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Architecture and design are fascinating topics. There’s a seemingly never-ending discussion about the right balance between function and form, and we’ve recently written about the importance of ordinary beauty, as well as the disturbing trend of design homogenization. So naturally, we believe that aesthetics and artistic expression are definitely worth protecting. Here’s the issue though: should aesthetics trump safety?

To help you ponder this question, we’re featuring some of the very best posts from the r/ArchitectureForAdults subreddit (and a select few from elsewhere). It’s a niche online community that has a very unique perspective on the world. The members share photos and videos of truly gorgeous architectural and engineering designs that flirt with the line between safe and unsafe.

Scroll down and upvote your fave pics! Let us know which of these designs wowed you the most… and which scared the bejesus outta ya! If you’re anything like me and have a not-so-subtle fear of heights and falling, then you might want to hang on to your hats, Pandas. You’re about to get a big dose of vertigo. Go on ahead, I’ll be right with you, I just need to collect myself for a bit.

Bored Panda got in touch with an urban planner and designer from Sweden to get her opinion about the r/ArchitectureForAdults subreddit. She was kind enough to share her thoughts about safety and security in public spaces, as well as why the sub's tagline might not work in real life.

#1

Mural On The Back Of Acme Incorporated

Mural On The Back Of Acme Incorporated

jabbett Report

Stephanie Did It
Community Member
4 years ago

Wyle E. Coyote must love this place.

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    #2

    Almost Pulled A Michael Scott While Delivering Groceries Today

    Almost Pulled A Michael Scott While Delivering Groceries Today

    Samxvalle Report

    10C Niranjan Karthik
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    This is beautiful

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    #3

    You Don‘T Need To Be Drunk Anymore

    You Don‘T Need To Be Drunk Anymore

    Zerfallsgesetz Report

    Nathaniel
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    My eyes are screwed up enough as it is.

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    #4

    "Stairs"

    "Stairs"

    Mod-Bait69 Report

    TheAquarius1978
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    Dude, i'm blind from my left eye which means i have no depth perception, which causes me vertigo, in sum, i would probably die of broken neck syndrome on these stairs....

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    #5

    This Staircase

    This Staircase

    whitae Report

    Sergy Yeltsen
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    Forget about walking on them while drunk, I couldn't do it if I was sober.

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    #6

    All These Houses Are Connected By A Pool

    All These Houses Are Connected By A Pool

    Starlord2047 Report

    Tomasz Zakrzewski
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    On the one hand, this is really cool. On the other, maintenance and changing water must be hell, and stupidly wasteful.

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    #7

    In The 20’s, Fiat Had A Test Track On Top Of Their Production Warehouse

    In The 20’s, Fiat Had A Test Track On Top Of Their Production Warehouse

    piefordays Report

    fabian christoph krebs
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    it´s still there an you can take bus trips on it

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    #8

    Bruh

    Bruh

    abyigit Report

    TheAquarius1978
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    Nop, and i'm a pretty goog driver, but still no

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    #9

    Just Don’t Swing It Side To Side Too Much

    Just Don’t Swing It Side To Side Too Much

    TraumaticAcid Report

    Trillian
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    It's not as bad as it looks. It's Pontcysyllte Aqueduct - Trevor, Wrexham, Wales. Search for pictures and you can see that the sides are actually a bit higher than the angle makes it look. No way you could row your canoe over the edge.

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    #10

    Construction Of The Hindenburg- Yes, Those Are Ladders

    Construction Of The Hindenburg- Yes, Those Are Ladders

    TheBirdman532 Report

    Mommitude Attitude
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    Did they make these ladders specifically for this?

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    #11

    These Obstacles Are Almost Invisible On The Bike Lane

    These Obstacles Are Almost Invisible On The Bike Lane

    reddit.com Report

    Marcus Fegent
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    Yikes

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    #12

    What Was Their First Idea, Stairs Made Made From Piles Of Rusty Nails?

    What Was Their First Idea, Stairs Made Made From Piles Of Rusty Nails?

    jonmpls Report

    TheAquarius1978
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    Well this actually makes sence If you want to cover all your bases, off you fall down a flight of stairs you may brake your neck and die but its not a sure thing, but here it is, even if you don't die from a broken neck, sure as f**k you Will die from brain trauma, after hitting those boulders with your head...

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    #13

    Meteora Monasteries, Greece

    Meteora Monasteries, Greece

    fleebinflobbin Report

    Robert T
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    I've visited several of them. Truly fascinating places. One was famously used in a Bond film. Most of them now have some kind of access. This one would appear to have a "cable car" - you can see the wires and terminus right by the Greek flag.

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    #14

    The Storseisundet Bridge In Norway

    The Storseisundet Bridge In Norway

    petershaw_ Report

    Anyone-for-tea?
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    This is beautiful, don’t think this belongs here.

