ADVERTISEMENT

Let your weird light shine bright so that the other weirdos know where to find you... That's what comes to mind when we think of some of the buildings people have dared to design and erect. Often, it's not even a case of thinking outside the box. But rather, destroying the box completely and creating a whole, new, never-seen-before, architectural shape.

Think India's National Board of Fisheries headquarter building, which is shaped like... a fish. Or the St. James Quarter in Edinburgh, Scotland, nicknamed the Golden Turd... we'll leave you to figure out why. These are just a few of the unique structures around the world that have people stopping in their tracks and doing double or triple-takes, just to make sure their eyes aren't deceiving them.

Someone recently asked, "What's a weird or funny building in your country?" and the replies came rolling in faster than tractors on a construction site. Some structures are mind-blowingly creative, others are plain bizarre. All are proof that the planet we live on is anything but vanilla.

Bored Panda has put together a list of our favorites for you to scroll through while you plan your next sight-seeing adventure. Let us know which ones you find the most interesting by hitting the upvote button.

#1

This Is The Headquarters Of The National Fisheries Development Board (Nfdb) In Hyderabad, India. This Building Is Just So Weird And Funny

Two views of the bread-shaped bread factory building with metallic exterior and unique architectural design.

DiMpLe_dolL003 Report

Nathaniel He/Him Cis-Het
Community Member
1 day ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nice plaice you have here. You can feel the sole of the building. Must have been a haddock to design.

View more comments

The world would be so boring if everything and everyone was exactly alike. Thankfully, when it comes to building design, the sky is the limit... At least, in many places around the world.

China made headlines in 2016, after announcing that the government planned to ban "bizarre" and "odd-shaped" buildings. Ironically, the country was at the forefront of unique architecture, and was home to some of the wildest buildings in the world at the time.

RELATED:
    #2

    France, The "Palais IDéal", Built By A Single Mail Carrier On His Spare Time, With Odd Rocks That He Found In The Paths

    Intricately designed bread-shaped bread factory building surrounded by greenery and visitors taking photos.

    0x1more Report

    Take Beijing's "big pants" building, for example. The state-owned China Central TV Headquarters is an icon in the country's capital and was one of the first unique and "weird" structures.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    The steel and glass building got its nickname from its unusual and experimental angular looped shape. It is made up of two leaning towers, joined on the upper floors by a 75-metre cantilevered bridge, and looks very much like... you guessed it: a huge pair of pants.

    The structure and facades were completed ahead of the Summer Olympics in 2008 for all the world to see. But the building was only officially opened in 2012.

    #3

    The Kindergarten "Katze" (Cat) In Karlsruhe-Wolfartsweier, Germany. Right Over The Left Paw Two Small Windows At A Yellow House Can Be Seen. That Once Was My Bedroom

    Unique bread-shaped bread factory building with curved and angular design elements surrounded by trees and greenery.

    kittyf0rman Report

    Toika Gao
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When I win the lottery I won't tell anyone, but there will be signs...

    View more comments
    #4

    This Is The Last Remaining Example Of The Original Shell Gas Stations. It's Located In Winston Salem, NC

    Bread-shaped bread factory building in yellow with a vintage red gas pump outside on a sunny day.

    HavBoWilTrvl Report

    Nathaniel He/Him Cis-Het
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you hold your ear to it you can hear the sound of ecological catastrophe.

    View more comments
    #5

    USA. It's The Headquarters Of A Company That Makes These Types Of Baskets

    Building shaped like a giant woven bread basket with large handles, known as Bread-Shaped Bread Factory architecture.

    Flimsy_Security_3866 Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #6

    At No Surprise To Anyone, New Zealand Has Sheep Lmao

    Large sheep-shaped building with curved horns and detailed facial features, an example of weird bread-shaped bread factory architecture.

    Ragnar-Firebeard Report

    Nikki Sevven
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The way they're looking at each other, there will be a bunch of lamb buildings in the morning.

    View more comments

    The "big pants" was once billed as "the greatest work of architecture built in this century" by architecture critic Nicolai Ouroussoff.

    "At moments monumental and combative, at others strangely elusive, almost retiring, it is one of the most beguiling and powerful works I've seen in a lifetime of looking at architecture," Ouroussof proclaimed.

    But that didn't stop China's president from criticizing the building, and going a step further by announcing a proposed ban on "weird" architecture in the country.

    #7

    United Kingdom. This Is A Private House That Has A Shark In The Roof

    Building with a large shark sculpture on the roof, an example of one of the weirdest buildings from around the world.

