ADVERTISEMENT

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.

#2

This Pillar Was Straight Last Week. This Is The First Floor Of A Seven-Floor Building

This Pillar Was Straight Last Week. This Is The First Floor Of A Seven-Floor Building

architectureshaming Report

#3

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

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

architectureshaming Report

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.

ADVERTISEMENT
#5

This Is Not Photoshopped

This Is Not Photoshopped

architectureshaming Report

Add photo comments
POST
lsoo avatar
mihaimara avatar
Mihai Mara
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Actually this is pretty cool and well executed. This is not something to be shamed

mmagcoco avatar
Turnip and a Frog
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The name of the building is “The Crooked House.” It’s located in Sopot, Poland, and is a local attraction. The architect was inspired by abstract painting. I’m not sure if it’s just ugly, or also interesting, I guess it has its moments.

liddlecatpaws avatar
Jo Johannsen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My heart goes out to the construction crews. "Are you sure that goes there?". " No, but that's what the plans say."

krzysztofmazurkiewicz avatar
Shull GaRett
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This one has its Wiki page. its in town called Sopot in Poland. Currently it houses some shops and coffee shops. Just google "Krzywy Domek Sopot"

goskawilkowska avatar
BlockDog02
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Krzywy Domek is written, which is Polish for crooked house (actually little house, the -ek ending makes something smaller or cuter), so ye.

prava-hanuma avatar
yt avatar
Y T
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is not a "coincidence", it's part of an art project.

meinespammailadresse1 avatar
A B C
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"This blueprint is wobbled as kind-of watermark, so you can't use it without paying us for the un-wobbled version" - "hold my beer"

darlahitchcock avatar
Darla Hitchcock
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I LOVE this! Not an easy building to design or build either. I think it's gorgeous and cool!

yannick_chauvet avatar
Yannick Chauvet
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Haha, in Sopot Poland, so many people photograph that house. I'm not even looking at it anymore ;)

olgapurington avatar
Olga Purington
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's in Sopot, Poland. It's really cool. I believe there was a restaurant inside last time I was there.

gbalcerak87 avatar
Greg Balcerak
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's in Sopot Poland :). It doesn't necessarily fit the surroundings (it's located beside the town's promenade) but personally I always found it at least interesting to look at.

robert-thornburrow avatar
Robert T
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's in Sopot on Poland. I've seen it first hand. There is also an upsidedown house in Szymbark.

els_g avatar
Elsker
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That sure is an effortfull piece from the architecture and builder, not to mention decorating a crooked building

paulinajohansson_1 avatar
PaulinaJW
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've seen this when i visited sopot. I think it's creative

ms_lark avatar
Lark
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like it, but the windows probably leak. Odd windows usually do.

news_11 avatar
Sandi Hughes
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Artistically, I love it! Wondering what it looks like on the inside, if the floors make you dizzy. LOL!

marekcieslik avatar
Marek Cieślik
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

FFS, anyone questioning this, the place's website address is displayed right there on the house itself: www.krzywydomek.info - and once you go there, you can click the EN flag icon up top to read more about it.

cgbartist avatar
Catherine Brady
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I feel sorry for the construction workers and especially for the window framers and glass masons. The building screams ,"I'm melting!"

emilystanford_1 avatar
Emixx
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks like a mix of something you'd see in Harry Potter and Dr Seuss

email_9 avatar
Loraine D.G. MacGinness
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Clever 'art'. I think this building is built STRAIGHT' and a clever painter/builder has put 'a front on top to fool the public !! it's working !!!

email_9 avatar
Loraine D.G. MacGinness
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love this, I would love to ' live in a house like this' ! Where is it, a visit would be great.

emmalovesherheels avatar
Emma Love
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It the Alice and Wonder Land effect right before a migraine. But without the pain,very nice.

lisa_tetlow_5 avatar
Lisa Tetlow
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Architect must have been high when designing this. Either that or the builder.

sue_koches avatar
Sue Koches
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Frank Gehry - look him up. He does this stuff all the time.

