16 of the Strangest Skyscrapers Around the World
Skyscrapers are more than just tall buildings—they’re monuments to human innovation, ambition, and creativity. With global urbanization at an all-time high, cities are competing to create landmarks that balance functionality with wow-factor design. According to the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH), more than 1,400 skyscrapers—buildings taller than 200 meters—have been constructed globally since 2010, with Asia leading the boom.
Many skyscrapers follow sleek and practical designs, but some stand out as architectural wonders (or oddities). These buildings aren’t just tall; they break conventions, provoke conversations, and sometimes leave us scratching our heads. Read on for 17 of the world’s most unusual and intriguing skyscrapers.
Burj Khalifa, Dubai, UAE
The Burj Khalifa, standing at an astonishing 828 meters (2,717 feet), is the tallest building in the world. Designed by renowned architect Adrian Smith from Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, this architectural marvel draws inspiration from the Hymenocallis, a desert flower.
Its unique shape enhances its aesthetic appeal and provides improved wind resistance, ensuring stability at such a record-breaking height. The building has 160 stories—more than any other—and houses luxury residences, corporate suites, and an observation deck with breathtaking views.
Norddeutsche Landesbank, Hanover, Germany
The Norddeutsche Landesbank headquarters in Hanover, often called the “LEGO Building,” breaks the mold of traditional banking architecture. Designed by Behnisch Architekten, its playful structure showcases obliquely stacked glass cubes that jut out at dramatic angles, resembling oversized toy blocks.
Beyond its whimsical appearance, the building integrates sustainable features such as natural ventilation and energy-efficient materials, making it both innovative and eco-friendly.
The Robot Building, Bangkok, Thailand
The Robot Building in Bangkok, standing at 83 meters (272 feet) with 20 floors, symbolizes the 1980s technology boom. Designed by Sumet Jumsai for United Overseas Bank, it resembles a giant robot with antennae on top.
The design reflects the computerized nature of modern banking, offering a stark contrast to Bangkok’s otherwise traditional skyline.
Kingfisher Towers, Bengaluru, India
Kingfisher Towers in Bengaluru is a striking architectural landmark. Designed to resemble a modern-day White House, it is one of the city’s tallest buildings.
The structure represents the blend of luxury and functionality. It houses some of the most expensive residential properties in Bengaluru, situated in India’s thriving tech hub. Standing at an impressive height of approximately 123 meters (403 feet), the building spans 34 stories.
Marina Bay Sands Hotel, Singapore
A true masterpiece of modern engineering, Marina Bay Sands in Singapore is an icon of architectural brilliance and extravagance. Its three 57-story towers are topped by a cantilevered sky park resembling a cruise ship.
The sky park features an infinity pool that offers stunning views of Singapore and has become a symbol of the city’s luxury and innovation.
Ryugyong Hotel, Pyongyang, North Korea
The Ryugyong Hotel in Pyongyang, often nicknamed the “Hotel of Doom,” is known for its odd triangular shape and long-delayed construction. Standing at 330 meters, it took over 30 years to complete due to economic and political challenges.
Today, it remains partially unused but still dominates the city’s skyline as one of the tallest unoccupied buildings in the world.
Elephant Building, Bangkok, Thailand
True to its name, Bangkok’s Elephant Building is shaped like an elephant, a nod to Thailand’s cultural heritage. Designed by Sumet Jumsai, the building is a multi-use structure that includes offices, apartments, and a shopping mall.
This iconic structure, standing 102 meters (335 feet) tall with 32 floors, is a masterpiece of design. Tourists immediately recognize it as one of Bangkok’s iconic landmarks because all its design elements precisely mimic an elephant’s physical traits.
F&F Tower, Panama City, Panama
Known locally as “El Tornillo” (The Screw), the F&F Tower is a remarkable skyscraper that spirals into the sky with its helix-inspired design. A subtle rotational shift of each floor produces visual movement effects that make the F&F Tower a dominant feature in Panama City’s skyline.
