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‘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.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
I Dunno, Slim Doesn't Seem To Be Digging This Situation
RELATED:
#2
This Pillar Was Straight Last Week. This Is The First Floor Of A Seven-Floor Building
Vicky Z 4 years ago (edited)
My thoughts exactly!! Forget the photos and RUN!!!!!
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Eslamala 4 years ago (edited)
Back in 2010, we had a big earthquake (8.8 Richter) and half of my city was ruined. Well, one office building a few blocks from my house got literally cut in half, and it happened because the bank that owned that floor (I think it was the 10th floor) removed some pillars they weren't supposed to...
M O'Connell 4 years ago
That's probably a plastic utilities chase. A building of that size would not be structurally supported by steel columns like that.
Johnny 4 years ago
I was going to say the same thing, that's doesn't look big enough to be a structural support. Probably someone ran into it with the mail cart.
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Lululoohoo 4 years ago (edited)
ummmmm yikes. *hello boss? i'll be working from home indefinitely! thanks!
Louise Stange-Wahl 4 years ago
Does anyone know where this is? Kinda reminds me of OFFICE SPACE where Peter works. Definitely agree it isn't holding the building up, but I would have an engineer pull that false ceiling down and check it out. I worked in a building that was questionable. It was a chip manufacturer and they sold it to a film studio. It was huge with hallways all over the place. I got to know all the shot cuts. What was creepy is that there were areas where you could see holes in the concrete floor, and look down to the next floor! They had a really nice area that we nicknamed JURASSIC PARK with all kinds of tropical plants and fish. The outside walls were so thick, you couldn't even hear the freeway, which was less than 200 feet away! Don't remember a single take being ruined because of outside noise!
Donkey boi 4 years ago
If I was an architect, I would purposefully have several pillars dead straight and one do this!
Rocket Scientist 4 years ago
That’s bad. Very. I’m an engineer, and that’s a classic example of a support under excessive compression stress. I wouldn’t walk into that building if I were you!
Diane Crawford 4 years ago
I thought I was drunk so thank you for telling me it was not my fault! "_"
Loraine D.G. MacGinness 4 years ago
I'm sure its stability doesn't rely on just one bent , only slightly , pole ??
Charlotte Carpenter 4 years ago
i'd get out of there real sonic speedy! Ya wanna see some reeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaal speeeeeeeed?
Manel Dias 4 years ago
May be a BOXER living here. might have mistaken it in to a punching bag.
Dan Abramsky 4 years ago
if it's an error, shame on them. If it's on-purpose design, then kudos for their departure from the bland office environment!
Stan Chung 4 years ago
I don't know why is the architect being shamed because this seems to be an engineering problem.
Diana Murtaugh 4 years ago
Even poles can buckle under pressure. Poor thing needs a lil support.
Studio5301 4 years ago
haha on straight last week! building beams and your neck both are designed to be curved to hold weight.
Irene Povlsen 4 years ago
Even the cabinets on the left don’t seem too impressed about the situation…
Irene Povlsen 4 years ago
Even the cabinets on the left don’t look too happy about the pole situation…
Bored Birgit 4 years ago
Someone who should have been on a diet tried some table dancing here?
Kim Kermes 4 years ago
Send this to the local building inspectors! Also the fire department and the hospital.
Brandi VanSteenwyk 4 years ago
I would immediately be looking for a new job (assuming this is the OP's workplace).
Steve Wilson 4 years ago
Somebody probably ran into it with a forklift or something similar. If it was structural failure I think the others would be bent as well. I’m not an engineer, though.
Les Izmore 4 years ago
I'm surprised they got the picture before the building was condemned for safety
Paul Aguilera 4 years ago
if this was on purpose, i would love to do that every few beams to mess with people. if not, then i would love to run for my life!
Mike Dianda 4 years ago
not funny last saw this at the then being constructed Hard Rock Hotel that collapsed and killed three people
Anime weeb gurl 4 years ago
if this is just for a seven floor building imagine a 30 floor one with this pillar
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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
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.
#4
The Cactus Is *chef’s Kiss
#5
This Is Not Photoshopped
#6
That Gives Me Anxiety
soniacccccccccc 4 years ago
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.
#7
Opera And Ballet Theatre Of Cheboksary (Russia)
Top: original picture
Bottom: slightly photoshopped picture
#8
A Friend Of Mine Cross-Posted This And It Made Me Think Of Y’all
#9
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.
#10
Who Remembers Those Gerbil Enclosures That Look Like This?
#11
This Looks Like A Place A Villain Would Live
#12
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.
