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There comes a point when a supposedly quirky architectural design becomes questionable. It’s usually when the chosen theme diminishes the structure’s functionality and purpose, like in the designs you’re about to see. 

These photos are from the “That’s It, I’m Architecture Shaming” Facebook group. If the name isn’t a total giveaway, it calls attention to building and home designs that cause puzzlement. 

Here, you’ll find images of staircases you wouldn’t dare step on, oddly placed toilets and urinals, and houses that look haphazardly built in The Sims

More than 855,000 people keep the page alive, and we’ve picked those that stood out in the most baffling way. Hopefully, seeing these also gives you a good enough idea of what to avoid for your future designs.

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#2

Gotta Love An Add-On. Denver, Colorado

Gotta Love An Add-On. Denver, Colorado

Michael Reid Report

Experts have revealed a connection between architecture and people’s emotions. A BBC report mentioned recent findings by neuroscientist Colin Ellard about how we are most affected by building facades.

In the study, Ellard and the participants walked past a Whole Foods store in Lower Manhattan. According to wristband readings and surveys, the store’s smoked-glass frontage caused a drop in their arousal and mood states.

#4

Death Stairs

Death Stairs

Stephanie Ratsonfire Report

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grotesqueer
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The starts aren't even the biggest problem imo, but the fact that you have to walk on the kitchen counter. 🤮 From outside too with shoes on!

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#5

Climb The Ladder To The Top Of The Kitchen Counter, Then Take The Steps To The Bedroom Loft. Never Mind That The Hand Rail Is Where Your Feet Are. It's Fine

Climb The Ladder To The Top Of The Kitchen Counter, Then Take The Steps To The Bedroom Loft. Never Mind That The Hand Rail Is Where Your Feet Are. It's Fine

(Tiny house Airbnb in Colorado, husband for scale.)

Marianne Report

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Tabitha
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They couldn't have just made a place for a ladder where it can be removed when not in use and stored, so you aren't putting your dirty feet on the f*****g kitchen counter where you prepare your food?

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#6

This Is The Front Of The House

This Is The Front Of The House

Barbara L. LeMaster Report

The report mentioned the Seattle Central Library’s interior architecture, describing it as “one of the most notoriously disorienting buildings.” According to architect and Northumbria University professor Ruth Dalton, the building’s one-way escalators could be a problem. As she told BBC, we have specific expectations regarding navigation. 

“There are very few situations in the real world where you can go from A to B via one route, and you’re forced to take a different route from B back to A,” she explained, noting that it can confuse people.

#7

Found A Hillbilly Barn Mansion On Zillow. The Crazy Fred Flinstone Esque Stairs Connecting The Kitchen To The Living Room Are What Noteworthy

Found A Hillbilly Barn Mansion On Zillow. The Crazy Fred Flinstone Esque Stairs Connecting The Kitchen To The Living Room Are What Noteworthy

Haley Thorsen Report

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#9

My Husband Found This On His Page

My Husband Found This On His Page

Kells Ross-Rittinger Report

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Diolla
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks like the stairs of a hotel I recently stayed in. Netherlands.

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Architecture critics seem to be uneasy about current trends, but they’ve been vocal about them. Veteran critic Rowan Moore wrote an article for the Guardian expressing his displeasure with the Ilona House in London. 

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He had choice words, describing the pinkish, rounded building as “plasticky” while calling out its “quite expensive” concrete surface.

#10

These Are Urinals

These Are Urinals

Darren Ho Report

#12

I Have No Words

I Have No Words

Sherri Glass Southwell Report

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Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa)
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The water from the washing machine flushes the toilet. Poor execution bur A+ for saving water.

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For Moore, it's all because of the "meanness and greed" of property developers who want the most floor area and pay the least. He bluntly stated that "ugly buildings have always been with us."

More says there is "no magic bullet" to fix the aesthetic situation. Still, he believes it would help if all professionals involved had one thing: "a stronger idea of what makes a building good."

