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The secret of a great public space lies in its design. For people to visit and make use of these places many times over, they have to be functional, accessible, easy to use, match the needs of the community, and evolve with it as it changes. After all, most things are created to be utilized, not just to be seen.

However, not all designs can check these boxes. “What happens when they fail to do so?” you may ask. Well, they are shared online for netizens to judge. The team at Bored Panda has collected some of the worst cases in the list below. We hope that these photos serve as a public service announcement that we deserve better!

We also reached out to urban planners Taiwo Agbaje and Samuel Austin, who kindly agreed to share some tips on how to create a successful public space.

#1

This Pattern On The Hospital's Floor

This Pattern On The Hospital's Floor

Cartapouille Report

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Tucker Cahooter
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And if someone really did bleed on the floor and needed urgent assistance you wouldn't notice

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#2

The Students In My Course Complained About Not Having Enough Privacy, And University Decided To Install Glass Doors To Solve The Issue

The Students In My Course Complained About Not Having Enough Privacy, And University Decided To Install Glass Doors To Solve The Issue

Ysisbr Report

#3

My Classroom Has These Floor Outlets. It's Basically The Toe Stubber 5000

My Classroom Has These Floor Outlets. It's Basically The Toe Stubber 5000

Dillon-Croco Report

Urban planner and GIS analyst Taiwo Agbaje tells Bored Panda that one aspect that makes a public space successful is its accessibility. “A remarkable public space is undeniably easy to access and navigate, visible from a distance, and seamlessly connected to its surroundings.”

Other features that it has to include are engaging activities. “Successful public spaces are unequivocal hubs of vibrant activity, offering diverse opportunities for people to engage and participate in various activities,” says Agbaje. 

#5

There Are Three Steps Down At The Entrance To This Lobby

There Are Three Steps Down At The Entrance To This Lobby

HothHanSolo Report

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#6

Public Restroom Stalls With... Viewing Windows? Why?

Public Restroom Stalls With... Viewing Windows? Why?

TheOneTheUno Report

He also adds that such places should be comfortable, pleasing to the eye, and serve as a fostering environment for social interactions. “A comfortable environment is undeniably crucial, where seating, shade, cleanliness, and pleasant aesthetics significantly contribute to a positive experience. The space's image must radiate safety, inviting warmth, and impeccable maintenance.

Outstanding public spaces definitively foster social interactions, serving as unequivocal meeting points that genuinely enhance the sense of community, enabling connections among friends, family, and strangers."

#7

The Wall Art In This Bathroom Is... Suboptimal

The Wall Art In This Bathroom Is... Suboptimal

DaBittna Report

#8

They Put Circus Mirrors In My Local Gym

They Put Circus Mirrors In My Local Gym

Guwoq Report

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#9

My School Installed A New Beamer. I Nominate Them For "The Best Engineering 2017"

My School Installed A New Beamer. I Nominate Them For "The Best Engineering 2017"

Triomat Report

Urban planner Sam Austin, who advocates building liveable cities for youth, summarized these principles by saying, “Public spaces should make people 'stick' and linger for longer, encouraging people to stay and spend time in. Whether that's having informal seating spaces along a pedestrian street or interactive public art - it should provide multiple opportunities to enjoy the space.”

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#10

This Was The "Sink" In A Restaurant

This Was The "Sink" In A Restaurant

Nope, this isn’t a minimalist, avant-garde design. The water just spills off the edges onto the floor, which is why the mop is right there. There isn’t even a drain pipe below this counter.

CoolBDPhenom03 Report

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ZGutr
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have questions .... Design over function ? Sink on back-order ? Work in progress ? Simply forgotten ? Budget overrun ? (I know ... 2 & 3 are unlikely, not easy to cut holes in it now)

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#11

At Least It's Padded

At Least It's Padded

cheekymrs Report

#12

The Fitting Room Door At The Thrift Store

The Fitting Room Door At The Thrift Store

SeventhMind7 Report

Now that we have discussed what makes a public space successful, let’s see what the most common mistakes designers make when creating them.

Austin believes that going too over the top can often ruin the experience of these places. “Some of the most successful public spaces are those that are simple, welcoming and encourage you to stay. While flashy designs and expensive materials look nice, they often create spaces that feel like you don't belong or a sterile, unnatural feeling.”

