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Buildings come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and functions, and over the centuries we've gotten pretty good at constructing them.

Architects don't just design structures that are sturdy and strong. Being inherent problem solvers, they typically seek to create spaces for the times and the people who will use them; they design environments.

And one of the best places online to check out their most memorable works is the aptly-titled Twitter account 'Unique Building.'

It consistently shares pictures that live up to its name, and even though it is quite young even by the internet's standards (the account was created in March 2022), there are already 160K people following it.

Continue scrolling to check out why!

More info: Twitter

To learn how to look at these pictures, we contacted nomadic architect Adi Cohen, who is the founder of THE NEW MOVEMENT, an architecture studio that designs one-of-a-kind projects all over the world.

"Creating a design is like inviting someone to behave in a certain way," Cohen told Bored Panda. "So it is essential that we understand the future users of the space: what kind of moments and activities will take place in the space? What are the relationships and the dynamics we wish to create within the building and between the building and its surroundings?"

After answering the previous questions, Cohen said architects then usually take time to study the land, climate, and culture they are going to be working with.

For example, they need to consider if natural resources, such as wind and sun, will be available for the buildings.

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"The ideal design experience for me is a holistic one that generates a multi-sensory experience," she added.

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Laura Ketteridge
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's amazing when 'living walls are incorporated into spaces. It cools the immediate area by around 5C, and it pulls pollutants out of the air. It makes an exceptional difference to the quality of life of the people who live or work in the surrounds.

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"A good architecture project starts at the macro level and keeps its consistency down to the tiniest details," Cohen, who has also given an excellent TEDx talk on how to design freedom, said. "It is never a copy-cut design, but a story tailored to the place, users, and site."

"Architecture tells a story; it draws you in, it feels inviting and inspiring. You can navigate and use it easily. And yes, it is also beautiful."

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Bouche Clay
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why are the trees renting apartments now? No wonder there's a housing crisis! (/s)

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The Gingersmurf
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That is where my dad was injured in WWII. He took off his helmet for a quick moment and a brick hit him in the head; when he woke up, he was in a hospital in France!

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However, there are plenty of challenges that architects need to navigate if they want to deliver the best possible results. And they aren't always prepared for them upfront.

"Despite the passion and creativity of architecture schools and the academic world, office life in most firms often seems like a whole other world," Cohen said. "Architects often wonder what happened to the joy of creating innovative and beautiful designs when they're dealing with technical drawings, building permits, and profit-driven development companies."

Furthermore, architects don't get to show off their skills any time they want to. "In contrast to other creative fields, architecture requires substantial investment. You may find yourself waiting for the 'perfect' client, project, and budget to feel fulfilled as an architect," Cohen continued.

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"This was one of the reasons I had sold all my belongings and bought a one-way ticket to Japan five years ago. I couldn’t imagine myself spending the rest of my life sitting behind a desk for 10 hours a day, creating uninspiring buildings. I knew there must be more to life, there must be more to architecture."

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Laura Ketteridge
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is Lemmer, Friesland, Netherlands. This area was created from reclaimed land. Lemmer is a great place for those who love water sports.

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Lyuben Petkov
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Architect Franz Janz. Would be great if the authors of the objects are always mentioned

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But the craft keeps evolving. Cohen said remote work and the desire to create a better work-life balance are impacting this industry as well.

"As part of the public interest in new priorities and life choices, there is a growing movement of people who wish to live in alignment with the inner values and are questioning the social scripts we all grew up to. I see more and more people who are selling their city 2-bedroom apartments and are moving closer to nature, living in places they feel inspired, healthy, and free."

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Dr. Keks
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

this is designed by hundertwasser. it's called 'bad blumau - rogner therme' and is in the south-east of styria. 'bad' means bath. it's like a spa.

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Laura Ketteridge
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Interesting the ways in which people are using the space. Some people have enclosed some of it to make more indoor living space. Others have rated outdoor space highly. Some have gone all out on plants, and with a few, it doesn't seem as if they are used.

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"We are shifting from the assembly line mentality to talent and quality-based economy. Exciting times!" the architect said.

"It is essential to take a close look at the places that we choose to live in and how they affect our performance, our health, and our happiness."

"The same way we are busy biohacking our sleep and diet in an attempt to optimize our output, people start to understand the importance of spaces where they live, work and connect with each other."

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As a side note, Cohen highlighted that when she was seeking a new path for herself, she had to question everything.

"That included not only the life scripts that we are socially expected to follow but also the way we build and the impact that those cookie-cutter buildings and cities have on human beings. I strongly believe that the real purpose of architecture is creating places we can thrive in, places that replenish our mind, body, and soul. As the world is rapidly changing, the more we understand people, the better we can design for them," she added.

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The Gingersmurf
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Built in only four years (848 - 852) - and today, with all of our technology and tools, we build c**p.

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"At THE NEW MOVEMENT, we seek to create places that feel ‘alive’ and evoke a sense of wonder, places that invite us to explore and amplify freedom. Instead of trends, we seek essence: combining ancient wisdom with knowledge from various fields such as neuroarchitecture and neuroaesthetics, biophilic design, and human-centered design," Cohen said.

"We aim to create spaces that have a timeless quality, a magnetic force we subconsciously feel drawn to ... I believe that creative people should constantly expand their horizons, be open to new experiences. We have to stay curious and feed our subconscious with new sensory information, exciting innovative ideas, and knowledge."

Just like art and technology, architecture is one of the physical manifestations of culture. It gives a face to the way we live. And judging by where it's going, the future certainly looks interesting and promising.

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Genny McD
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ever hear of LONGABERGER baskets? This used to be their headquarters. Now it's slated to be a hotelhttps://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/longaberger-basket-building-hotel

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Jrog
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1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Again, not a real building. It was an art installation for the Fuorisalone in Milan. This photo pops up on boredpanda every other week, always with the wrong caption.

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der sebbl
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not long ago, this was on a ist of design fails here on bp

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2econdSelf
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I guarantee I'd get to my room, the key card doesn't work, and I'd have a two hour round trip to go to the lobby and back.

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NamiKoa
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This building looks like something from The Phantom Menace, complete with landing pads.

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jamie1707
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hope I never, ever have to go back to that awful, awful, country. I don't care if they're curing cancer for free, NO.

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Weasel Wise
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1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Good use of scarce resources like the water that'll be needed. 👍🏾😒

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ThePalm52
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And what happens if all 10000 guests drive their mercedes to the hotel?

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Kate Fei
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Does this one have plumbing or do they have trucks sucking up the feces every morning as well?

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Robin Roper
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Since few people are able to obtain visas into Saudi, who will fill these rooms?

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O.M.Miki
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I want to see the penthouse at the top - I bet its beautiful

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Keerthi Vardhan
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It isn't finished..the top is still photoshopped from what I remember. They haven't paid the contractors. This monument was initiated just to satisfy the ego to compete with south. It's a debt ridden building. The country is good starved, while the monarchy enjoys 100 Mercedes, and castle full of imported goods. It's just a country full of brainwashed slaves. I feel sorry for the people there.

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General Anaesthesia
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1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

PS4 dodged the patent bullet by having rounded corners? (Reference to Apple lawsuit against Samsung for Samsung's "rounded" corners).

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Laura Ketteridge
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have the mental image of a group of parkour enthusiasts descending the building, jumping and swinging balcony to balcony!

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Note: this post originally had 53 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.