Fish Building, India
See the full Unusual building of the week series here.
The unofficially named ‘Fish Building’ is a regional office for the National Fisheries Development Board, located near Hyderabad, India.
The four-storey building was officially opened in April 2012, and was reportedly inspired by Frank Gehry's monumental ‘Fish’ sculpture in Barcelona which was completed in 1992.
The building is an example of mimetic architecture, incorporating elements of the fish form into its functionality. This includes the left pectoral fin doubling as an awning above the staircase to the entrance, and the two circular windows acting as eyes.
The building is clad in stainless steel panels and, apart from the central core, is completely raised off the ground on pale blue pilotis. Blue-purple spotlights illuminate the building at night, giving the impression that the ‘giant fish’ is swimming through Hyderabad.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Big Duck.
- Blobitecture.
- Dancing House, Prague.
- Haines Shoe House.
- India looks at using plastic instead of sand.
- India needs to build more infrastructure fast. Here's how.
- Indian construction industry.
- Indian infrastructure.
- ING House.
- Loyly, Finland.
- Lucy the elephant.
- Mahabat Maqbara, India.
- Mimetic architecture.
- Owl House, South Korea.
- Piano Building.
- Robot Building, Bangkok.
- Sheep and Dog Buildings, Tirau.
- The Big Basket.
- The Headington Shark.
- The Kelpies.
- Unusual building design of the week.
- Vastu Shastra.
- Walt Disney Concert Hall.
- Wonder Egg, Japan.
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
The heritage of nuclear and conventional power stations.
New measures to stop people being ripped off
Government to protect families from cowboy builders and aggressive bailiffs.
New Futurebuild showcase brings an innovation-first approach.
National Planning Policy Framework
Understanding the 2026 changes.
ECA's public affairs priorities
Member consultation opens to shape priorities for 2027 to 2030.
Dutyholder responsibilities from 1 July 2026.
Where performance meets practice
The Building Envelope Stage at UKCW Birmingham.
CIAT publishes briefing on planning reforms.
Leaders in Learning for Practice Network
Call for conservation leaders in learning to register interest in new network.
The importance of early engagement
Construction lessons from the Trillium HealthWorks Experience Centre.
Mayors are to be given planning call in powers
Mayors across England will be able to make the most important planning decisions.
The Master Builder: William Butterfield and his times. Book review.