#13
Um... What Is This?
#14
Art Nouveau On Psychedelics
#15
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.
#16
“Sharkitecture”
#17
Can We All Just Take A Moment And Acknowledge That Prince Produced Some Great Music, But He Lived In A Water Treatment Station
#18
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).”
#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
#20
Interesting Concept
#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
Donkey boi 4 years ago
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.
#22
They Drew The Line At A Fountain In The Kitchen
#23
You Too Can Have Your Own White Castle
#24
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.
#25
I Think Syndrome From The Incredibles Lived Here
#26
Bangkok's Elephant Building. The Tusks Are A Bowling Alley In My Imagination
#27
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.
#28
Saw This On A Walk Today. A Table Lamp, In A Glass Box, Hanging From The Roof Of A Carport
#29
This Is Plane Awesome
#30
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.
#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
#32
Surrealist Neighborhood
#33
Forbidden Waffle In Santiago
#34
This Building Has My City In A Uproar
#35
Please Don't Take It Too Seriously, Just A Surprised House
#36
This Place Is All Curb Appeal
#37
The Glorious Flower Of Communist Brutalism That Is The Former Central Post Office In Skopje, Macedonia. Some People Want It Preserved
King Joffrey 4 years ago
Definitely preserve it! Might not be pretty but it certainly is unique and a sign of the times.
#38
Just
#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
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.
Hannah Edwards 4 years ago
It would have been nice to just have it open plan instead of that weird floating fireplace.
#40
Car Dealership Trying For More Of A Classy Look!
#41
Keeping The Old Facade Because The Law Says So
#42
I Appreciate Efforts At Creativity, Sustainability, Affordability. I Really Do. But Do They Have To Be So Ugly? This Looks Like A Bad Public Washroom
#43
Pensacola House
#44
Victorian Balusters With Greek Columns. This Is So American It’s Painful
#45
I Think They Put A Bath Where A Closet Was
#46
If You Want To Live In A Cheesecake Factory And You Enjoy Really Drafty Showers
#47
“The Clients Insisted On A Big Window In What Must Now Be The Least Discreet Bathroom In Melbourne.” Note The Train
There are no blinds or curtains. apparently people on the train call the hotel downstairs & ask if they know they are baring all
#48
Here’s A Building In Pittsburgh. They Tore Down The Church But Left The Steeple. Built An Insensitive Building Behind It
Raine Soo 4 years ago (edited)
This happened in my city years ago. An underground shopping mall was built underneath a Catholic church. The church had to be physically moved back several hundred feet to accommodate the mall's front entrances. The church was resistant to the initial offers to purchase their land. But, some firm pitched them the right offer. Money speaks louder than God, apparently.
#50
Saint Benedict Church, Andrelândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Built In 1989
#51
No, Because I Need To See Actually Bad Architecture And Not Just Something That’s Historic Or Non-Traditional
#52
I Don't Think A Paint Job And Landscaper Would Help This Poor House Down The Street From Me
Elliott Rogers 4 years ago
Oh my gosh, this is in the city I grew up in and I HATE IT SO MUCH, IT"S SUCH AN EYESORE
#53
I Give You, The Most Boring Roof Ever Built And A House With Very Little Natural Light Coming In
#54
Concorde De Luxe Resort In Turkey
#55
Has Anyone Ever Brought Up How Hideous Boston's Logan Atc Tower Is?
#56
Just In Case You Ever Wanted To Open A Drive-Thru From Your Crib
Ryan Deschanel 4 years ago
It is a porte-cochère. Literally a "coach-door". It is considered a very fancy feature for a house. Technically, the White House portico is one too.
#57
I’m At The Pizza Hut I’m At The Mod Suburban Home I’m At The Pizza Hut / Mod Suburban Home
#58
This Building Has Been In My Hometown For Ages, But I Never Noticed It Until I Joined This Group
grotesqueer 4 years ago
The architect clearly got their inspiration from The Sims' automatic roofs.
#59
I Never Realized How Important It Is For The Roof To Hang Over A Little Bit
#60
House I Found While Browsing Properties In Melbourne, Australia
#61
Oh, I Live In A Gated Community. It’s Very Posh
#62
Feast Your Eyes On This Mcmansion Beast. Complete With Roof Nub Quartet, Stupid Turret, And Parasitic Garage
#63
Neighbors Had Some Material Left, Contractor Cut Them A Deal On A Monstrosity
#64
I Mean, Come On
#65
This. The Building I Hate Most In Dallas And I Have To Look At It Every Time I Drive To Work
Looks like something a four year old would build in Minecraft but, no, someone actually got paid to design this butt ugly monstrosity that blocks an otherwise cool view of downtown.