    Ochib Report

    #8

    France

    Bread-shaped building with rounded windows and dome-like structure in an outdoor setting with trees and dry vegetation.

    In the 1970s and 80s, the French government wanted to strengthen swimming instruction. This required building many swimming pools. A model was developed and almost 200 were replicated throughout France.

    These pools look like flying saucers (and they can partially open). Weird but a bit cool, I think.

    NutrimaticTea Report

    Roxy222uk
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh, do you remember when governments wanted to make life better for their citizens? Or did I just dream it?

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #9

    Taiwan Has A Bread Shaped Bread Factory

    Bread-shaped bread factory building with yellow curved facade and diamond-patterned windows under cloudy sky.

    federicoaa Report

    The CCTV "big pants" skyscraper was just one of China's "weird" buildings that came under fire by president Xi Jinping in 2014 when he gave a two-hour speech lamenting bizarre structures. The Chinese leader also hit out at twp bridges over the Yangtze and Jialing rivers in Chongqing, which have been compared to female private parts.

    Fast forward two years later, and in February 2016, China announced that it would no longer allow such creativity when it comes to city skylines. In a document, the country's State Council forbade "oversized, xenocentric and weird" buildings, stating that all new buildings should be "suitable, economic, green and pleasing to the eye".

    #10

    Canada. The Gooderham Building In Toronto Is Fun!

    Building with a large mural that looks like a peeled-back layer revealing a detailed bread-shaped bread factory facade.

    pineconeminecone Report

    Phantom Phoenix
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In my reply to myself is a link to the google maps entry for the Geelong Arts Centre. Coolest looking façade I've ever seen!

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #11

    Australia. He Is Beloved Tho!!

    Giant koala building serving as a tourist complex, an example of weird architecture and bread-shaped bread factory design.

    AssociationNo6008 Report

    Lotekguy
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Inside is a chlamydia treatment center.

    View more comments
    #12

    The Warped House, Poland

    Crooked building with curved windows and roof, an example of bread-shaped bread factory architecture in a busy urban area.

    OkBus3544 Report

    #13

    Appartment Building In Amsterdam

    Unique bread-shaped bread factory building with stacked, irregular stone blocks and numerous windows under a clear blue sky.

    Despite55 Report

    #14

    Hotel In Zaanstad (Nethwrlands) Lots Of Traditional Shapes Of Dutch Houses Together

    Unique bread-shaped bread factory building with layered design and green facade under a clear blue sky.

    Beagle432 Report

    #15

    South Korea. The Cafe’s Name Is Literally ‘Grasshopper Cafe’, Located In Jeongseon, Gangwon Province

    Unique green bread-shaped bread factory building with large windows and exterior structural supports in a mountainous area.

    CommercialChart5088 Report

    #16

    Scotland. The St James Quarter In Edinburgh, Affectionately Nicknamed 'The Golden Turd' For Obvious Reasons

    Spiral shaped modern building with a unique design, featured among the weirdest bread-shaped bread factory buildings.

    Chocolatpetitpois Report

    angelmomoffour62
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It is lopsided. The one from the top looks like it's going to fall.....

    View more comments
    #17

    Czech Republic. The Dancing House, Prague

    Dancing House with curved glass and unusual shapes, a unique example of weird buildings worldwide.

    It resembles a dancing pair (the man on the right, the woman on the left)

    Photo By Danny Alexander Lettkemann, Architekt, CC BY-SA 4.0.

    bb-17 Report

    Spidercat
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The architect who designed this recently dïed. He also designed the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. Frank Gehry.

    View more comments
    #18

    Italy. The Church Tower Of A Flooded Village

    Submerged bell tower in lake surrounded by mountains, unrelated to bread-shaped bread factory or weird buildings.

    Marconerix Report

    CA Hyde
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Flooded town lakes creep me out, swimming over peoples houses.....ick

    View more comments
    #19

    Australia. I Would Say It’s This Hotel Shaped Like A Crocodile In Kakadu, Nt

    Aerial view of the bread-shaped bread factory surrounded by trees and parking areas in a green landscape.

    Striking_Spite9102 Report

    #20

    The Atomium, An Iron Atom 165 Billion Times The Size Of A Real Iron Atom. Belgium

    Reflective metal spheres connected by tubes forming a futuristic structure in a park, representing a unique bread-shaped bread factory design.

    FissileAlarm Report

    Ryan Mercer
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is not an iron atom. It's 9 iron atoms in a crystal lattice.