#13

Just Add A Ladder And Don’t Move Too Much On That Chair

Just Add A Ladder And Don’t Move Too Much On That Chair

Karla Campos Report

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#14

Friends Who Wanted A Seperate Entrance?

Friends Who Wanted A Seperate Entrance?

Christina Rochelle Report

We’d like to hear from you, too. Which of these structures were the most/least appealing? If you’re a professional, can you still make improvements on them? Comment below!

#17

Brutalist Architecture Should Come With A Free Power Washer

Brutalist Architecture Should Come With A Free Power Washer

Marianne Report

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PFD
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looked it up. Aesthetically a case of one man's trash being another's treasure, but it was also built to be highly energy efficient. I rather like it especially when seen in its entirety though it looks distinctly odd in it's suburban setting among what looks like cod-historical buildings. https://www.oakpark.com/2021/11/24/oak-park-home-in-spotlight-on-new-wttw-show/

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#18

Because You Need A Safe Place To Stand To Request Things From Upstairs

Because You Need A Safe Place To Stand To Request Things From Upstairs

Gloria Canada Report

#19

Please Give Me Ideas On How To Make His Space Feel Larger

Please Give Me Ideas On How To Make His Space Feel Larger

Marianne Report

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StumblingThroughLife
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Imagine if you're a bit chubby (no good for me, I'd prob get a bit wedged, lol). Maybe it's the Slender Man's house?

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#20

Saw This House Awhile Back. Thought It Was…. Intriguing

Saw This House Awhile Back. Thought It Was…. Intriguing

Eric Leverette-Goodwin Report

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#22

You Can Only Open This Drawer All The Way If You Open The Oven Door First. In My Own House

You Can Only Open This Drawer All The Way If You Open The Oven Door First. In My Own House

Braylinn Estrada Report

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Christos Arvanitis
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The range was sticks out because it was likely designed for a built in style range that is more or less flush with the end of the counter. Those are a bit more shallow. That would have worked fine really.

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#23

"This Has To Be A Joke Post. Unless They're After Some Inheritance"

"This Has To Be A Joke Post. Unless They're After Some Inheritance"

Melissa Rose Palmer Report

#26

Hey Bubba, Bring Me Dem Blueprints And Anuther Beer (Belch!) I Needa See Something

Hey Bubba, Bring Me Dem Blueprints And Anuther Beer (Belch!) I Needa See Something

Henry Nelson Report

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G A
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Whatever way these were built, they were far too close. Pointless balcony when it gets no sun.

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#27

Salford, United Kingdom

Salford, United Kingdom

Simon George Report

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Chewie Baron
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I used to live by here. Salford Shopping Centre was a dangerous place to go, at one time. The whole place is an eyesore and needs demolishing and starting again. Where I used to live was three tower blocks all near each other. Because so many gay men lived there, it was known as ‘Fairy Towers’. And The Gays™️ who came up with the name.

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#28

Hostile Gay Architecture Shaming

Hostile Gay Architecture Shaming

Christopher Carver Report

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Laserleader
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For those who haven't realized, the colors have been added. It's actually just gray.

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#29

Just Got To Oporto, Portugal A Few Weeks Back! Thought I'd Share This Weird Air Conditioner Looking Building That Looks Like Something A Kid Would Make On Roblox

Just Got To Oporto, Portugal A Few Weeks Back! Thought I'd Share This Weird Air Conditioner Looking Building That Looks Like Something A Kid Would Make On Roblox

Bem-venido a 'Casa Da Musica'

Dimi Tree Report

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Lyone Fein
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People really don't appreciate Brutalist architecture. Wish there was more public education about the history of of things like this.

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#30

Secretariat Of Security Of The State Of Queretaro In Mexico

Secretariat Of Security Of The State Of Queretaro In Mexico

Stefano Pascucci Report

Note: this post originally had 74 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.