Weird Buildings
Part roadside architecture, part crazy architect, part classic American culture… whatever it is, weird buildings are always entertaining and often a welcome site (assuming they have not replaced a demolished historic structure). This Kansas City Public Library parking garage just might be my favorite.
Creative Commons: David King, Flickr, click for source.
I searched for strange buildings around the internet and found a few entertaining sites that just might make you want to take a road trip.
Weird Architecture – Strange & Unique Buildings in the USA
50 Strange Buildings of the World
And then sites start to repeat each other.
What do you think of unique architecture? Does it detract from the existing environment? When does it have a place? And will these be considered historic landmarks?
Hi Kaitlin –
I like it! It’s the spice of life, right? Architecture, like life, needs some levity. Thanks for the research!
I’m with you! As long as they aren’t knocking down historic buildings, roadside/weird architecture is so great!
TeePee Hotels forever!
Ps.
omg. I am in love with that garage. I didnt think that I would ever say that.
There’s those Ripley Believe It or Not buildings somewhere in FL, too. I think I might have some pictures somewhere… similar idea!!
http://wikimapia.org/555911/Ripley-s-Believe-It-Or-Not-Museum
Love the “shelf of books” building and may have to go google to find out if there’s a good story behind how they chose the books that would be featured…
To chime in on your opinion question about “unique architecture” — I am definitely in favor. I spent a lot of my childhood meandering along Route One in New England where the highlights of the trip were often the strange little buildings shaped like a wheel of cheese, a lumberjack, a building with a giant lobster on top, the windmill, etc. You don’t see very many of them anymore it seems — I wonder if zoning laws and building codes have made it impossible to build buildings shaped like other things anymore.
Here’s to giant elephants you can spend the night in! (National Historic Landmark Lucy the Elephant in Margate, New Jersey)
Sabra, I was wondering the same about the shelf of books chosen. And it’s funny that you mention Route 1 in New England. I haven’t traveled on it much myself but I was talking to a friend the other day who commented to me that (especially in MA) the midcentury roadside architecture is up for sale and likely to be demolished. That’s so sad!
I love Lucy the Elephant and want to visit. Have you seen the Big Duck on Long Island? That was probably my introduction to roadside architecture.
Melissa and Linda, glad to hear you love roadside architecture too.
Kristin, I can’t quite get the link to work.