Famous Mimetic Architecture Buildings From Around The World That Will Blow Your Mind
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    • Oct 4, 2022
    • 4 min read

Famous Mimetic Architecture Buildings From Around The World That Will Blow Your Mind



Recall the adage, "An engineer's nightmare is an architect's dream"? We are confident that some architect (or you) once dreamed of the most unusual or elaborate edifice imaginable. But what if you had complete creative control over the designs you create? This article will most definitely be updated!


As we know by now, one of the oldest occupations in the world is architecture. It is a sort of art that may awe and inspire people and is both utilitarian and aesthetically pleasing. From traditional to modern, there are various forms of architecture, and each has distinctive characteristics.


Now, we'll focus on one of the most exciting kinds of architecture.


Mimetic architecture, usually referred to as Novelty architecture, is known for its approach as being garish, kitschy, and striking. The purpose of these novelty constructions is to draw attention to them and pull people within. It's like the building conveys a story just by looking at it. They do this by expertly imitating the form and features of other objects.


This article will highlight some of the world's trendiest and most distinctive architecture. These structures stand out not only because of their attractive appearance but also their unique qualities.



India's National Fisheries Development Board


The first on our list is none other than the Fish Building.


Undoubtedly, a distinct and different approach to a government building. The Fish Building appears to be swimming in the air as well. Its silver body is pierced by rectangular windows that resemble scales, and its front has a mouth that is hollow with blue-glass eyes.


The Central Public Works Department of India created the three-story, 1,920 square meter building in this manner because the work carried out therein has to do with fishing. Also influenced by the enormous "Fish" sculpture by Frank Gehry that was built in Barcelona for the 1992 Olympics.



Missouri's Kansas City Library Parking Garage

Source: Pinterest


Kansas City Library's facade, shaped like a large bookcase, has a book spine that measures 25 ft. by 9 ft. and spotlights 22 titles from different book genres. The Community Bookshelf conceals the library district's parking garage, which was erected in 2004. The community worked together to develop this unique design to give the parking structure some personality.


The fact that the book titles were all suggested by residents of Kansas City and subsequently chosen by the Board of Trustees is another intriguing aspect of this already unique building.



Austria's House Attack


Yep, that's right. It's the house that took a plunge into the facade of a museum.


Erwin Wurm, an Austrian artist, constructed the house in 2006 and meticulously positioned it with a crane as a modern sculpture.


Apart from this unique piece, you can view the vast collection of approximately 7000 modern and contemporary works of art inside. Named as Museum Moderner Kunst (MUMOK) and is regarded as Austria's largest art museum. Once you enter, you will find an extensive portfolio including works from classical modernity, Cubism, Futurism, and Surrealism up until the '60s & '70s art movements.


Walking below a house situated in such a perilous position might make you feel compelled to quickly get out from under it, but from a distance, it's impossible not to chuckle at this fun concept.



Ohio's Big Basket

Source: bbc.com


The World's Largest Basket.


The Longaberger Company, a manufacturer of handmade maple wood baskets, had this building constructed as its corporate headquarters. The design is an exact duplicate of the Medium Market Basket, the company's best-selling item.


This seven-story building, constructed in 1997, includes a central atrium with a glass ceiling to let in natural light. The two grips at the top are steel and contain heating elements to keep them warm, safeguarding the glass ceiling in the process.


However, the company's declining revenues in 2016 forced them to evacuate, leaving a massive basket building in their wake. Now, there appears to be a lot of public interest for this structure to become a recognized landmark in the area and maybe be used for another program.



Pennsylvania's Haines Shoe House


The famous shoe salesman Mahlon Haines, also known as "Shoe Wizard," owned this home, which resembles one of his work boots.


The Haines Shoe House is (you guessed it) a house in the shape of a shoe located in Hellam Township, Pennsylvania. The Shoe House is 25 ft. high, 17 ft. wide, and 48 ft. long.


With a timber frame framework, stucco, and stained glass windows, the Shoe House is still standing proud as ever since its construction in 1948. The kitchen is in the heel, the living room is close to the toe, and the two bedrooms are in the ankle. Interesting, right?


Unfortunately, the Shoe House is temporarily closed as a tourist attraction.



Dubai’s Frame


Another unique building on our list!


In Dubai's Zabeel Park, there is a monument, museum, and observatory called The Dubai Frame.


This building, constructed in 2018, is one of the nation's many architectural wonders. As a matter of fact, it holds the world record for having the most enormous frame! The structure is 140.24m high and 95.53m wide.


The design primarily performs an observatory function, offering views of North and South Dubai. Visitors may view Dubai's iconic sights over one side of the frame and the city's historic districts on the other. Thanks to its strategic placement.


Wait, there's more! You can also find a café there, glass walkways, observation galleries, and a number of elevators that offer a breathtaking view of the amazing cityscape of the city.



Prague's Dancing House


The Dancing House was four years in the making, from 1992 to 1996. Nationale Nederlanden, a Dutch insurance business, purchased the lot in 1992, and in 1996, this Prague landmark of modern design "danced" onto the Rašínovo Embankment.


This Dancing House was conceptualized by world-famous architects Frank O. Gehry and Vlado Miluni.


Curious as to how it maintains its looks? Its 99 concrete panels with varying sizes and shapes support the "dancing" shape. In addition, there is a massive metal structure at the top of the building named Medusa.


In conclusion, we have presented some of the most famous and unique buildings around the world that showcase mimetic architecture. These buildings are indeed works of art and will surely blow your mind.


We hope you have enjoyed learning about these unique structures and will be inspired to seek out more of these buildings in the future.


If you ever came across one of these unique buildings, tag us on our social media accounts! We would love to hear stories from you.


Thanks for reading!



 

WORDS

Ira Ortiz



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