Mimetic architecture – a structure built in a form that mimics its function – this became popular in in the early- to mid-20th century.
The National Fisheries Development Board in Hyderabad, India is a good example of this type of architecture. This aquatic structure is the headquarters for the National Fisheries Development Board, in Hyderabad, India, though it’s colloquially referred to as “the fish building.” Impressive enough in the daylight, at night, blue spotlights shine on the building, creating the illusion that the fish is swimming through the city.
Built in 2012, the giant fish-shaped building looks like it is swimming in mid-air. Rectangular scale-like windows puncture its silver body, while a hollow mouth has been punched into the front and it has blue glass for eyes. Its address, according to Google, is the “Fish Building.”
The three-story, 1,920-square-meter structure was designed this way by the Central Public Works Department of India for the simple reason that the work done inside relates to fishing. “As Hyderabad is the head office of India’s fisheries department, the government wanted it to be unique.
Images of the NFDB have gone viral globally, and it is considered one of the biggest, boldest and crudest examples of mimetic architecture.