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#13

The Lights In This Hallway

The Lights In This Hallway

ntheg111 Report

#14

Lets Hope There Won't Be Fire

Lets Hope There Won't Be Fire

robric1985 Report

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ADJ
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My thoughts exactly. We in Poland learned it the hard way. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_in_the_Gdansk_Shipyard_hall

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Alan Watkiss
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is something we used to do at the end of the day at a place I used to work, overnight it is locked like this so the doors can't be forced open during the night. Then as soon as first shift arrived we'd unlock it. This looks like that's what this is

Dre Mosley
Community Member
3 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If they ever get a surprise inspection, someone is getting in trouble. You can't do this.

Rowan Kohler
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One call to a fire marshal and that would be remedied super fast wit fines and such to boot. Unless shut down and doesn’t allow the public in then they can lock it since no one needs to escape.

Elchinero
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

https://www.history.com/topics/early-20th-century-us/triangle-shirtwaist-fire

Jane W.
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Report to fire department. You will see a change immediately thereafter.

Debra Newell
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Safety first. Call the Fire Department and report it (!before it’s too late)!

Jac Carr
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is because of people getting in and robbing the place but that's just the risk they'll have to take because this is illegal & unacceptable

Irishgal
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Jesus how many different bolts/locks can you possibly need on a door! Plus all of that is seriously illegal!!

okpkpkp
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

call the fire marshall. this is dangerous and should be reported

Mary Peace
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There's 'interior design fail', as this article's titled, and then there's actual safety fail!

Chris Sprucefield
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oooooh... A Fire and OSHA inspection fine and prosecution bonanza bingo!! The guys guilty of this needs some time behind the bars if a different kind for this abomination....

Everyday sky
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm just wondering what are they trying to keep in.... Or out 🤔

Javelina Poppers
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The bike lock is the kicker, up to that point everything is defeatable.

td0013
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Isn't that a bike lock? This feels less like a design fail and more like a random act of asshattery.

Dave Taylor
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They are not trying to keep you from going out..they are trying to keep something from coming in....

Abel
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It looks something from a crazy Escape room thing. Or a Saw movie.

Barong
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Remind me of Kellen Erskin bit “Want know what else is not stealing? putting an extra bike lock on a stranger's bike. It's insane that bike locks are legal that they're just available to the public. Do you have any idea the amount of power that you wield with your imagination and a bike lock? There's so many things. Like, you can just walk past the Baskin Robbins and be like, “You're closed”. It is so arbitrary what we need permission to buy and what we don't. You have to show photo ID at a hobby shop to buy paint yet all of us here are just one amazon click away from buying orange cones and making traffic go wherever we want.“

Phoenix🇬🇧
Community Member
3 months ago

This comment has been deleted.

Rachel
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Whoever is in charge learned all the wrong lessons from the Triangle Shirtwaist factory fire, I see.

timhood
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's not bad design. The doors were installed to code. It's the installation of the bars and locks that's the problem. I would be calling the fire inspector RN.

winterwidow87
Community Member
3 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When i was in high school (early 2000s) the principal put chains and locks on the fire exit because he was afraid people who sold dr.ug.s used them to go in and out of the school. We protested and threatened to call the press, he dropped the locks and installed cameras instead (i assume he had to have parents consent to do that, and the cameras had no sound for privacy reasons).

FoxEcoLimaIndiaCharlieIndiAlfa
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The amount of slide locks, apparently weren't enough, so let's add a couple pieces of rod iron and a bicycle lock, for good measure.

BoredBranzino
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’m not sure Bike locks like that should be legal at all. I mean someone could just be walking down the street with a bicycle lock, see a Starbucks, and decide: “well, you’re closed today”

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#15

Placing The Emergency Door Button Next To The Children's Play Area

Placing The Emergency Door Button Next To The Children's Play Area

CRIMSONSNOW2019 Report

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January Tempis
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Bonus for making it pretty and brightly colored so that every child will need to push it.