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    #15

    This 1930s Design Let You Hang Your Baby Over The Side Of A Building In A Cage

    This 1930s Design Let You Hang Your Baby Over The Side Of A Building In A Cage

    Honeyontoast123 Report

    Brandon Marlowe
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    Fresh air,.. check. Sunshine,.. check. Pigeon droppings,.. check. Lifelong acrophobia,.. check.

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    Never miss a story that brings joy to the world. Add us on Google

    #16

    Step Out Of A Bathtub Down A Flight Of Stairs, Anyone?

    Step Out Of A Bathtub Down A Flight Of Stairs, Anyone?

    TheLoneGinger9 Report

    Vier WB
    Community Member
    4 years ago (edited)

    Slip n slide.

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    #17

    This Architect Accidentally Built A Death Ray That Melts Cars And Fries Eggs... Again

    This Architect Accidentally Built A Death Ray That Melts Cars And Fries Eggs... Again

    badsalad Report

    Astra-nomical
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    Again?!

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    #18

    The Cannonball Loop Waterslide, A Slide So Dangerous It Was Shutdown Almost Immediately After Opening

    The Cannonball Loop Waterslide, A Slide So Dangerous It Was Shutdown Almost Immediately After Opening

    metricrules Report

    The Crushinator
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    Whoooo Action Park!

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    #19

    Yes, It’s A Door

    Yes, It’s A Door

    Report

    Sue Lynn Chan
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    For Superman?

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    #20

    Hope You Don’t Drop Anything

    Hope You Don’t Drop Anything

    IrishPubstar Report

    T.
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    Guys I know we just arrived, but I need to pee.

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    #21

    On The Floor Of Doctor's Office. If You Trip On It, You're In The Right Place

    On The Floor Of Doctor's Office. If You Trip On It, You're In The Right Place

    Chriss899 Report

    Kayjunmoon
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    Ok, I own up. I love this but it would have to be on a part of the floor where no one walks.

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    #22

    A Footbridge With Knee-High Sides

    A Footbridge With Knee-High Sides

    MaxPowerzs Report

    Nathaniel
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    Do not attempt if drunk.

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    #23

    Indian Stepwells | The Construction Of Stepwells Is Mainly Utilitarian, Though They May Include Embellishments Of Architectural Significance, And Be Temple Tanks

    Indian Stepwells | The Construction Of Stepwells Is Mainly Utilitarian, Though They May Include Embellishments Of Architectural Significance, And Be Temple Tanks

    wikipedia_it Report

    Nathaniel
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    Every day is leg day.

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    #24

    Stairwell In A Hotel I Stayed In

    Stairwell In A Hotel I Stayed In

    Hun10dog Report

    excuse.you
    Community Member
    4 years ago (edited)

    I will probably be gripping on to the handrail like a baby koala riding the back of a cat walking across a tightrope upside down while having fire being thrown at it while being 500.00000000000000001million metres above a pool full of dolphins and skinwalkers.

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    #25

    Oh No

    Oh No

    Chriss899 Report

    Awkward lady
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    I'm getting vertigo just looking at it!

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    #26

    Window That Turns Into A Balcony

    Window That Turns Into A Balcony

    TheGr8Canadian Report

    Sasha
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    "why are there footprints on your window?"

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    #27

    I Don't Even Know Where To Begin

    I Don't Even Know Where To Begin

    drillbit16 Report

    Brandi Delph
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    I actually like this a lot. I would fall and die the very first time I used the stairs, but I do like the aesthetic

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    #28

    Looks Too Easy To Slip And Fall

    Looks Too Easy To Slip And Fall

    desraR Report

    Janine Schmitz
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    the Rakotz-Bridge was not intended to be used - stepping onto it is prohibited. It was only built to look nice as a garden architecture highlight.

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    #29

    Wavy Stairs To Make Going Downstairs More Fun

    Wavy Stairs To Make Going Downstairs More Fun

    mugbee0 Report

    Astra-nomical
    Community Member
    4 years ago (edited)

    The way I'd step in every wrong spot and plummet down the stairs

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    #30

    Hammock Bathtub

    Hammock Bathtub

    LagoonRoom Report

    Béatrice Gallet
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    My big concerne would be : how to clean under it with all of the dusty Peebles ?

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    #31

    This Infinity Pool

    This Infinity Pool

    DaPizzaDoctah Report

    Brandon Marlowe
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    To infinity and beyond!

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    #32

    Emergency Exit Looks Like Emergency By Itself

    Emergency Exit Looks Like Emergency By Itself

    Report

    Astra-nomical
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    If there's a fire or anything you just have to do some parkour! Super easy when there is impending doom! :D

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    #33

    I Always Wanted A Treehouse

    I Always Wanted A Treehouse

    deadburgerboy Report

    Trillian
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    Baba Yaga?

