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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

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#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

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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.

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#6

That Gives Me Anxiety

That Gives Me Anxiety

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“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

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#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

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#9

I Might Like This If Those Were Slides

I Might Like This If Those Were Slides

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“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.

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#11

This Looks Like A Place A Villain Would Live

This Looks Like A Place A Villain Would Live

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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

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#15

I Wonder Who Thought This Would Be A Good Idea

I Wonder Who Thought This Would Be A Good Idea

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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

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#18

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

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

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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

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#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

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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.

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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

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#24

I Will Haunt Your Dreams! Residential Building In Belgium

I Will Haunt Your Dreams! Residential Building In Belgium

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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

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#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

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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

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“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

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#32

Surrealist Neighborhood

Surrealist Neighborhood

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#35

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

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

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#36

This Place Is All Curb Appeal

This Place Is All Curb Appeal

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#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

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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.

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#38

Just

Just

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ii_3 avatar
I I
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i just can't , i'd have to rip it out , it'd drive me nuts

erinwelch_1 avatar
ERIN W.
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

SOMEONE MUST have been COMPLETELY "HAMMERED" when they did this!!!

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

Same builder as featured earlier. Forgot his ruler again.

jacqueline-conway-37 avatar
Jacqueline Conway
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Being evil, the unnecessary irritation that this generates quite tickles me.

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

Even if this is a pattern to continue further up the wall. I would still hate it.

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

No. Why. Please fire this person or just don’t let them ever make anything again.

lisasrexstar avatar
Lisas Rexstar
Community Member
7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wonder if the inside floors are at the same slant. It's unique in an otherwise grey tasteless wall

lolabee999 avatar
Laura Schiller
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Aww, man! The installed the window before the concrete was completely dry.

mark_114 avatar
Mark Serbian, PK&RG,W
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd love to see a more expanded shot, but I think it would be REALLY fun to piss off a whole neighborhood!

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#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.

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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.

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#40

Car Dealership Trying For More Of A Classy Look!

Car Dealership Trying For More Of A Classy Look!

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