Explore 21 Strange Skyscrapers Around The World
Ever looked at a building and thought, “How does that even stay upright?” Skyscrapers are usually symbols of power and modernity – but some take a wildly different route.
From twisted towers to buildings shaped like giant baskets or coins, these bold structures challenge what we expect from urban design. I’ve rounded up 21 of the world’s most bizarre and fascinating skyscrapers that don’t just reach for the sky – they do it with serious attitude.
Whether they leave you in awe or just scratching your head, one thing’s for sure: you won’t forget them anytime soon. Ready to meet the weirdest giants on Earth? Let’s go sky-high and sideways.
1. The Crooked House (Krzywy Domek), Sopot, Poland
Have you heard about The Crooked House? I found myself grinning the first time I spotted its surreal, melting facade. Walking past its undulating walls is like wandering into a storybook.
Though this building isn’t a true skyscraper in height, its design makes a huge visual impact. Inspired by fairy tales and fiction, it stands out from every angle. Imagine being inside, where the windows themselves seem to lean and stretch.
Where else would you find architecture that feels so playful and mischievous? The Crooked House turns reality on its head and invites everyone to look twice.
2. CCTV Headquarters, Beijing, China
When I first saw the CCTV Headquarters, I thought it looked like a futuristic archway. This massive, looped structure appears to defy gravity with its bold, leaning silhouette.
It’s sometimes called “The Big Pants” by locals, which always makes me smile. Above the city, its form grabs your attention and holds it. Did anyone expect a national TV station to look this mind-bending?
Hence, the CCTV Headquarters isn’t just a building; it’s a reimagined gateway to the Beijing skyline.
3. Turning Torso, Malmö, Sweden
If you enjoy optical illusions, the Turning Torso will catch your eye instantly. From ground level, I felt like the building was about to spin into the clouds.
This tower is inspired by a human body in motion, twisting dramatically as it rises. It gives the skyline a sense of movement and energy.
Did you know? It’s Scandinavia’s tallest building and redefines what’s possible with residential design.
4. Capital Gate, Abu Dhabi, UAE
How does Capital Gate stay standing while leaning 18 degrees? I’m always amazed by its balance – it leans four times more than the Tower of Pisa!
The glass panels ripple like waves, catching the desert sunlight at every hour of the day. Inside, luxury curves along with the building’s dramatic tilt.
When I wander past, I can’t help but marvel at the ambition behind this engineering wonder.
5. Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower, Tokyo, Japan
Where else would I find a skyscraper shaped like a cocoon than in Tokyo? The Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower shelters future designers and tech innovators.
Its white lattice wraps around the glass, making it look like a futuristic chrysalis. By night, glowing lights make the building shimmer like a digital cocoon.
Are you fascinated by fresh architectural ideas? Here, inspiration seems to hatch with every step inside.
6. Agora Tower (Tao Zhu Yin Yuan), Taipei, Taiwan
When I looked up at Agora Tower, I saw not just a building but a living sculpture. Its lush terraces spiral upwards, overflowing with greenery – like a vertical park in the sky.
Sustainability is at the heart of its design, filtering air and softening the city’s edges. Walking nearby, I breathe in fresher air thanks to thousands of plants.
This skyscraper turns eco-friendly dreams into reality, right in the middle of Taipei.
7. F&F Tower, Panama City, Panama
Did you ever see a skyscraper that looks like a giant drill bit? I was stunned by the F&F Tower’s bold, spiraling silhouette.
Its sharp green glass reflects the tropical light, making it seem as if the building is constantly in motion. From every angle, the tower looks different.
Where architecture meets whimsy, the F&F Tower stands as an icon of Panama’s creative ambition.
8. Al Bahr Towers, Abu Dhabi, UAE
If you visit Abu Dhabi, you’ll notice two towers blinking in the sunlight. Al Bahr Towers use a clever facade that opens and closes like flower petals.
This sunshade adapts throughout the day, keeping the interiors cool. Architects took inspiration from traditional Arabic mashrabiya for this eco-friendly touch.
Are you a fan of smart buildings? Here, technology dances with tradition on a grand scale.
9. Cactus Tower, Copenhagen, Denmark
Where else but Copenhagen would you spot the Cactus Tower? I love its spiky, unpredictable silhouette that pops against the city’s gentle skyline.
Its jagged balconies offer unique outdoor spaces for every resident. At sunset, the building appears to glow with golden highlights.
