‘That’s It, I’m Architecture Shaming’: 40 Architecture Examples That Look So Bad, People Just Had To Shame Them
Some buildings will absolutely fascinate you with their stunning designs, genius architectural decisions, and the sheer power of their aesthetics. This article isn’t about these kinds of buildings, however. Nope! Not all buildings are made equal, you see, and the ‘bad’ ones need to be shamed publicly so that others don’t copy their designs. So we’ll be focusing exclusively on just plain terrible architectural decisions.
And the worst of the worst end up on the ‘That’s It, I’m Architecture Shaming’ Facebook group where users mercilessly prod and poke bad design. It’s fun, it’s educational, it’s something cool to scroll through during your next coffee break.
Remember to upvote your fave photos that you love to hate and be sure to follow the architecture-shaming Facebook group if you like their stuff. They’re a growing community with awesome content.
Bored Panda spoke about what separates good and bad design, the need to democratize the access to quirky private property designs, as well as about the roles that architecture plays with an expert in the field from Sweden who has a background in urban planning. You’ll find our full interview with her below.
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I Dunno, Slim Doesn't Seem To Be Digging This Situation
This Pillar Was Straight Last Week. This Is The First Floor Of A Seven-Floor Building
I Do Not Give A Damn How Well It’s Cantilevered Or How Strong The Struts Are. I Do Not Have The Kind Of Luck It Would Take To Set Foot In This House
The Sweden-based urban planning expert explained to Bored Panda that while public spaces must meet safety and accessibility standards, aesthetic standards can be much more fluid for buildings. The expert spoke to Bored Panda on the condition that she remain anonymous. (Remember, just because you're an expert in something and want to be helpful doesn't mean that you always like the limelight... unlike quirky architecture which just begs you to look at it!)
“Most of the time, the elements of the built environment should be in harmony amidst each other and with the surroundings. However, sometimes, something bolder and out-of-the-box might form an engaging contrast,” she said. However, the urban planning expert shared with Bored Panda that, in her personal opinion, our built environments have to engage us, as well as stimulate our minds and senses. In fact, she believes that architecture’s ability to make us think is one of its most powerful aspects.
The Cactus Is *chef’s Kiss
This Is Not Photoshopped
That Gives Me Anxiety
And this, my dear children, is why we learn basic measurements in school
“There are circumstances where the architecture should create a sense of calmness and safety, yet there are instances in which it is not bad if the architecture provokes us and makes us think, ‘Why don't I like the look of this building?’”
The urban planner said that we should give people the freedom to express themselves as they wish when it comes to designing their private property. As long as they have the means, nearly everything is allowed, in her opinion.
Opera And Ballet Theatre Of Cheboksary (Russia)
Top: original picture
Bottom: slightly photoshopped picture
A Friend Of Mine Cross-Posted This And It Made Me Think Of Y’all
I Might Like This If Those Were Slides
“Quirky architecture comes from our innate desire to demonstrate our uniqueness. However, not everyone who has the means has an average taste for aesthetics. Yet, as long as it is for the people who inhabit or use their private space, I mean why not?” she told Bored Panda that as long as you’re not actively harming anyone else with how bad your designs are, you should be able to be as unique as you want. Even if it falls short of objective aesthetic standards.
Who Remembers Those Gerbil Enclosures That Look Like This?
This Looks Like A Place A Villain Would Live
I’ll Meet Your Brutalism, And Raise You This
However, the expert acknowledged that others in the industry might not see things the way that she does. Others, she said, believe that private property must be in harmony with the surroundings.
“But, I think that we should not cross that thin line where architecture becomes reserved for only the wealthy and for those with ‘good taste’ (whoever decides that). I’m only talking about private property here, though. When it comes to public space, there should be a consensus between the public and the professional about the design,” she said that the rules for the private and public spheres are very different.
Um... What Is This?
using natural insulation for a green effect, large windows, lots of decks, efficient look. I like it as well
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It may look fluffy but it's sharp. I think that's marram grass.