Standing at 236 meters (774 feet), this 52-story architectural marvel is renowned for its striking twisting design. Formerly called the Revolution Tower, its spiral structure has become iconic. The tower was celebrated for its innovative design and received prestigious recognition at the International Property Awards.
Porta Fira Hotel, Barcelona, Spain
The Porta Fira Hotel in Barcelona reflects the genius of Antoni Gaudí as it proudly stands in this vibrant Spanish city. The building achieves architectural mastery through its red exterior and curving forms, inspired by organic designs.
Inspired by flowers, the building reflects a natural, organic aesthetic that stands out as a testament to Barcelona’s rich artistic heritage. Standing at an impressive 113 meters (371 feet), this architectural marvel earned the prestigious Emporis Skyscraper Award in 2010, highlighting its unique design and excellence.
Ring of Life, Fushun, China
The Ring of Life in Fushun is a 157-meter-tall circular skyscraper that symbolizes unity and eternity. This unique structure attracts tourists from around the globe.
The building lights up at night with LED displays, creating a mesmerizing spectacle that highlights its distinctive design. An intriguing aspect is that it isn’t a functional building but a destination designed for observation, providing breathtaking views from its decks.
La Grande Arche, Paris, France
La Grande Arche, located in the La Défense district of Paris, is a modern counterpart to the Arc de Triomphe. It serves as an office space and an observation deck, offering visitors panoramic city views.
The building was meticulously designed to align perfectly with the Arc de Triomphe as part of Paris’s historic axis, blending modernity with tradition. La Grande Arche is approximately 110 meters tall (361 feet).
CN Tower, Toronto, Canada
A defining feature of Toronto’s skyline, the CN Tower stands 553 meters tall. Known for its thrilling “EdgeWalk,” where brave visitors can walk outside the tower while harnessed, it also has a glass-floored observation deck.
Standing at an impressive height of 553.3 meters (1,815 feet), it held the world record until surpassed by the Burj Khalifa. One of its most remarkable features is the glass-floor observation deck, positioned at a breathtaking height of 342 meters (1,122 feet), offering unparalleled views. Completed in 1976, it remains a symbol of architectural ingenuity and an affordable must-visit destination in Toronto.
World Trade Center, Mexico City, Mexico
The World Trade Center in Mexico City isn’t just an important business hub—it’s also home to “Bellini,” the largest revolving restaurant in the world. The building’s distinctive design features two towers, approximately 207 meters (679 feet) tall, connected by a suspended bridge, creating a modern and dynamic appearance.
Its glass façade reflects the changing colors of the sky, earning it the nickname “El Pantalón” (The Pants) among locals. Visitors can enjoy fine dining with panoramic, rotating views of the city, making it a destination that blends work and leisure seamlessly.
Australia 108, Melbourne, Australia
Australia 108 is a record-breaking skyscraper in Melbourne, featuring a star-shaped addition inspired by the Commonwealth star on Australia’s flag. This unique “cloud” design distinguishes it from other high-rises, making it a standout addition to the city’s architecture.
Standing at an impressive 316.7 meters (1,037 feet), this is the tallest residential building in Australia, according to the CTBUH. It was completed in late 2020.
Capital Gate, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Nicknamed the “Leaning Tower of Abu Dhabi,” the Capital Gate tilts 18 degrees westward, earning a Guinness World Record as the world’s farthest-leaning manmade tower. Designed by British architects RMJM (Robert Matthew Johnson Marshall) and brought to life by the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC), this structure tells a story of innovation meeting engineering excellence.
Its stability comes from a solid, curved concrete core carefully constructed to bend opposite the building’s tilt. The result is a functional structure and a striking icon on Abu Dhabi’s skyline.
Umeda Sky Building, Osaka, Japan
The Umeda Sky Building in Osaka is far from an ordinary skyscraper. Created by architect Hiroshi Hara and completed in 1993, it consists of two 40-story towers connected at the top by a futuristic floating garden observatory. This design offers visitors unparalleled panoramic views of Osaka.
The rooftop observatory features lush greenery and a 360-degree city view, while the reflective glass exterior allows the building to blend seamlessly with the sky.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
Read More:
