This Week’s Crazy Building: Swallow’s Nest

Swallow's Nest, Crimea, Russia by Fr Maxim Massalitin is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
The Swallow’s Nest hangs precariously over a cliff above the Black Sea, however, it didn’t always do so. Located in Yalta, Ukraine its origin dates back to about 1895. The first owner is said to have been a former general who constructed a small wooden dwelling there. Later it was owned by A.K. Tobin, doctor
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This Week’s Crazy Building: Seed Cathedral

UK Pavilion ( Seed Cathedral ) by >littleyiye< is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Don’t mistake this unique structure for gigantic fuzzy dice! It may look soft but the bio-inspired Seed Cathedral actually features 60,000 acrylic plastic “hairs” which extend from every surface. It was designed by Heatherwick Studio, a London-based architectural firm. This unusual structure blends art with architecture and creates a unique experience for the visitor. Standing
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This Week’s Crazy Building: Aqua Tower

Aqua Tower - very coool by Lotzman Katzman is licensed under CC BY 2.0
In a dense city like Chicago, how do you create another high-rise that can actually give people a view? That is the question award-winning architects Studio Gang set out to answer when they began work on the Aqua Tower. Views from the upper floors would be possible but not as good from the mid to
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This Week’s Crazy Building: Walt Disney Concert Hall

Walt Disney concert hall building - Los Angeles, United States - Architecture photography by Giuseppe Milo is licensed under CC BY 2.0
The wild, expressive Walt Disney Concert Hall is located in downtown Los Angeles. Lilian Disney donated $50 million to establish the hall in memory of her late husband, Walt. A design competition was held to determine the architect and Frank Gehry’s proposal was selected. Completed in 2003, this building later became an example of Gehry’s
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This Week’s Crazy Building: Museo Soumaya

Museo Soumaya by Dan is licensed under CC BY 2.0
The award-winning Museo Soumaya is located in Mexico City’s cultural and commercial district, the Plaza Carso. Seen from above, its shape resembles a rhombus or diamond. From the side, it looks like an exaggerated top hat without the brim. The exterior shine and pattern comes from 16,000 hexagonal steel pieces. The design was inspired by
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This Week’s Crazy Building: CCTV Headquarters

66324-Beijing by Xiquinho Silva is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Located in the Beijing central business district, the CCTV (China Central Television) Headquarters building or “big pants” as locals call it stands at 767 feet high. The unique 44 story building brings together all of CCTV’s television making staff in one location. Designed by architecture firm OMA the building is distinct from the usual skyscraper
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This Week’s Crazy Building: The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum by Dakota Callaway is licensed under CC BY 2.0
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a unique building with an equally unique mission. It is located in Cleveland, Ohio on the banks of Lake Erie. Reminiscent of the Louvre in Paris it features a large, glass pyramid. Designed by architects Pei Cobb Freed & Partners they drew inspiration from the music itself.
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This Week’s Crazy Building: The Cube Houses

Cube houses in Rotterdam by Heather Cowper is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Rotterdam, Netherlands is home to unique architecture. Among those structures are the Cube Houses. Designed in the late 70’s by Dutch architect Piet Blom they remain a popular attraction even today. They are located in Oude Haven, a historic section of Rotterdam’s port. After World War 2 urban regeneration and housing became top priorities. Hans
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This Week’s Crazy Building: The Cheese Grater

London, The Cheese Grater Building, Leadenhall Building, HDR by Martin Pettitt is licensed under CC BY 2.0
The Leadenhall Building or Cheese Grater is located in downtown London. This unique 802-foot tall building, one of the highest in London, is actually the first prefabricated skyscraper to be assembled in a small space. It was largely built off-site due to space constraints and later assembled in its current location. This process helped to
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This Week’s Crazy Building: Taipei 101

Taipei 101 by 中岑 范姜 is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
Taipei 101, located in Taipei, Taiwan was once the world record holder for tallest skyscraper. That title now belongs to the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. It was completed in October 2003 at a cost of $1.8 billion and is currently among the most expensive buildings in the world. It stands at 1,671 feet high and
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