#66
Warsaw. Poland. Don't Know Why
#67
The Asymmetry Would Drive Me Nuts
grotesqueer 4 years ago
I kinda... Like it? 😅 But even if I didn't, symmetry makes houses usually look pretty awful, so I'm a bit confused about the title.
#68
Another In The Bizarre San Francisco Tradition Of Stucco Treatments That Look Like Skin Diseases. The Kitchen Is To Die For — The Facade Doesn’t Deserve That Attention To Detail?
Glynna Bowood 4 years ago
I would have rather seen it clad in the metal sheeting it's trying imitate than this!
#69
Whatttttt Is Thissssss. The Front Of The House Looks Like It’s Made Of The Spare Parts From The Other Builds
#70
The “Blender” On The Campus Of The University Of Oklahoma. That’s All One Building. I Took Math Classes In This Thing Back In The 90s
Add New Image
What do you think ?
Thomas brennan 4 years ago
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
Sara Rosen 4 years ago
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!?
jimmy pop 4 years ago
*Hundertwasser, German for hundred water ;) And I agree, it's art after all.
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marianne eliza 4 years ago
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.
Arwen Gunter 4 years ago
It’s ‘architecture shaming’, not ‘architect shaming’. Reread the heading.
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Selina Ali 4 years ago
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
Shull GaRett 4 years ago
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 
Nicole Weymann 4 years ago
I really don't know whether to upvote the taste catastrophes or the small number of "strange, but I like it" ones.
Unaffected 4 years ago
National Library of Kosovo deserves a mention here! It's pretty quirky! DSC_0811-6...48308e.jpg 
Mal 4 years ago
I adore brutalism. I can't explain it, but I want to go inside every time I see one.
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Billy The Kid 4 years ago
Loved this post. I found some were very interesting and some looked reDICKulous. PS Theron Roberts get a fkn life you muppet!
Lisa Bateman 4 years ago
I love lots of these. What is wrong with trying to be different? It beats boring!
Kenny Kulbiski 4 years ago
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 "?
Gilda Farrell 4 years ago
Some of these, I will bet, have some very interesting people living in them. Definitely not your cookie-cutter suburban.
Hugo A-niro 4 years ago
Love sky scrapers. And respect original designs they add a lot to any city or town
Agnieszka Stachow 4 years ago
Oh c'mon, make up your mind; some of them were listed on your "really cool and original" count...
Annabeth Chase 4 years ago
Some of these are ok, it's just the stone/woodwork and the roofs. Others are whimsical, but some were just plain awful.
Ryan Deschanel 4 years ago
Now you do not need anyone to explain you why most people hate modern art, do you ?
Thomas brennan 4 years ago
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
Sara Rosen 4 years ago
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!?
jimmy pop 4 years ago
*Hundertwasser, German for hundred water ;) And I agree, it's art after all.
Load More Replies... marianne eliza 4 years ago
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.
Arwen Gunter 4 years ago
It’s ‘architecture shaming’, not ‘architect shaming’. Reread the heading.
Load More Replies... Selina Ali 4 years ago
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
Shull GaRett 4 years ago
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
Nicole Weymann 4 years ago
I really don't know whether to upvote the taste catastrophes or the small number of "strange, but I like it" ones.
Unaffected 4 years ago
National Library of Kosovo deserves a mention here! It's pretty quirky! DSC_0811-6...48308e.jpg
Mal 4 years ago
I adore brutalism. I can't explain it, but I want to go inside every time I see one.
Load More Replies... Billy The Kid 4 years ago
Loved this post. I found some were very interesting and some looked reDICKulous. PS Theron Roberts get a fkn life you muppet!
Lisa Bateman 4 years ago
I love lots of these. What is wrong with trying to be different? It beats boring!
Kenny Kulbiski 4 years ago
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 "?
Gilda Farrell 4 years ago
Some of these, I will bet, have some very interesting people living in them. Definitely not your cookie-cutter suburban.
Hugo A-niro 4 years ago
Love sky scrapers. And respect original designs they add a lot to any city or town
Agnieszka Stachow 4 years ago
Oh c'mon, make up your mind; some of them were listed on your "really cool and original" count...
Annabeth Chase 4 years ago
Some of these are ok, it's just the stone/woodwork and the roofs. Others are whimsical, but some were just plain awful.
Ryan Deschanel 4 years ago
Now you do not need anyone to explain you why most people hate modern art, do you ?
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