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Meanwhile, Agbaje often notices inadequate seating and lighting in poorly designed public spaces, “Insufficient seating or uncomfortable benches may dissuade individuals from utilizing the space. Adequate seating is paramount for relaxation and facilitating social interaction. While “insufficient or harsh lighting can engender a sense of insecurity within a public space, particularly during evening hours or at night. Well-conceived lighting augments visibility and fosters a welcoming environment.”

#16

These Stairs

These Stairs

adynako Report

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AtMostAFabulist
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My eyes are going sideways trying to see where the stairs under the stairs are .

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#18

This Aquatic-Themed Hospital Couch Weirdly Has An Underwater Giraffe On It

This Aquatic-Themed Hospital Couch Weirdly Has An Underwater Giraffe On It

CoopDaWoop Report

Additional issues he mentions are a disregard for maintenance and monotony. No one wishes to be in an environment that is repetitive, unstimulating, and marred by litter, graffiti, or malfunctioning amenities. Neglecting context is a big one too, as “designing without regard for the surrounding environment or the prerequisites of the community can precipitate disconnected or incongruous spaces,” explains Agbaje.

#19

Perfectly Thought Classroom

Perfectly Thought Classroom

Brunorto Report

#20

Who Wouldn’t Want A Ceiling That Looks Like It’s Covered With Hair?

Who Wouldn’t Want A Ceiling That Looks Like It’s Covered With Hair?

im-jared-im-19 Report

#21

Steps That Are Too Long For One Step, But Too Short For Two

Steps That Are Too Long For One Step, But Too Short For Two

enzodr Report

One piece of advice that Austin has for designers who aspire to create successful public spaces is to get tactical and then get permanent. “Trial pop-up street furniture, or temporary programming within a space. Physically test what will work best through trial and error before you start pouring concrete and making permanent decisions.”

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Agbaje recommends starting by engaging with the local community and considering their needs, activities, and utilization. “Community involvement fosters a sense of ownership and pride in the space,” he says.

#23

My School's Locker Can't Even Fit My Backpack Because Of Those Shelves

My School's Locker Can't Even Fit My Backpack Because Of Those Shelves

zucclivan Report

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earsludge
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

at my high school (US) you could purchase a locker for $15 at the beginning of the year if you'd like but the hallways were so crowded and you only had 5 minutes in between classes so it was much easier to just carry the equivalent of a mini fridge on your back all day.

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#24

They Replaced Half The Mirrors In My Local Shopping Mall's Bathroom With Advertising Boards

They Replaced Half The Mirrors In My Local Shopping Mall's Bathroom With Advertising Boards

BradleyZ17 Report

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Chihuahua Mama
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What hell do we live in. I fear we will soon have to watch ads to get in our bed, use the toilets, and open the fridge

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Additionally, it’s important to prioritize users and their accessibility. “Ensure universal access to the space by designing pathways, seating, and amenities with inclusivity in mind. Pedestrian-friendly settings cultivate community interaction. Consider sensory experiences, encompassing visual appeal, sounds, and scents," shares Agbaje.

#26

Installed Those Elevator Buttons, Boss

Installed Those Elevator Buttons, Boss

compuryan Report

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AtMostAFabulist
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't see buttons for floors 1-4. I think that padded wall I see in the reflection is so you can bang your head.

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#27

My View At A Movie Theater Last Night

My View At A Movie Theater Last Night

NeighborhoodLow8413 Report

He further advises embracing the unique identity of the local culture and embracing greenery, which provides relaxation and improves the well-being of the community. Lastly, he reminds designers not to overlook the materials they use in the space. “Opt for durable, sustainable materials capable of withstanding wear and tear. The use of premium materials notably augments the overall experience and endurance of the space.”

#28

My Sister And I Went To Use The Bathroom At My Other Sister's Softball Game And We Saw This

My Sister And I Went To Use The Bathroom At My Other Sister's Softball Game And We Saw This

BreeMore Report

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Nadine Debard
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I sleep and I need to pee, my brain invents something like this to make me refrain from peeing in bed...

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#29

The Staircase At My Hotel Room Just Drops Off

The Staircase At My Hotel Room Just Drops Off

Opposite_Strategy_43 Report

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Green Tree
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I actually stayed at a place that had stairs like this, they were a little scary. But my place was a 500 year old Tower House in ireland. Is this a similiarly old building?