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It's a hotel in the Netherlands, and in the Summer, it's quite pretty! https://www.priceline.com/hotel-deals/h110384704/NL/Zeeland/Zoutelande/Duinhotel-Tien-Torens-Seayou-Zeeland.html
Ah, OK. I guessed Scandinavia but Netherlands makes sense.
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This looks better that the other yellow pyramid type of house posted here.
Don’t know, but the top part sure looks like it’s meant for human sacrifices.
I don't hate it, but all that grass could be converted to a vegetable garden.
Thats the most ecological choice here because it's probably marram grass, they fixes the dunes and their seeds have a very short life so the building can help to fix the dunes by sending some seeds around. And they are adapted to aridity, can have 5 meters long roots (who fix dunes). In my place they are highly protected, that's forbidden to hurt them, break them or remove them.
Load More Replies... Good light, natural insulation, no rain gutters to clean. I think it's pretty cool. In the summer the grass is likely a pretty greeen.
Nothing wrong with this one. I like it. It does look like a sunken ship on land
The building looks like it should have a Energy Star! I love it. I got a question can I have lemongrass instead hmm...
This reminds me of a place that makes Scottish whiskey (I've forgotten what its name is) it looked like the hill-house thing in tellytubbies
It looks like the bottom half of a cruise ship sailed without the top half. But i actually kinda like it.Great idea for apartments, everyone gets their own bit of outdoor space. I bet it's kind of pretty when the grass is growing and people have probably festooned (sorry, never get to use that word as much as might like) their patios w.ith plants and flowers and festive (there i go again) decorations. Wonder where this place is?
I really like this! I love the grass that envelops it and it looks very eco-friendly.
I mean it’s not the worst, if those plants were green or maybe were flowers instead it could be quite cool
i kinda like it, i wish the grass on the building was a little less depressing but i'd take quick beach access even if it involved living in a concrete box with only one window
Oh. A miniature arcology. Water it with enough startup money and it'll grow into a grimdark cyberpunk horror city.
Early Eco-Friendlism gone horribly, horribly wrong, thereby setting the whole movement back by decades, or at least until Lord of the Rings was released and everyone on the design team, on seeing the Hobbit homes, went, "Ohhhhhhh. That's what the client meant."
For anybody who is wondering where this is, it's a hotel in Zeeland in the Netherlands and it's called Duinhotel Tien Torens.
Like a cruise liner. Very nice, unoverlooked terraces. Gets my upvote.
this isnt bad,. I can see it in futuristic cities with a linear garden going all around
I thought for a moment that it was encased in shaggy pile carpet.
This is what the Aztecs would have built if they were new age hippies.
It's beach front/side apartments. I wanna know where and how much they cost.
When you hire an ancient Mayan to design your Holiday Inn Express
No-one thought of the fire hazard?....or allergies,asthma or hay-fever...I itch just looking at it..
I think Frank Lloyd Wright would love how it doesn't disturb it's natural environment. There are many wonderful views. I think I like it.
Artsy hotel that makes you feel like you are part of the landscape. Nice.
Just needs a flock of sheep or goats to keep the grass under control
It looks like someone plucked the top off of a cruise ship and put it on land.
I read a book once and there was some alien species in the book that live in houses sort of like that
Is it Autumn/Winter? It would look even better if it turned green. The brown makes it look like fur
Zoutelande, the Netherlands :D It's a beautifull hotel!
I bet it looks better in the summer when that grass is greener. I like it regardless.
Very cool especially in a climate in which it doesn't rain too often. Creative, I like it
If that hay-like bushes vegetation was replaced with regular garden, it would be actually amazing.
Art Nouveau On Psychedelics
I Wonder Who Thought This Would Be A Good Idea
The urban planning expert also had some advice when it comes to design. “Firstly, even though I often advocate for unconventionally looking buildings, I do not encourage purposefully provocative architecture. The building should be designed with the intention to accommodate and protect society. It should create a sense of safety but not be boring,” she told Bored Panda that we ought to strike a balance between uniqueness and service, expression and community.
