Top 10 Strangest University Buildings in the World

A building at La Trobe University (Australia) is shaped like a molecular structure, while The Hive at Nanyang Technological University (Singapore) is inspired by a beehive.

Unique University Buildings Around the World

1. La Trobe Institute of Molecular Science, La Trobe University (Australia)
2. The Hive, Nanyang Technological University (Singapore)
3. Weisman Art Museum, University of Minnesota (USA)
4. Sharp Design Center, Ontario College of Art and Design (Canada)
5. Kuggen Building, University of Gothenburg (Sweden)
6. West Campus Union, Duke University (USA)
7. The Diamond, Bangkok University (Thailand)
8. Building C13, Wrocław University of Science and Technology (Poland)
9. Arts West Building, University of Melbourne (Australia)
10. UTS Business School, University of Technology Sydney (Australia)

When thinking about world-renowned universities, you might picture ancient buildings or dimly lit old libraries. However, across campuses in various countries, many modern, unique buildings leave a strong impression.

1. La Trobe Institute of Molecular Science, La Trobe University (Australia)

Photo: Times Higher Education.

The La Trobe Institute of Molecular Science building was inaugurated in 2013, located on the Melbourne campus of La Trobe University. It impresses with its inspiration drawn from molecular structures, reflecting the research conducted within. For example, the windows resemble interconnected atoms, and the columns of the building are shaped like the letters X and Y, symbolizing chromosomes.

2. The Hive, Nanyang Technological University (Singapore)

Photo: Supanut Arunoprayote.

The circular structures of the learning hub at Nanyang Technological University are inspired by the shape of a beehive, hence the name The Hive. Designed by Thomas Heatherwick, the building facilitates the “flipped classroom” teaching method, where students preview online lectures and then come to class to delve deeper into the topics through discussion.

3. Weisman Art Museum, University of Minnesota (USA)

Photo: Regents of the University of Minnesota.

Designed by Frank Gehry, renowned for the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, this building features two distinct facades. One side has a brick front, allowing the museum to blend with the historic architecture surrounding it, while the other is clad in stainless steel, with angular, curving forms.

4. Sharp Design Center, Ontario College of Art and Design (Canada)

Photo: OCAD University.

Opened in 2004, the Sharp Design Center is one of the most recognizable buildings in Toronto. The building features black and white tiles, resembling a prominent table resting on 12 light-colored steel columns, situated next to the oldest building on campus. This creates a stark contrast between the two architectural styles.

5. Kuggen Building, University of Gothenburg (Sweden)

Photo: Andrzej Otrębski.

The red cylindrical building at the University of Gothenburg employs the latest green building technologies and houses the university’s master’s program in game design. The term “Kuggen” in Swedish translates to “cog” in English, symbolizing the connection between academia and the fields of media and digital communication studied within the building.

6. West Campus Union, Duke University (USA)

Photo: Duke University.

When the West Campus Union at Duke University in North Carolina needed renovation, architects not only restored the original design from the 1920s but also enhanced it. The glass box design connects the old and the new, serving as a modern gateway between the neo-Gothic architecture of the original campus buildings and the social spaces for students.

7. The Diamond, Bangkok University (Thailand)

Photo: Times Higher Education.

Inspired by unrefined diamonds, The Diamond building at Bangkok University is designed to reflect the school’s mission of awakening the inherent creativity of its students. This building serves as a gateway into the campus, featuring ample open spaces for study, along with classrooms, studios, and a software incubation center.

8. Building C13, Wrocław University of Science and Technology (Poland)

Photo: Bartek Sadowski.

The C13 student center at Wrocław University of Science and Technology features seemingly randomly placed circular windows, making it stand out from the classical buildings around it. It showcases modern Polish architecture and is a favorite spot for students.

9. Arts West Building, University of Melbourne (Australia)

Photo: University of Melbourne.

The facade of the Arts West building at the University of Melbourne is highlighted by metallic “fins.” From a distance, one can see the embossed images of objects and sculptures from the university’s collection. Inside the building are several specialized classrooms with custom solar and temperature control, allowing students to interact closely with the collection of ancient artifacts without damaging them.

10. UTS Business School, University of Technology Sydney (Australia)

Photo: University of Technology Sydney.

The UTS Business School at the University of Technology Sydney opened its doors in 2015 and is another remarkable structure designed by Frank Gehry. Critics quickly compared it to a crumpled brown paper bag, leading the Governor-General of Australia, Peter Cosgrove, to declare it the “most beautiful crumpled brown paper bag I have ever seen.”