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 flair of suburban arts and crafts, and the Victorian grandeur of turn-of-the-20th-century homes, American architecture has varied significantly over time. to reflect a variety of styles, building materials and influences. The following seven buildings don’t fit perfectly into any one style, but they do reflect the sometimes whimsical, inventive, and innovative spirit of American design.

The basket building

This Newark, Ohio landmark may be the most exclusive 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 costs less than $50, the building cost $30 million to construct. No one took owner Dave Longaberger seriously when he proposed building a seven-story basket replica, 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 appearance. appearance. The interior is less whimsical than the exterior, but no less impressive. A grand staircase and marble floors lead to the seven-story atrium that fills the space with light.

The Kansas City Public Library

All libraries are full of reading materials, but this Missouri library actually looks like them. The exterior of the library garage was designed to resemble a bookcase, complete with huge book bindings. The 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. Mylar book spines are nearly 25 feet tall and nine feet wide.

wonders

This Pigeon Ford, Tennessee building literally turns American architecture on its head. 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 shows, and a ropes course.

Chapel in the Rock

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

Quadracci Pavilion

This impressive 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 flying buttresses, vaults and arches create impressive wings that close automatically in high winds. The 217-foot-long wings are built with 72 massive steel fins that make a striking contrast against the blue sky and sparkle 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 American Museum of Natural History’s Rose Center for Earth and Space 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 Theatre, designed by architects James Polshek and Todd Schliemann. The reimagined space is six stories high and appears to float in the air. The intricate armor 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 measures 48 feet long, 17 feet wide, and 25 feet tall. A real home, the space features three bedrooms, a kitchen, living room, and two full bathrooms. 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 all over the country who hope to sit at the kitchen’s curved breakfast table, which sits on the heel of the shoe, and gaze down at the shoe tow from the second story.