Architecture Show: Bad Architecture

Very subjective this thread, that's accepted and I've been 50/50 on one or two posts I've made in this thread myself (but not the opening first image!).

I think there are two things when it comes to design (with architecture being a specialized kind of design) - looks and functionality.

Personally, I like how the Riverside library looks, but it's fine if one does not.

But functionality wise, I think it works great for a library. It provides both inside and outside areas for reading, it offers tons of natural light (a big plus for a library, imho) while the light (at least any time I was there) is not blinding or uncomfortable. I do not think it is hard to navigate at all. It is a comfortable place to look for books or sit and read / do some work, which is what I think a library should provide.

So overall, I am a fan of that building. It looks modern but does not stand out because it is a huge tall building in a mostly low-built city. Sure, there are plenty of older style buildings near it, but that's not a reason to critic it, imho, unless it is an area where the look is the "calling card" of that area. I don't think that's a calling card of downtown Riverside (a lovely area, btw)


The overhang is very smart imho, it shades areas on the outside deck, ensures that there is never direct sun into the library (a consideration for a building in practically a desert with lots of direct, harsh sun) and looks nice, imho.
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I think there are two things when it comes to design (with architecture being a specialized kind of design) - looks and functionality.

Personally, I like how the Riverside library looks, but it's fine if one does not.

But functionality wise, I think it works great for a library. It provides both inside and outside areas for reading, it offers tons of natural light (a big plus for a library, imho) while the light (at least any time I was there) is not blinding or uncomfortable. I do not think it is hard to navigate at all. It is a comfortable place to look for books or sit and read / do some work, which is what I think a library should provide.

So overall, I am a fan of that building. It looks modern but does not stand out because it is a huge tall building in a mostly low-built city. Sure, there are plenty of older style buildings near it, but that's not a reason to critic it, imho, unless it is an area where the look is the "calling card" of that area. I don't think that's a calling card of downtown Riverside (a lovely area, btw)


The overhang is very smart imho, it shades areas on the outside deck, ensures that there is never direct sun into the library (a consideration for a building in practically a desert with lots of direct, harsh sun) and looks nice, imho.
View attachment 518043
Well you've convinced me Sir!
 
I detest this building. Blighting the cityscape in Sydney. Now the city’s biggest, erect and shiny (probably as an ode to its male owner) and as overcompensations go, this one’s spectacular. Of course, the owner is far more powerful than the city’s politicians, so clearance was waved through for it to be built. And naturally, it’s a 75 floor casino. In conclusion, a loathsome embarrassment.

It's inspired me to start this thread. Perhaps you have examples of buildings which are obviously and immediately bad or, bit by bit, start to really get on your nerves. If so, please post here.

View attachment 235800
I'm sure someone will come up with a good nickname for this building which looks like a pregnancy test probe, in London they have the Cheese grater, the Gherkin, and Walky Talky which is an ugly SOB.
 
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