American architecture reflects the rich diversity that has shaped all areas of life in the United States. From the Spanish-influenced southern architecture to the English-inspired designs of Virginia and Massachusetts, the style of suburban arts and crafts, and the Victorian grandeur of early 20th-century homes, American architecture has varied significantly over time. to reflect a range of styles, building materials and influences. The following seven buildings don’t fit neatly into any one style, but they reflect the sometimes whimsical, inventive, and innovative spirit of American design.

The basket building

This Newark, Ohio landmark may be the most unique office building in the world. Home to the Longaberger Basket Company, the building is a 180,000-square-foot replica of the company’s best-selling basket. While the actual building cost less than $50, the building cost $30 million to construct. No one took owner Dave Longaberger seriously when he proposed building a seven-story replica of a basket, but employees moved into the new office on December 17, 1997. The building is a faithful replica, using stucco over steel to achieve a more authentic wood look. appearance. The interior is less whimsical than the exterior, but no less impressive. A grand staircase and marble floors lead up to the seven-story atrium that fills the space with light.

The Kansas City Public Library

All libraries are filled with reading materials, but this Missouri library actually looks like them. The exterior of the library garage was designed to resemble a bookshelf, complete with huge book bindings. Locals voted for their favorites, choosing The Lord of the Rings, Charlotte’s Web, The Invisible Man and other tales to create the library’s intriguing façade. The mylar book spines are nearly 25 feet tall and nine feet wide.

wonders

This Pigeon Ford, Tennessee building turns American architecture on its head, literally. The upside-down building rests on its roof while the floor faces the sky. The Upside Down Space is home to more than 100 interactive exhibits for families to enjoy, including laser tag, educational shows, magic demonstrations, and a ropes course.

Chapel in the Rock

Seamlessly blending modern architecture with nature, this Arizona Catholic chapel is nestled within the red rocks of southern Sedona. The building’s designer, Marguerite Brunswig Staude, was heavily influenced by her teacher, the famous American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The chapel reflects her love of nature, open spaces and geometric design.

Quadracci Pavilion

This stunning futuristic design by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava welcomes visitors to the Milwaukee Art Museum. The spectacular 142,050 square foot space reflects both modern design and old world craftsmanship. Hand-built concrete buttresses, vaults and arches create impressive wings that close automatically in high winds. The 217-foot-long wings are constructed of 72 massive steel fins that make a stunning contrast against the blue sky and shimmer in the sun. Designed to resemble a ship, the space overlooks nearby Lake Michigan with huge floor-to-ceiling windows.

Rose Center for Earth and Space

A true architectural marvel, the Rose Center for Earth and Space at the American Museum of Natural History is a stunning example of American ingenuity and design. Located near Central Park in New York City, the center redesigned the Hayden Planetarium in 2000. The massive glass cube houses the Space Theater, designed by architects James Polshek and Todd Schliemann. The redesigned space is six stories tall and appears to float in mid-air. Complex truss work hidden below supports the 333,000-square-foot structure. The museum’s West Pavilion is just as impressive, allowing visitors to enter the museum through a four-story white glass archway.

shoe house

The old lady who lived in a shoe would feel right at home in this Pennsylvania house. Designed to resemble a shoe, the 1948 house is 48 feet long, 17 feet wide, and 25 feet tall. An actual home, the space features three bedrooms, a kitchen, living room, and two full baths. Designer Mahlon Haines originally intended the space to be used as a publicity stunt, but it was later converted into a guest house. Today, the house attracts tourists from around the country who hope to sit at the curved breakfast table in the kitchen, which sits on the heel of the shoe, and gaze at the shoe tow from the second story.