    View more comments
    #21

    Church In The Shape Of Chicken, Indonesia

    Bread-shaped bread factory building with a crown, nestled in lush greenery, showcasing unique architectural design.

    bayclean Report

    #22

    This Is A Museum In The City Of Niterói, State Of Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

    Futuristic bread-shaped bread factory building perched on a rocky coastline with clear blue sky and water.

    Odysseus-p Report

    #23

    USA. This Dinosaur Is A Gift Shop, In California

    Large dinosaur-shaped building at a roadside attraction, showcasing one of the weirdest buildings from around the world.

    Skywren7 Report

    #24

    There Are A Few, But The One That's Truly Whimsical And Witty In My Opinion Is Casa Orgánica, In Naucalpan. (State Of Mexico, Not Mexico City)

    Colorful building covered in greenery with unusual curved shapes, resembling a bread-shaped bread factory in a lush landscape.

    Silver_Phoenix9 Report

    #25

    Taiwan

    Giant dog statue in a parking area surrounded by greenery, showcasing one of the weirdest buildings worldwide.

    Temple of the 18 Lords which boasts the “worlds biggest dog statue”, you walk in through its butt and go up stairs until you can look out of it from a platform inside sorta like the Statue of Liberty. But the door was sealed shut a few years back

    olympic_peaks Report

    Ghostchaplain16
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Was that "ruff" to build. (Someone had to say it.

    View more comments
    #27

    The Shoe House In Lancaster, PA USA!

    Large whimsical bread-shaped building with windows and door, resembling a giant loaf in a grassy area under cloudy sky.

    Hildedank Report

    See Also on Bored Panda
    #28

    There’s A Guy In Colorado Who Spent Some 40 Odd Years Building A Castle

    Unusual bread-shaped bread factory building with tall towers and intricate stonework under a clear blue sky.

    Yeti_Funk Report

    Ghostchaplain16
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Would love to see inside. Imagine the commitment.

    View more comments
    #31

    Elephant Building Bangkok

    Bread-shaped bread factory building with rectangular windows under a bright blue sky, an example of weird architecture.

    Ok-Active1581 Report

    Jaya
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When your 4 year old kid tries to draw an elephant...

    View more comments
    #32

    Los Angeles, It Has To Be The Walt Disney Concert Hall

    Abstract modern building with curved metallic panels under a sunset sky, showcasing unique bread-shaped bread factory architecture.

    Designed by Frank Gehry. Personally not a fan of his architectural works, and I don’t personally like it but it makes for a good statement piece. Close seconds are The Broad Museum and Petersen Automotive Museum.

    OttomanEmpireBall Report

    AnnaB
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He just passed away yesterday.

    View more comments
    #33

    Vegas, USA

    Large yellow emoji-shaped building with a skeptical expression among cityscape as airplane takes off above it.

    HelenaBelena Report

    Glen Ellyn
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I sure as heck wouldn't want to live near this orb.

    View more comments
    #34

    Indonesia. It Became Viral Few Months Ago, It's A Mosque Built By A Military General, Located In His Hometown LOL

    Bread-shaped bread factory building with a unique dome design and a tall rocket sculpture beside it under a clear sky.

    AdministrativePool93 Report

    #35

    This Is East Beach Café In Littlehampton, UK. People Call It 'The Turd'

    Bread-shaped bread factory with a modern design and rust-colored exterior located in an open urban area under blue sky.

    meglington Report

    Lotekguy
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 day ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They probably thought people would think the covering looked like sand. They overestimated the propriety of the British public.

    View more comments
    #36

    Whale On The Danube Bank In Budapest

    A bread-shaped bread factory building with a modern glass facade located by a riverside in an urban area.

    Accurate_Cap_4920 Report

    bookbuddy
    Community Member
    21 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    looks more like a whale shark

    #37

    Australia

    Luna Park entrance with giant face design, an example of unique and weird bread-shaped bread factory architecture worldwide.

    Just for those unsure this is the Luna Park entrance in Sydney, Australia. It was built in the 1930’s and was popular during WW2 particularly for servicemen. Back in the late 70’s one of the Roller Coasters “The Ghost Train” caught fire and 7 people lost their lives. It is noted the park had failed the fire safety precautions needed to run the coaster. The case has been closed and reopened several times on who is responsible and has recently been reopened with new evidence and is being investigated. Despite this, 7 people tragically lost their lives on something that could have been prevented. That ride is no longer in service and a memorial stands in its place.