gilda_farrell avatar
Gilda Farrell
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think that's so much fun. Like a building in a children's book. Or a Hundertwasser building which is considered art.

danny_3 avatar
Daniel Boulet
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Krzywy Domek in Sopot, Poland. One of my all-time favourite buildings.

dawnmetcalf1 avatar
Dawn Boichut
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Of course, I could understand if its in Barcelona, if it was Gaudi, but it seems not;

danabramsky avatar
Dan Abramsky
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is fantabulous! Nothing less than a 21st century Gaudi! It's Mozart if he'd been an architect today.

galloway1947 avatar
June Galloway
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

must have been on LSD when they came up with this idea, also the person in tan coat looks like they are wearing a horse collar, right?

asperrated avatar
Asper Rated
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can't stand this type of thing. It's different for the sole reason of being different.

agentkajo avatar
Joanna Popiołek
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

it is located in Sopot, Poland and it was designed like this. We call it Krzywy Domek.

vcharro avatar
Veda Charrow
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Actually, I think it’s brilliant. Looks like something out of a fairytale—or maybe a nightmare...

princessemtp81 avatar
Snuggle_Duck🦆
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They included the website so people who not to hire to build another nightmare inducing building!

diana-murtaugh avatar
Diana Murtaugh
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Personally, I love it. Makes me think the new is forcing itself, and the old is stubbornly holding it back.

ediebellocchio avatar
Edie Bellocchio
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OMG. Is this real??? I wouldn't want to shop anywhere near this!!!

ceebee020713 avatar
Cee Bee
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wonder what it was like to get furniture into that place, carpets, drapes etc.

redwych04 avatar
Lauretta Riddle
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would deliberately go out of my way to avoid walking past that place. Im getting dizzy just looking at a picture of it

garyfrench avatar
Solidhog
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Last nights drinking session was heavier than I thought!

auroradarc avatar
Pangolin Pal
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How do you even build something like this? It looks like it was built and then melted down with a magnifying glass. . .

veryne avatar
Deena Salzman
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love this! The buildings looks soft, like the two on the outside are smushing the one in the middle.

mgjochem avatar
Cain Hargreaves
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Someone build me a house like this, please? That would be amazing.

aydenhenderson avatar
Ayden Henderson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

this here my dear children,is why we do angle's in 4rth grade math class 3rd period

ladygoodwrench avatar
HammerzToe
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd hate to try to buy window treatments for this building.

alexhamilton avatar
Alex Hamilton
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Utterly wonderful. I knew I should not have had that fourth whisky.

sarahrose888 avatar
Sarah
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Gaudi and Dali had a shared hallucination and this was its baby.

miriamemendelson avatar
Mimi M
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

1) Makes me queasy. 2) Are those broken windows I see?

grafxgal60073 avatar
grafxgal60073
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh man, made me feel oogy and I haven't had a drink in over a year.

marythepoem avatar
Mary Peace
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I see they sell coffee, but no alcohol or mind-altering substances, right? Because you wouldn't need them.

momesq910 avatar
Coleen
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It looks cool, but I can't begin to imagine what it would cost to replace one of those bent windows if it broke.

hughcooks avatar
Hugh Cookson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Look up the wonky houses in Rotterdam - much more interesting .... These BTW are in Poland

andersmiemietz avatar
AndersM
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Would be fun if the floors followed the front of the building.

roadkillthebrave avatar
Roadkill The Brave
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Dude...no. I love the creativity but I have vertigo issues, even walking in the 'fun' houses at theme parks makes me dizzy and lose balance. That crap would mess me up.

junkmailassassin avatar
Dagnirath
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is what happens when you have the building planning meeting at the local dive bar.

katie-trondsen avatar
KT
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ffs yes it is photoshopped. Other objects are warped not just the building

katerynagedz avatar
Kateryna
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It says "crooked house" in a Slavic language (not sure which one". I find that pretty cool as an art project, but very inconvenient

skatey1979 avatar
Celeste Grant
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I actually think this is great architecture if that's what the client wanted.

shaynameidela avatar
Dorothy Parker
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This gives me actual motion sickness, as does Disney Hall in Los Angeles.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#6

That Gives Me Anxiety

That Gives Me Anxiety

architectureshaming Report

“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.