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#30

World's Most Practical Design

World's Most Practical Design

IndyNightSky Report

#31

This Escalator Requires That You Still Use The Stairs

This Escalator Requires That You Still Use The Stairs

Justhereforbiz Report

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#33

Kids' Area In A Hospital's Lobby. N Is For... Nugget?

Kids' Area In A Hospital's Lobby. N Is For... Nugget?

SleezeDemon Report

#34

My Friend Saw This At The Cinema

My Friend Saw This At The Cinema

carrotlovernomnomnom Report

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Lavern Defazio
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I thought it was a skylight at first. I thought to myself. "Well who in tarnation would put a skylight in a movie theater? ".

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#35

My School Added A New Vending Machine To The Science Building’s Lobby. Better For Them To Eat Junk Food Than Have Free Water

My School Added A New Vending Machine To The Science Building’s Lobby. Better For Them To Eat Junk Food Than Have Free Water

Bean_Boozled Report

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Green Tree
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Put water bottles in the vending machine and add this to the dystopian lists

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#37

Shoutout To This Bar In Rural Alberta, Where The Women's Bathroom Is Right Beside The Piano Stage, No Door. If You Go To The Toilet, Everyone In The Bar Is Going To Hear It

Shoutout To This Bar In Rural Alberta, Where The Women's Bathroom Is Right Beside The Piano Stage, No Door. If You Go To The Toilet, Everyone In The Bar Is Going To Hear It

eggnog_alcoholic Report

#39

Wheelchair Accessible Washrooms Are Located On The Second Floor. Just A Quick Trip Up The Escalator

Wheelchair Accessible Washrooms Are Located On The Second Floor. Just A Quick Trip Up The Escalator

_timewasted Report

#40

How Close This Toilet Is To The Stall Door. Had A Good Laugh At How My Feet Poke Out Underneath

How Close This Toilet Is To The Stall Door. Had A Good Laugh At How My Feet Poke Out Underneath

CanadasNeighbor Report

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#41

I Found This Gem At A Hotel In Wisconsin

I Found This Gem At A Hotel In Wisconsin

drkstrracingjr Report

#42

The Way These Canvases Were Hung Up In The Bathroom Of My Local Sushi Restaurant

The Way These Canvases Were Hung Up In The Bathroom Of My Local Sushi Restaurant

stephanonymous Report

#43

This Weird Door At The Top Of The Stairs In A Hotel

This Weird Door At The Top Of The Stairs In A Hotel

AlephMartian Report

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Kira Okah
Community Member
3 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As stated when this came up before - this door is for fire safety and is regulaton. It is so that people trying to escape through the stairwell when the power goes out don't trap themselves in the basement with no exit by stopping them trying to continue down the stairs. This is likely at the ground floor.

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#44

Oddly Placed Phone In A Waiting Room

Oddly Placed Phone In A Waiting Room

Noemo19 Report

#45

My View At The Kings Theater, Portsmouth, UK

My View At The Kings Theater, Portsmouth, UK

Crankyjak98 Report

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Huddo's sister
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They can't really take out a single seat from these rows, but they shouldn't be selling the ticket for it

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#47

This Hallway Is Lined With 12 Framed Copies Of The Same Picture

This Hallway Is Lined With 12 Framed Copies Of The Same Picture

itsSlon Report

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Savahax
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Behold the magnum opus of the elusive maestro, Émile de L'Espace, whose latest piece, 'Lilies of the Mundane Repetition,' subtly mocks the very notion of individuality within the framework of modern decor. Through a painstakingly orchestrated sequence of twelve identical prints of the crimson lily, de L'Espace engages in a highbrow commentary on the banality of contemporary aesthetics. Each lily, meticulously rendered in varying shades of red and pink, challenges the viewer's perception of uniqueness and conformity.

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#48

Nice Idea Badly Executed

Nice Idea Badly Executed

judd_in_the_barn Report

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

Get rid of the white background and this would work. The shadows would go away. Alternately more diffuse lighting.

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#50

These Cinema Cup Holders Have No Bottoms, So They Only Fit Super-Large Drink Cups

These Cinema Cup Holders Have No Bottoms, So They Only Fit Super-Large Drink Cups

Shakes-Fear Report

Note: this post originally had 114 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.