Ginger after the famous dancers Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. It’s situated in Prague, Czech Republic and was designed by Vlado Milunic in cooperation with Frank Gehry. The original facade has some historical significance as it was a site of the US bombing of Prague back in 1945. It went untouched for years before it went through some changes.
4. Casa do Penedo
This is probably the closest that you’ll get to visiting the Flintstones House in real life. This architectural monument is located in Portugal and is also known as the Stone Castle or the Stone House. There’s no electricity in the house itself and it was completed in 1974. Just from looking at it you can probably tell that four large boulders make up the foundation of the house. Bet you haven’t seen a house quite like it!
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