#7

Opera And Ballet Theatre Of Cheboksary (Russia)

Opera And Ballet Theatre Of Cheboksary (Russia)

Top: original picture
Bottom: slightly photoshopped picture

architectureshaming Report

#8

A Friend Of Mine Cross-Posted This And It Made Me Think Of Y’all

A Friend Of Mine Cross-Posted This And It Made Me Think Of Y’all

architectureshaming , twitter.com Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#9

I Might Like This If Those Were Slides

I Might Like This If Those Were Slides

architectureshaming Report

“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.

ADVERTISEMENT
#11

This Looks Like A Place A Villain Would Live

This Looks Like A Place A Villain Would Live

architectureshaming Report

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.

#14

Art Nouveau On Psychedelics

Art Nouveau On Psychedelics

architectureshaming Report

#15

I Wonder Who Thought This Would Be A Good Idea

I Wonder Who Thought This Would Be A Good Idea

architectureshaming Report

ADVERTISEMENT

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.

#17

Can We All Just Take A Moment And Acknowledge That Prince Produced Some Great Music, But He Lived In A Water Treatment Station

Can We All Just Take A Moment And Acknowledge That Prince Produced Some Great Music, But He Lived In A Water Treatment Station

architectureshaming Report

#18

The “Snail House” In Bulgaria Actually Does Look Like A Snail

The “Snail House” In Bulgaria Actually Does Look Like A Snail

architectureshaming Report

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).”

#19

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

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

architectureshaming Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#21

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

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

architectureshaming Report

Add photo comments
POST
blue1steven avatar
Donkey boi
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

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.

#23

You Too Can Have Your Own White Castle

You Too Can Have Your Own White Castle

architectureshaming Report

#24

I Will Haunt Your Dreams! Residential Building In Belgium

I Will Haunt Your Dreams! Residential Building In Belgium

architectureshaming Report

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.

#25

I Think Syndrome From The Incredibles Lived Here

I Think Syndrome From The Incredibles Lived Here

architectureshaming Report

#26

Bangkok's Elephant Building. The Tusks Are A Bowling Alley In My Imagination

Bangkok's Elephant Building. The Tusks Are A Bowling Alley In My Imagination

architectureshaming Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda

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.

#28

Saw This On A Walk Today. A Table Lamp, In A Glass Box, Hanging From The Roof Of A Carport

Saw This On A Walk Today. A Table Lamp, In A Glass Box, Hanging From The Roof Of A Carport

architectureshaming Report

“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.

#31

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

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

architectureshaming Report

#32

Surrealist Neighborhood

Surrealist Neighborhood

architectureshaming Report

#35

Please Don't Take It Too Seriously, Just A Surprised House

Please Don't Take It Too Seriously, Just A Surprised House

architectureshaming Report

#36

This Place Is All Curb Appeal

This Place Is All Curb Appeal

architectureshaming Report

See Also on Bored Panda
#37

The Glorious Flower Of Communist Brutalism That Is The Former Central Post Office In Skopje, Macedonia. Some People Want It Preserved

The Glorious Flower Of Communist Brutalism That Is The Former Central Post Office In Skopje, Macedonia. Some People Want It Preserved

Report

Add photo comments
POST
jakeleehutch avatar
King Joffrey
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Definitely preserve it! Might not be pretty but it certainly is unique and a sign of the times.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#39

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

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.

architectureshaming Report

Add photo comments
POST
stevensedwards avatar
Hannah Edwards
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It would have been nice to just have it open plan instead of that weird floating fireplace.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#40

Car Dealership Trying For More Of A Classy Look!

Car Dealership Trying For More Of A Classy Look!

architectureshaming Report

Note: this post originally had 70 images. It’s been shortened to the top 40 images based on user votes.