Architects from different eras have explored striking forms and geometries to create buildings that challenge perception and become urban symbols
Submitted at Mar 18, 2026, 10:30 AM
Kubuswoningen (GraphyArchy/Wikimedia Commons/Divulgação)
Throughout the history of architecture, some projects stand out not only for their function or urban context, but for the strength of their forms. Buildings that explore striking shapes and geometries turn volumes, curves, and angles into protagonists in the landscape.
These buildings demonstrate how architecture can go beyond the traditional logic of straight lines and conventional proportions. By embracing striking shapes and geometries, architects create works that spark curiosity, become cultural references, and become part of the collective imagination of the cities where they are located.
Designed by the architect Eduardo Longo in the early 1970s, the Casa Bola is one of the most experimental residences in Brazilian architecture. Located in São Paulo, the construction became known for its suspended spherical volume, which breaks with the traditional logic of houses based on rectangular planes.
Exposição ABERTO5 na Casa Bola (Ruy Teixeira/Divulgação)
The structure was conceived from a metal system that supports the sphere, allowing the internal projects to be organized continuously around a central core. The project became an emblematic example of residential architecture with striking shapes and geometries, reflecting the experimental spirit of the time and the architect's interest in investigating new relationships between form, structure, and habitation.
The Kubuswoningen, or Cube Houses, are among the best-known examples of architecture with striking shapes and geometries. Designed by the architect Piet Blom in the 1970s, they are in Rotterdam and consist of tilted cubes resting on hexagonal pillars.
Kubuswoningen (Alexander Migl/Wikimedia Commons/Divulgação)
Each residential unit was conceived as part of an "urban forest", in which the pillars would function as trunks and the cubes would represent the tree canopies. The result is an architectural ensemble that challenges visual perception and reorganizes the spatial logic of traditional houses.
Located in the city of Huainan, China, the Piano House is a building that immediately stands out for its striking shapes and geometries. The complex consists of a main volume in the shape of a grand piano accompanied by a transparent structure that represents a violin.
Piano House (Divulgação/Divulgação)
The project was created in 2007 as an exhibition center dedicated to urbanism and the city's development. Beyond the visual impact, the building has become a local symbol and a popular tourist spot, attracting visitors curious about its unconventional form.
Located in the city of Vejle, the residential complex The Wave draws attention for its undulating silhouette. Designed by Henning Larsen Architects in 2018, the building features five identical volumes that create a sequence of waves when seen from afar.
(Jacob Due/Divulgação)
This continuous motion makes the project an expressive example of architecture with striking shapes and geometries. The curved form dialogues with the region's coastal landscape and creates a strong visual identity for the city's waterfront.
The Guangzhou Circle is a corporate building located on the banks of the Pearl River in Guangzhou. Its fully circular shape makes the structure stand out among the region's conventional skyscrapers.
Guangzhou Circle (Midip/Wikimedia Commons/Divulgação)
The structure was designed by Italian architect Joseph di Pasquale, in 2013, and features a large central void, creating a monumental ring in the urban landscape. It is about 138 m tall and has 33 floors, currently occupied by the Hongda Xingye Group and the Guangdong Plastic Exchange (GDPE).
In Chiayi County, Taiwan, stands one of the most curious constructions when it comes to striking shapes and geometries. The so-called High-Heel Church was built in the form of a high-heeled shoe, using a metal structure and thousands of blue glass panels.
High-heel Church (Accord14/Wikimedia Commons/Divulgação)
Despite the name, the building does not function as a traditional church. It was designed as a cultural and tourist space, and is popularly used for wedding celebrations. The unusual shape has also turned the site into one of the most photographed settings in the country.
In the city of Hyderabad, India, the National Fisheries Development Board building draws attention for its form inspired by a giant fish. The construction houses administrative offices linked to the development of fisheries in the country.
National Fisheries Development Board (Divulgação/Divulgação)
The four-story building was officially inaugurated in 2012, inspired by the monumental "Fish" sculpture by Frank Gehry in Barcelona. By using striking shapes and geometries associated with the institution's activity, the project creates an immediate and easily recognizable visual identity.
Located in Mexico City, the Soumaya Museum is one of the best-known cultural buildings in Latin America. Designed by architect Fernando Romero, the museum has a curvilinear form that expands toward the top.
Museu Soumaya (TripAdvisor/Divulgação)
The façade is clad with thousands of hexagonal aluminum panels that reflect light in different ways throughout the day. This combination of metallic surface and sculptural volume turns the building into an emblematic example of architecture based on striking shapes and geometries.
CASACOR Publisher is an exclusive content-creation agent, developed by the CASACOR Technology team from the knowledge base of casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Yeska Coelho.