“Sharkitecture”
Can We All Just Take A Moment And Acknowledge That Prince Produced Some Great Music, But He Lived In A Water Treatment Station
The “Snail House” In Bulgaria Actually Does Look Like A Snail
What’s more, the expert from Sweden pointed out that accessibility, inclusiveness, and empowerment should also be key features of any architectural project. “Also, I prefer somewhat complex but systemic designs. Minimalistic and box like floor plans are good in some cases where easy access is necessary (for example, hospitals) yet they can be completely mind-numbing while more complex floor plan designs are more mind-stimulating (for example, good for schools, in my opinion).”
Toilet-Shaped House (Named Haewoojae), Built By Sim Jae-Duck, The Chairman Of The Organizing Committee Of The Inaugural General Assembly Of The World Toilet Association
Interesting Concept
A House I Used To Drive Past In A Little Iowa Town. All I Ever Heard From Locals Was That This Place Had A Terrible Leaking Problem When It Rained
I think you got the wrong place, Giza. You might be in de-Nile about it, check with your mummy. Carrying these puns is hurting my back, I'd best go see a Cairo-practor.
At the time of writing, the ‘That’s It, I’m Architecture Shaming’ community had 64.1k members. However, it’s growing so rapidly, that by the time you’re reading this, dear Pandas, that number could be much, much higher. Just in the last week alone, the group grew by over 7.3k members. And they’ve made upwards of a thousand posts in the last month.
They Drew The Line At A Fountain In The Kitchen
You Too Can Have Your Own White Castle
I Will Haunt Your Dreams! Residential Building In Belgium
Because of this fast growth and the issues that came with it, the administrator of the ‘Architecture Shaming’ group, Oregon-based Matthew Brühn, addressed the community and the changes that took place in April. In short, the rules are much more structured now.
I Think Syndrome From The Incredibles Lived Here
Bangkok's Elephant Building. The Tusks Are A Bowling Alley In My Imagination
Why?
Matthew pointed out that the admins have been getting tired of the “massive influx of negativity” that came with more and more members joining the community. While the admin expressed his admiration for how wonderful many members are, he also noted that the group will start filtering out overly-aggressive posts.
Saw This On A Walk Today. A Table Lamp, In A Glass Box, Hanging From The Roof Of A Carport
This Is Plane Awesome
Spotted This Gem In Tel Aviv
“Don’t take it personally; we’re just trying to create an atmosphere where we can all have fun and be kind. There’s now the equivalent of a small city of us all here now, so that will be more difficult,” Matthew pointed out. He added that mentions of politics and religion will be deleted while all potential new members have to answer some questions before they get in. Which, at the end of the day, leads to a friendlier and happier community that, we're sure, plenty of you Pandas will want to join.
Kind Of Reminds Me Of A Church (Granted, A Strange One) But It’s Actually A House With A 6,000 Sq. Ft. Garage… And Its Own Car Wash
Surrealist Neighborhood
Forbidden Waffle In Santiago
This Building Has My City In A Uproar
Please Don't Take It Too Seriously, Just A Surprised House
This Place Is All Curb Appeal
The Glorious Flower Of Communist Brutalism That Is The Former Central Post Office In Skopje, Macedonia. Some People Want It Preserved
Definitely preserve it! Might not be pretty but it certainly is unique and a sign of the times.
Just
I’ve Been Looking At Homes Trying To Get Ideas For When We Move In A Few Years And I Came Across A House That Was Perfect In Every Way Except One
What in the ever living fudge is this - one pass thru is ‘eh, but this one has three-at different levels plus the added detriment of the worlds worst architectural detailing around it. Please someone else tell me that you hate this as much as I do. I know it’s probably more interior design but it’s just so ugly.
It would have been nice to just have it open plan instead of that weird floating fireplace.
Car Dealership Trying For More Of A Classy Look!
Note: this post originally had 70 images. It’s been shortened to the top 40 images based on user votes.
A lot of these are quirky, whimsical or simply trying. If you want real architectural shame, try the lazyass soulless glass skyscrapers that dominate most cities or the shoebox sized apartments with tiny windows or the cheap concrete slabs that make up a lot of retail units or transport hubs
I like a lot of these; and those I don't like, I still respect for trying something different. Never understood why architecture couldn't be more playful. Everyone loves a Huntervasser or a Gaudi building, why don't we have more like them!?
