ADVERTISEMENT

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.

You May Also Like:
#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.

ADVERTISEMENT
#4

Death Stairs

Death Stairs

Stephanie Ratsonfire Report

Add photo comments
POST
mo_5 avatar
grotesqueer
Community Member
3 weeks 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!

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

Add photo comments
POST
tabbygirl04152020 avatar
Tabitha
Community Member
3 weeks 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?

View more commentsArrow down menu
#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. 

ADVERTISEMENT

“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

#8

Sure Hope That Door Is Locked

Sure Hope That Door Is Locked

Alicia Levine Report

Add photo comments
POST
lmm-kuiper avatar
Sanne
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks like a multistory house being remodeled to a couple of separate units so the owner can squeeze more money out of more people. If that staircase were to run through, it would intersect right at the height of the door.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#9

My Husband Found This On His Page

My Husband Found This On His Page

Kells Ross-Rittinger Report

Add photo comments
POST
ellenranks avatar
Diolla
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT

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. 

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

#12

I Have No Words

I Have No Words

Sherri Glass Southwell Report

Add photo comments
POST
rayceeyarayceeya avatar
Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa)
Community Member
3 weeks 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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT

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

#14

Friends Who Wanted A Seperate Entrance?

Friends Who Wanted A Seperate Entrance?

Christina Rochelle Report

ADVERTISEMENT

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

Add photo comments
POST
paulfarrington-douglas avatar
PFD
Community Member
3 weeks 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/

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

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#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

Add photo comments
POST
sachielk avatar
StumblingThroughLife
Community Member
3 weeks 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?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#20

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

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

Eric Leverette-Goodwin Report

#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

Add photo comments
POST
christocyclist avatar
Christos Arvanitis
Community Member
3 weeks 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.

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

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#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

Add photo comments
POST
ga_5 avatar
G A
Community Member
3 weeks 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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#27

Salford, United Kingdom

Salford, United Kingdom

Simon George Report

Add photo comments
POST
wookiee74 avatar
Chewie Baron
Community Member
3 weeks 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.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#28

Hostile Gay Architecture Shaming

Hostile Gay Architecture Shaming

Christopher Carver Report

Add photo comments
POST
mzellmer avatar
Laserleader
Community Member
3 weeks 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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#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

Add photo comments
POST
lyone_fein avatar
Lyone Fein
Community Member
3 weeks 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.

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