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    #34

    What Kind Of Stairs Is That Even????

    What Kind Of Stairs Is That Even????

    Lolammo Report

    Laura Ketteridge
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    These stairs are great. Instead of each tread using up the width of the staircase, you can fit in two steps. This is wonderful for confined spaces. It takes up about the same space as a ladder, but it's steps instead of rungs. The photograph has been taken from the top of the stairs, looking down. The steps are flat triangles. Start of with your right foot, then left on the next step down, continue until the bottom of the stairs.

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    #35

    Train To Machu Picchu With A Balcony

    Train To Machu Picchu With A Balcony

    robotevil Report

    MiriPanda
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    Yeah, so? I would certainly stand on that balcony.

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    #36

    Skyslide At OUE Skyspace In Los Angeles, CA | An Outdoor Glass Slide That’s Attached To The Exterior Of The U.S. Bank Tower. The Skyslide Is 45 Feet Long, About Four Feet Wide And Made Entirely With 1.25-Inch Glass. Visitors Glide From The 70th To The 69th Floor. Now Permanently Closed

    Skyslide At OUE Skyspace In Los Angeles, CA | An Outdoor Glass Slide That’s Attached To The Exterior Of The U.S. Bank Tower. The Skyslide Is 45 Feet Long, About Four Feet Wide And Made Entirely With 1.25-Inch Glass. Visitors Glide From The 70th To The 69th Floor. Now Permanently Closed

    wikipedia_it Report

    Nitka Tsar
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    Why is it closed? Do I want to know?

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    #37

    Internal Staircase For People Who Like Every Trip To Be An Adventure, And No Longer Have Children

    Internal Staircase For People Who Like Every Trip To Be An Adventure, And No Longer Have Children

    MightyTribble Report

    Astra-nomical
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    Who needs kids when you can have... ✨Fancy stairs!✨ Now with even less railing!

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    #38

    These Urinals Where You Can Look Out To The Street. Windows Aren’t Tinted At All So You Can Also See In. Even Has A Sink On Top Of Each One

    These Urinals Where You Can Look Out To The Street. Windows Aren’t Tinted At All So You Can Also See In. Even Has A Sink On Top Of Each One

    Starlord2047 Report

    Brandon Marlowe
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    Nothing to see here. move along.

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    #39

    The Statue Of Liberty’s Torch, New York, NY

    The Statue Of Liberty’s Torch, New York, NY

    The torch has been closed since the "Black Tom" explosion of July 30, 1916, which was one of the largest acts of sabotage to our nation prior to the event of pearl harbor on December 7, 1941

    wikipedia_it Report

    M O'Connell
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    It was closed because shrapnel from the explosion struck the statue, and caused damage to the arm. Visitors were putting undue stress on that part of the statue anyway, and the decision was made to close it off. You can visit the original torch (replaced in 1986) in the museum.

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    #40

    Adult Transportation

    Adult Transportation

    pinkflyingpigs Report

    Trillian
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    Wow that is rather steep for a zip line

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    #41

    The Hanging Temple In China, And It’s Thigh High Guard Rails

    The Hanging Temple In China, And It’s Thigh High Guard Rails

    Komex_ Report

    Katie Lutesinger
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    Going up there would definitely make me suddenly feel the need to get religion.

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    #42

    Couldn’t Get A Good Seat? Risk Your Life Trying To Watch The Game!

    Couldn’t Get A Good Seat? Risk Your Life Trying To Watch The Game!

    tdalbert Report

    Nimues Child
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    There are not enough "nopes" in all the world for this scenario.

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    #43

    Montagne De Bueren Staircase In Liège, Belgium | In 2013, It Was Ranked As #1 On The Huffington Post's List Of Most Extreme Staircases

    Montagne De Bueren Staircase In Liège, Belgium | In 2013, It Was Ranked As #1 On The Huffington Post's List Of Most Extreme Staircases

    wikipedia_it Report

    Robert T
    Community Member
    4 years ago (edited)

    Well you'd be huffington and puffington by the time you got to the top!

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    #44

    God Forbid You Have A Baby Or A Little Dog

    God Forbid You Have A Baby Or A Little Dog

    NeogeneRiot Report

    Anna Solan
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    Well, you wouldn't have them for long!

