Bizarre Buildings

Have you ever looked at a building and wondered how it manages to stay upright? Some structures challenge our understanding of balance and stability, appearing almost impossible at first glance. The Leaning Tower of Pisa tilts dramatically, while the Burj Khalifa reaches extraordinary heights. In this post, we explore a selection of remarkable buildings and uncover the architectural techniques that keep them standing against the odds..

The Leaning Tower of Pisa

Built between the 12th and 14th centuries, it wasn’t actually meant to be ‘leaning’, but soft soil under the tower’s foundation had other plans. Instead of panicking, the builders rolled with the tilt, claiming it was a “design feature.” Fast forward to today, and it’s one of the world’s most famous tourist attractions!

• Gravity: The tower’s stability depends on its centre of mass. When it leans, gravity creates a rotational force (torque) around the base. As long as the centre of mass stays within the foundation, the tower won’t fall. But if that centre of mass shifts too far...

Note: to learn more about interesting physics concepts in architecture, check out The Science of Structures! Modern Fixes: By the 20th century, the tilt had worsened, and something had to be done. So, engineers decided to give the tower a little help. They carefully removed soil from the higher side to reduce the tilt without erasing its charm.

Fun Fact: Galileo allegedly dropped objects from the Pisa Tower to test how gravity acts on objects with different masses.

The Burj Khalifa

A building so tall at 828 meters that it could give your neck a workout just trying to see the top. Designed by Adrian Smith of SOM, its Y-shaped base was inspired by the Hymenocallis flower, blending cultural significance with innovation. Built between 2004 and 2010, the project faced challenges like Dubai’s extreme heat, shifting sands, and intense winds. Yet, it rose to a record-breaking 828 meters, stabilising with its tapered design and cross-braced structure. More than a skyscraper, it’s a symbol of Dubai’s transformation into a global icon.

• Wind Loads: Picture this – You’re holding a giant umbrella on a windy day. If you keep it open and flat against the wind, you’re going to struggle. But tilt it just right, and the wind flows past, making it easier to hold. The Burj Khalifa works on the same principle. Its tapered shape means the wind doesn’t slam into it like a brick wall but flows smoothly around it. This design reduces the force acting on the building, keeping it from swaying too much while lowering its centre of mass closer to its base, further stabilising the structure.

• Cross-Braced: Inside, the Burj Khalifa is built for resilience. A system of cross-braced columns ensures the building can handle forces like wind and seismic activity without compromising its structure. These columns work together to distribute pressure evenly, preventing weak points from forming. Think of it like stacking blocks but with strategic reinforcements – each part supports the next, so the whole structure stays stable. This clever engineering means the building can stay tall and steady, even in challenging conditions, without breaking a sweat (or a beam).

The Sydney Opera House

This stunning structure was designed by Jørn Utzon and finished in 1973, meant to look like a collection of giant shells stacked together.

• The Orange Peel Dilemma: When architect Jørn Utzon first proposed the shell-like roof, it was considered nearly impossible to construct. The breakthrough came when he realised all the shells could be made from sections of a single sphere. Imagine slicing up an orange into perfectly shaped segments – that’s essentially what they did, simplifying construction without losing the unique design.

• Shell Structured: The design isn’t just pretty; it’s smart! The curved shells handle loads, distributing forces evenly and using less material. This means the building is both strong and light.

• Wind Resistant: Located right on the harbour, the Opera House faces strong winds and salty sea air. Its aerodynamic shape lets wind flow around it, reducing pressure on the structure. This clever design ensures the building stays steady, even during storms.

Fun fact: Those iconic white tiles were made from Japanese ceramic, they were designed with a self-cleaning feature; rain does all the work, keeping the building looking flawless. Inside, the use of timber and the shape of the ceilings help sound travel clearly, making it a favorite for performers and audiences alike.

(To learn more about this architectural marvel, check out the official story)

Teatro-Museo Dalí

While many know Salvador Dalí by his infamous surreal paintings, his creativity extends to the realm of architecture as well, one of his coolest projects being the "Teatro-Museo Dalí" in Figueres, Spain. One of its standout features is its unique lack of corners, and it’s a design choice that’s both fascinating and a little mind-bending. 

Dalí’s Teatro-Museo discarded straight lines and sharp corners for flowing, organic shapes. Why?

• Distributing Weight Evenly: Curves help spread weight and forces across the structure, reducing stress on any single point. Unlike sharp corners that can become weak spots, the curved design makes the building more durable against gravity and wind.

• Guiding Movement: Walking through the museum feels natural and seamless. The curves gently guide you, creating an experience that feels like stepping into a piece of living art.

While the curves are eye-catching, the real strength lies in clever geometry. Or, in one word... TRIANGLES:

• Built for Strength: Triangles are like the spine of architecture. They distribute weight evenly, meaning Dalí could go all out on the open spaces without worrying about the building falling apart.

• Breaking the Rules: Dalí played with non-Euclidean geometry (essentially, only unique designs) which let him create something truly unique.

Dalí’s architectural choices brought real benefits beyond just aesthetics:

• Natural Light and Ventilation: The curved shapes allow sunlight to stream in beautifully and improve airflow, making the museum feel bright and open.

• Sound That Travels: The flowing design also helps distribute sound evenly, enhancing the experience for performances and exhibitions.

(Side note: check out Salvador Dalí’s autobiography, “The Secret Life of Salvador Dali” to learn more about his life & work.)

So, what’s the takeaway from all these architectural oddities? They’re a solid reminder that physics is the backbone of some of the most awe-inspiring designs on the planet, and these structures prove that creativity and science are more co-conspirators than opposites. Next time you see a building that makes you say, “How is that even standing?”, just remember: there’s probably a ton of physics at work behind the scenes. And if you’re into architecture or just want to impress your friends with random facts, take a deeper dive into these architectural marvels and others!

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