Architecture around the world has taken some truly unexpected turns.
While sleek glass towers and gravity-defying structures often steal the spotlight, some buildings captivate us in a different way by drawing inspiration from the animal kingdom.
There are fish-shaped offices, sky-high dragon structures, and buildings that look like giant dogs or stingrays.
These quirky, animal-inspired concretes may not always follow traditional aesthetics, but they’re bold, fun, and have meaningful stories behind them.
These buildings range from temples and restaurants to government offices and roadside attractions, and are a true representation of the creativity of their designers and the culture of their locations.
In a world where standing out can be tough, these buildings do more than just that, they inspire, and leave people awestruck..
Here are 5 most interesting animals shaped buildings around the world.
1. National Fisheries Development Board – Telangana, India
This beautiful fish-shaped building is located in Hyderabad. It houses the headquarters of the National Fisheries Development Board and was designed by the Central Public Works Department. This shimmering, scaly structure is eye-catching and fitting, and It’s not just fun to look at, it also shows the building’s purpose to serve as a government office to support India’s growing fisheries sector
2. Wat Samphran Temple – Khlong Mai, Thailand
Known as the Dragon Temple, Wat Samphran is a vibrant pink, 17-story Buddhist temple located near Bangkok. Something that makes the temple unforgettable is the massive green dragon spiraling around the structure. The dragon isn’t just decorative, it’s hollow, with a staircase inside that visitors can climb. The temple is lesser-known among tourists but holds deep spiritual meaning for many locals. The temple has a mystical design and special architecture, it is a perfect blend of faith, folklore, and fantasy.
3. Madi Hiyaa – Vabbinfaru, Maldives
It is the representation of the graceful and elegant stingray fish and is also an overwater restaurant in the Maldives that brings nature and architecture together beautifully. Designed by Nomadic Resorts, the stingray-shaped canopy is made from sustainable bamboo that caters to an eco-friendly space; it effortlessly blends with the ocean surroundings. The flowing curves and open layout represent the movement of the sea, giving the people a tranquil and by-the-sea experience while also promoting sustainable design.
4. Dog Bark Park Inn – Cottonwood, Idaho, USA
This might be the most adorable hotel one might ever stay in. The Dog Bark Park Inn is shaped like a giant beagle dog and is actually a functioning bed and breakfast. Known as the “World’s Largest Beagle,” the building provides cozy accommodations. Apart from that, it also provides visitors the joy of a wood-carved dog gift shop, and a chainsaw art gallery. It’s a fun and useful place, and also a beloved roadside attraction. It’s a must-visit for dog lovers and anyone with a love for wonderfully weird things.
5. The Big Merino – Goulburn, Australia
Nicknamed “Rambo,” the Big Merino is a 50-foot-tall concrete sheep that appears to touch the skyline in Goulburn, New South Wales. It’s more than just a photo place as it houses a wool-themed gift shop and an exhibition about the history of Australia’s wool industry on its upper floor. The sculpture is modeled after a real ram from a nearby farm and was built in honour of the region’s sheep farming heritage, It’s a proud, oversized tribute to Australia’s woolly past and present.