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    #45

    I Can See Many Kids Falling

    I Can See Many Kids Falling

    DoritoPup Report

    Virtually Fabulous
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    Ohh there was a park by my house with one of those... Scared the c**p out of my 8yo self lol

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    #46

    Imagine Going Down On These Stairs

    Imagine Going Down On These Stairs

    burcbuluklu Report

    Ally Joy
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    Beautiful

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    #47

    Hudson Yards Vessel, In New York City, NY | Often Debated On Its Construction For Being Too Easy For Imbeciles To Jump/Fall Off

    Hudson Yards Vessel, In New York City, NY | Often Debated On Its Construction For Being Too Easy For Imbeciles To Jump/Fall Off

    wikipedia_it Report

    Sasha
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    Actually theres much more to this. Ask a mortician (Caitlin) on YouTube did a vid on this and goes into what kind of places people choose to commit suicide, responsible architecture and the general social ramifications of that structure and the project around it

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    #48

    Accident Prone

    Accident Prone

    HibbityBibbityBop Report

    Nimues Child
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    Is this photoshopped? Perspectives look off...

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    #49

    Somebody Told Me To Post This Here

    Somebody Told Me To Post This Here

    IsItKandar Report

    Wilf
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    That's quite common in Victorian worker's houses in the UK. Saves a lot of space.

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    #50

    They Put A Trampoline In The Sky

    They Put A Trampoline In The Sky

    reddit Report

    Gemma Nunn
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    This ones actually not that bad, they built the largest trampoline in the world and if you look at a video in which they use the trampoline the rails are actually pretty high. (it's Drew Dirkson's trampoline btw if u want to look it up)

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    #51

    Paternoster Lifts At Prague City Hall

    Paternoster Lifts At Prague City Hall

    robotevil Report

    GlixDrap
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    I worked in a office in the UK in the early 80s and there was one of these. It covered 5 or 6 floors. Never remember anyone getting hurt using it.

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    #52

    Ponte Dei Salti A Bridge With Knee-High Sides In Ticino (Southern Switzerland)

    Ponte Dei Salti A Bridge With Knee-High Sides In Ticino (Southern Switzerland)

    AimlessCK Report

    Brooke Klein
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    People really are afraid in this post with all the "knee high" bridge photos. You go your whole life without giant walls around you. It's this weird thing called walking

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    #53

    This House Near Goose Creek, Alaska

    This House Near Goose Creek, Alaska

    Cw2e Report

    Nimues Child
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    That is pretty cool. It looks like you could take an old mine cart from top to bottom!

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    #54

    Let Me Show You Around The House.. Wait Don’t Go There!

    Let Me Show You Around The House.. Wait Don’t Go There!

    depressionandregret Report

    M O'Connell
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    Is it a house or a business? Way back it was pretty common to unload goods to a second-floor warehouse above a store. They would already be on a wagon or truck 1/4 of the way up and it was easier than hefting them down to ground level and then back up stairs.

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    #55

    Zen Yikes

    Zen Yikes

    ricochetblue Report

    Debbie Barnes
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    Not as bad as some of the stairs on here. At least you have poles to hold onto.. And it looks so beautiful and neat.

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    #56

    It’s Fine, Nothing To Worry About

    It’s Fine, Nothing To Worry About

    The-Doulingo-Owl Report

    Little king trash mouth
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    Looks like my 3 year old's Lego towers that cause him angst when falling over immediately after construction.

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    #57

    1880 Switchback Railway At The Hotel Arcadia, Santa Monica

    1880 Switchback Railway At The Hotel Arcadia, Santa Monica

    NaotoNakada Report

    Nimues Child
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    Actually, this looks kinda cool.

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    #58

    Massive Retractable Windows On This Train In Switzerland

    Massive Retractable Windows On This Train In Switzerland

    SirConnorMa Report

    Ivana Bašić
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    Old trains in Croatia still have windows like this.

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    #59

    Night At The Drive In

    Night At The Drive In

    illegal_brain Report

    Raven Sheridan
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    Burning Man? 🤔

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    #60

    Just Hop On And Off The Back As The Bus Slows Down

    Just Hop On And Off The Back As The Bus Slows Down

    InterestingComputer5 Report

    Awkward lady
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    This was standard for years in the UK.

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    #61

    Guardrails? We Don't Need No Stinking Guardrails

    Guardrails? We Don't Need No Stinking Guardrails

    PersnickityPenguin Report

    Laura Ketteridge
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    Why would you need guard rails on a bridge like this?

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    #62

    Autobahn, Germany's Highways, Have No Speed Limits

    Autobahn, Germany's Highways, Have No Speed Limits

    thoxo Report

    Trillian
    Community Member
    4 years ago (edited)

    Well that is not entirely true. There are lots of places where a speed limit is in place (the part shown in the pic is 100 to 120 km/h), we just don't have a general speed limit (yet). But yeah, you better look before pulling into the left lane.

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    #63

    Skylight For Adults

    Skylight For Adults

    bp332106 Report

    Nitka Tsar
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    What‘s so bad about this? Are you all really so scared? Don‘t you have common sense anymore?

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    #64

    Spiral Staircase In The Middle Of The House

    Spiral Staircase In The Middle Of The House

    MemberBerryLarry Report

    Kayjunmoon
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    What’s wrong here?

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