Buildings Around the World Inspired by Birds

Across the globe unique buildings draw inspiration from birds. Certain structures mimic nests, while others are literal avian forms. Here are several bird-inspired buildings to visit worldwide. 

A place of worship for all religions, Bukit Rhema is commonly called the chicken church, but the designer modeled the building after a pigeon. From its crown, the building offers views of the Borobudur Temple (the largest Buddhist temple in the world). 

Perched high in the trees, the Varua Te Ora Polynesian Spa features a treatment suite designed to resemble fare manu. A Tahitian word meaning bird house. The nest-like structure is built high in the trees, surrounded by a lush tropical canopy. 

The Bird´s Nest accommodation at the Tree Hotel invites guests to spend the night suspended among pine trees near the Arctic Circle. The exterior is reminiscent of a gigantic bird’s nest, camouflaging it with the surroundings. 

The old TWA Flight Center at JFK Airport mimics a bird in flight with sweeping concrete wing-like forms. Originally completed in 1962, it was recently restored as the TWA Hotel with two new wings to house 513 guest rooms. 

Built on the shores of the Río de la Plata, El Águila resembles an eagle’s head. It’s a stone house that was built in 1945 for an Italian millionaire. 

Modeled after the structure of weaver birds’ nests, the Chisa Busanga Camp has four guest rooms with exteriors woven from sticks and branches collected around the National Park. The immersive guest rooms don’t disturb the natural landscape. 

Drawing inspiration from bird wings, the Quadracci Pavilion at the Milwaukee Art Museum features aerodynamic structures. Dramatic wing-like panels open and close over the main hall, creating the illusion of a bird taking flight. 

The facade of the Zoomlion Exhibition Center is made of hinged steel and glass. It has hydraulic arms that open and close to mimic the movements of an eagle’s wings. Eagles are a traditional symbol of leadership in Chinese culture. 

Inspired by a falcon’s wings in flight, the Zayed National Museum takes on a bird-like shape. Five lightweight steel towers of varying height evoke the feathered wings of the UAE’s national bird. 

Embracing its avian inspiration, The Big Duck is shaped exactly like a duck. Visitors find it in Flanders, where a store sells duck memorabilia inside this building listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

The Beijing National Stadium is nicknamed the “Bird’s Nest” because of its intricate steel lattice resembling a bird’s nest, but it actually draws inspiration from traditional Chinese ceramics. It was designed for the 2008 Summer Olympics. 

The Segara Retreat safari lodge has a guest room inspired by a bird’s nest. The bird nest accommodation is open-air, allowing safari goers to sleep under the stars and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding conservation area. The structure is built on stilts and woven from natural elements.