This skyscraper proves that playful design can thrive even in the heart of Scandinavia.
10. The Elephant Building (Chang Building), Bangkok, Thailand
How could anyone miss the Elephant Building? I chuckled the first time I noticed its huge, “trunk” peering out across Bangkok.
Are you curious about architecture with personality? This tower even sports giant “eyes” and “ears,” making it a city landmark.
It’s both office space and a playful public art piece – there’s nothing else like it in the world.
11. Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
Are you amazed by buildings that double as tourist attractions? Marina Bay Sands makes me think of a futuristic cruise ship docked high above the city.
Its rooftop infinity pool stretches across three towers, offering views you’ll never forget. The “sky park” even has gardens and restaurants.
When night falls, the whole structure lights up and becomes a beacon of Singapore’s innovation.
12. Absolute World Towers, Mississauga, Canada
Have you ever seen skyscrapers dance? The Absolute World Towers sway and curve as if caught in a wind I can’t feel.
Locals nicknamed them ‘Marilyn Monroe’ for their hourglass shape. Their organic, feminine lines bring a soft grace to the city’s skyline.
This architecture feels alive, bending and swirling with every glance.
13. Kingdom Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Have you ever wondered what a building with a hole in the top looks like? Kingdom Centre’s distinct ‘keyhole’ is instantly recognizable.
It stands as a symbol of Riyadh’s vision for the future, rising above the city like a shimmering gateway.
Where desert meets design, this skyscraper proves that ambition knows no limits here.
14. La Pedrera (Casa Milà), Barcelona, Spain
Did you know Antoni Gaudí designed buildings inspired by nature? La Pedrera feels like a living rock formation, sculpted by wind and sea.
Its rooftop is a playground of swirling chimneys and curving paths. Every window and ironwork detail tells a unique story.
Though not a modern skyscraper, La Pedrera stands tall in my imagination for its dreamlike quality.
15. Hotel Unique, São Paulo, Brazil
How often do you see a skyscraper shaped like a watermelon slice? Hotel Unique’s bold, curved form is impossible to miss in São Paulo.
Its rooftop pool offers sweeping views and a playful twist on convention. The round windows look like portholes on a modern cruise ship.
This hotel combines luxury, whimsy, and Brazilian flair in one unforgettable structure.
16. Waldspirale, Darmstadt, Germany
When I first saw Waldspirale, I thought of a giant cake decorated by a child. Its colors spiral playfully, and no two windows are the same.
Hundertwasser’s vision brought art, nature, and unpredictability together. Trees grow right out of the roof, blurring boundaries between building and forest.
This residential tower proves daily life doesn’t have to be dull or ordinary.
17. The Torre Velasca, Milan, Italy
Are you intrigued by buildings that challenge expectations? The Torre Velasca’s broad top looks like a futuristic castle towering over Milan.
It’s a bold blend of ancient fortress and modern skyscraper, shaped by postwar optimism.
Though opinions are split, I find its quirky presence absolutely unforgettable when wandering the city.
18. Bosco Verticale, Milan, Italy
If you wish cities were greener, Bosco Verticale is a breath of fresh air. The towers are covered with gardens on every balcony.
Each season, leaves and colors change, creating a living mosaic above Milan. I marvel at how wildlife flocks to this urban forest.
Sustainability meets beauty in one of the world’s most imaginative skyscrapers.
19. Lotus Tower, Colombo, Sri Lanka
With its vibrant colors and petal-like crown, Lotus Tower gleams over Colombo like a jewel. I often think of it as a lotus rising from the city’s heart.
It’s more than just a telecommunications tower; it’s a symbol of beauty and progress.
This skyscraper combines tradition and technology in the most eye-catching way possible.
20. The Gherkin (30 St Mary Axe), London, UK
Are you a fan of quirky nicknames? The Gherkin’s sleek, pickle-like shape is instantly recognizable in London’s skyline.
Its energy-efficient glass facade sparkles on both sunny and rainy days. I’ve always admired its futuristic yet approachable design.
This building proves serious business can have a playful side, right in the heart of the city.
21. Cube Houses, Rotterdam, Netherlands
Have you ever imagined living inside a tilted cube? The Cube Houses in Rotterdam spin the idea of housing on its head.
Each home balances on one corner, creating surreal spaces flooded with light. I admire how bold the architects were.
The playful geometry turns an ordinary street into an urban playground for the imagination.