    AssociationNo6008 Report

    Daisydaisy
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We love our giant Luna Park faces - there's one in Melbourne too. Having grown up with them, I'm startled to see that people find them something other than adorable! 🤣

    Rick Murray
    Community Member
    20 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It looks like a possessed haunted doll to me, but hey, I figure if you put up with Australia's wildlife, trivial things like possessed haunted doll faces won't bother you in the slightest. 😉

    Load More Replies...
    Paul Sloan
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    “Sweet dreams are made of these"

    View more comments
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #39

    Kazakhstan. We Have Got A Lot Of These. Egg

    Bread-shaped bread factory building with a large dome and modern architectural design under a cloudy sky.

    b100d7_cr0w Report

    Roxy222uk
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I’m so curious. Why has Kazakhstan got lots of egg buildings?

    View more comments
    #40

    Taiwan

    Two unusual oval-shaped buildings elevated on concrete stilts with stairs, showcasing weird architecture from around the world.

    These flying saucer houses, I couldn’t find any of them new, there’s a very rural spot that has a neighborhood full of them, but I think most were torn down last year

    olympic_peaks Report

    Jaya
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They look like they would have been glorious back in their good days.

    View more comments
    #41

    Union Of Architects Of Romania (Uar). And Yes, Those Are The Top Floors, They Are The Same Building

    Historic building merged with modern glass structure above, showcasing unique architecture among weirdest buildings worldwide.

    daraskav Report

    Ghostchaplain16
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yikes! How to ruin wonderful original architectural design with a modern add-on. What a missed opportunity.

    View more comments
    #42

    Singapore. The Art Science Museum

    Modern building with unique architectural design resembling a bread-shaped bread factory near waterfront cityscape.

    EnvironmentalLion355 Report

    #43

    We Got The Kunsthaus In Graz. Always Makes Me Uncomfortable

    Futuristic bread-shaped building with rounded protrusions, glass extension, surrounded by traditional European rooftops and trees.

    meepweepsheet Report

    #44

    Vancouver House, A Residential Building In Downtown Vancouver, Bc, Canada

    Modern bread-shaped bread factory building with unique stepped architecture set against a clear blue sky in an urban area.

    PaduWanKenobi Report

    #45

    Legozilla? Tetris Tower? Actually, It's The Ayer Rajah Telephone Exchange (1978) In Singapore

    Futuristic building with blocky extensions and antennas, an example of weirdest buildings from around the world.

    sjioldboy Report

    #46

    Japan. This Is Asahi Beer Museum

    Unique bread-shaped bread factory building with a large golden sculpture on top in an urban cityscape background.

    Serious-Discussion-2 Report

    #47

    Noah’s Ark In Kentucky, USA

    Bread-shaped bread factory building supported by beams with people walking nearby under a partly cloudy sky.

    kaywrennn Report

    Nikkie Nothing
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It was damaged by a flood a couple years ago 😂

    View more comments
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #48

    In The Middle Of NYC. Edit: Leaked Documents Have Proven That Inside This Building Is The Nsa And Telecommunications

    Tall bread-shaped bread factory building with rectangular windows in an urban cityscape among other skyscrapers.

    mikki1time Report

    MontanaMariner
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nope. Built in the 70's by AT&T to protect sensitive communication equipment thanks to the Cold War. Designed to withstand extreme heat and cold, largely fireproof, and built to withstand a nuke.

    View more comments
    #49

    Germany. Bierpinsel In Berlin

    Unusual bread-shaped architecture with colorful panels and graffiti in an urban setting under a clear blue sky.

    knightriderin Report

    #50

    The Markel Building, AKA The Baked Potato Building, Here In Richmond Va

    Modern building with circular layered design and crumpled metal facade, located above a busy parking lot with several cars.

    It was commissioned back in the early 60’s and the architect was literally inspired by a baked potato wrapped in foil that he was served at an architects luncheon. It’s ugly as all hell, but I love it

    SquirrelBurritos Report

    Lotekguy
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Put a long metal handle on it and you've got the world's largest Jiffy Pop.

    View more comments
    #51

    The Beer Can House

    House covered with dozens of aluminum cans, an example of unusual architecture in the bread-shaped bread factory category.

    It started off with the owner (during the late '60s) covering his yard and walk with concrete and mixing in different things (marbles, little statues, etc) and just kind of...expanded from there. Iirc, he claimed he did it because he didn't want to mow his lawn anymore XD

    rebby2000 Report

    Lotekguy
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Many years ago I saw a house in Houston that was covered with bottle caps.

    View more comments
    #52

    Russia. Grocery Store In Moscow

    Building with intricate, bread-shaped facade resembling a bread-shaped bread factory in an urban setting with parked cars and birds.

    Eimaga Report

    Val
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Birds really like that store.