Sometimes architects really dazzle people creating very strange, bizarre and unusual buildings of extraordinary shapes and sizes, and it’s really a pleasure to devote our time to writing about these world-renowned marvels as we did in our previous posts. Here are another 4 strange structures that never fail to amaze.
Kansas City Public Library, Missouri, USA
Libraries are not usually the most eye-catching buildings but if you happen to visit Missouri in the United States, do not miss out the ‘must see’ Kansas City Public Library, which is one of the world’s most unusual buildings, made up of giant books.
This is not the front view of the building, but it’s actually the façade of the parking garage. The book spines measure approximately 25 feet by 9 feet and are made of signboard Mylar. The shelf features bunch of famous ‘books’ reflecting the reading interests of the residents, including the most popular ‘Lord of the Rings,’ ‘Romeo & Juliet’ and ‘Charlotte’s Web.’ Established in 1873 as the Public School Library of Kansas City, the institution turned into a cultural center. The reconstruction was completed in 2004 and cost about 50 million dollars.
Habitat 67, Montreal Canada
Located on the Marc-Drouin Quay on the Saint Lawrence River at 2,600 Pierre Dupuy Avenue in Montreal, Habitat 67 is an extraordinary housing complex designed and built by Canadian architect Moshe Safdie for the 1967 World Expo held in Montreal.
This icon of permanent modernity, Habitat 67 comprises 354 cubes of a majestic grey-beige (‘cube’ is considered a symbol of stability as well as wisdom, truth and moral perfection), build up one on the other that form 148 residences. All units of the housing complex were fabricated on-site, each featuring a rooftop garden space located on the roof of the neighbor below. Habitat 67’s residents consider it their fortress and they are always happy to share their attachment with newcomers.
Lotus Temple, Delhi, India
Spectacular in its design and appearance, the 40 meter high Lotus Temple, located 12 km southeast of Connaught Place, has become a prominent top attraction for Delhi visitors.
Made of marble cement, dolomite and sand, this is a very recent remarkable architectural marvel that looks like a half opened Lotus flower with 27 freestanding wonderful white petals that form nine sides. The nine doors of the temple open to a central hall that can accommodate nearly 2,500 people. From relaxing in its breathtaking garden to enjoying the fantastic nine pools, Lotus Temple offers a memorable and unusual experience you’ll not soon forget. For its beautiful and strange architecture, Lotus Temple has received many awards, including the ‘Glob Art Academy Award’ in 2,000 and ‘Accreditation for its outdoor illumination in the year 1988.’ Keep in mind that no travel to Delphi is complete without visiting the temple.
Ferdinand Cheval’s Ideal Palace
Standing in a small village called Hauterives, south of Lyons in central France, Ferdinand Cheval’s Ideal Palace is said to be one of the most captivating and amazing visionary structures ever to be built in the world. The legend says that one day, French postman Ferdinand Cheval tripped over a stone when he was out for a walk and he was so inspired by the beauty of the bizarrely-shaped stone that decided to create his Ideal Palace, which took him 33 years. Cheval mixes architectural style from different epochs and places, including Northern Europe, China and Algiers and uses a huge variety of materials, including shells and limestone to create such a wonderful attraction.