*Hundertwasser, German for hundred water ;) And I agree, it's art after all.
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Why blame the architect? The building owners decide what they want and the architect follows their ideas. As for shoddy construction, again can't blame the architect.
It’s ‘architecture shaming’, not ‘architect shaming’. Reread the heading.
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I don’t think the majority of these are “architectural shame” they’re architectural creativity. A shame would be structurally unsafely designed. Most of these are quirky & unique & that should be applauded imo
You missed one in this set...Its a church in Poland called Swiatnia Opatrznosci Bozej (Temple of Divine Providence) but by a lot of people its just called "The fruit juicer". Not sure why but i have a hunch... swiatynia-...60bbc1.jpg 
I really don't know whether to upvote the taste catastrophes or the small number of "strange, but I like it" ones.
National Library of Kosovo deserves a mention here! It's pretty quirky! DSC_0811-6...48308e.jpg 
I adore brutalism. I can't explain it, but I want to go inside every time I see one.
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Loved this post. I found some were very interesting and some looked reDICKulous. PS Theron Roberts get a fkn life you muppet!
I love lots of these. What is wrong with trying to be different? It beats boring!
Of course i have no taste but I liked a lot of these. If I had the money to build something that would upset the status quo I'd do it too. Who wants a world full of " little pink houses "?
Some of these, I will bet, have some very interesting people living in them. Definitely not your cookie-cutter suburban.
Love sky scrapers. And respect original designs they add a lot to any city or town
Oh c'mon, make up your mind; some of them were listed on your "really cool and original" count...
Some of these are ok, it's just the stone/woodwork and the roofs. Others are whimsical, but some were just plain awful.
Now you do not need anyone to explain you why most people hate modern art, do you ?
A lot of these are quirky, whimsical or simply trying. If you want real architectural shame, try the lazyass soulless glass skyscrapers that dominate most cities or the shoebox sized apartments with tiny windows or the cheap concrete slabs that make up a lot of retail units or transport hubs
I like a lot of these; and those I don't like, I still respect for trying something different. Never understood why architecture couldn't be more playful. Everyone loves a Huntervasser or a Gaudi building, why don't we have more like them!?
*Hundertwasser, German for hundred water ;) And I agree, it's art after all.
Load More Replies... Why blame the architect? The building owners decide what they want and the architect follows their ideas. As for shoddy construction, again can't blame the architect.
It’s ‘architecture shaming’, not ‘architect shaming’. Reread the heading.
Load More Replies... I don’t think the majority of these are “architectural shame” they’re architectural creativity. A shame would be structurally unsafely designed. Most of these are quirky & unique & that should be applauded imo
You missed one in this set...Its a church in Poland called Swiatnia Opatrznosci Bozej (Temple of Divine Providence) but by a lot of people its just called "The fruit juicer". Not sure why but i have a hunch... swiatynia-...60bbc1.jpg
I really don't know whether to upvote the taste catastrophes or the small number of "strange, but I like it" ones.
National Library of Kosovo deserves a mention here! It's pretty quirky! DSC_0811-6...48308e.jpg
I adore brutalism. I can't explain it, but I want to go inside every time I see one.
Load More Replies... Loved this post. I found some were very interesting and some looked reDICKulous. PS Theron Roberts get a fkn life you muppet!
I love lots of these. What is wrong with trying to be different? It beats boring!
Of course i have no taste but I liked a lot of these. If I had the money to build something that would upset the status quo I'd do it too. Who wants a world full of " little pink houses "?
Some of these, I will bet, have some very interesting people living in them. Definitely not your cookie-cutter suburban.
Love sky scrapers. And respect original designs they add a lot to any city or town
Oh c'mon, make up your mind; some of them were listed on your "really cool and original" count...
Some of these are ok, it's just the stone/woodwork and the roofs. Others are whimsical, but some were just plain awful.
Now you do not need anyone to explain you why most people hate modern art, do you ?
