Growing up in England, then living in some of the coolest cities in the world, I have witnessed some of our planet’s greatest buildings — and some of its worst. Anyone living in a modern city will testify that there is a love-hate relationship with their architecture.
A recent post is giving Internet users a chance to unburden themselves. So here are nine of the ugliest buildings in the world.
1. Kowloon Walled City, Hong Kong.
This place looks like something from a Shaun Tan graphic novel. The only way to describe the Walled City is a horror of dystopian, modern living. Set on the Chinese mainland side of Hong Kong, the Walled City is a mazy network of dilapidated, dingy, moldy apartments — a high-rise shanty town in one of the world’s wealthiest cities. It is the ugliest building in the world.
2. Panama Biomuseum, Panama City, Panama.
From a casual observer’s perspective, this building looks like a kid designed it. Designed by Frank Gehry, the Panama Biomuseum resembles an infant’s dropped Lego creation with its weird, primary-colored, misshaped metal roofing pieces.
3. Zizkov TV Tower, Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is renowned as one of Europe’s most well-preserved medieval cities, but residents were stunned when plans went ahead for the Zizkov T.V. Tower between 1985 and 1992. The strange, brutalist design oozes Soviet occupation and cruelly juxtaposes the fairytale architecture beneath. If that isn’t enough, the tower is adorned with sculptures of faceless, crawling babies.
4. Evans Hall, UC Berkeley, California
How did the University of California at Berkeley mess up such a fine campus? Evans Hall houses the famous college’s math department but could just as easily be a location from the book 1984; such is the no-frills, gray concrete brutalist aesthetic.
5. Makkah Royal Clock Tower, Saudi Arabia
At a humble cost of $15,000,000,000 (yes, nine zeros), the Abraj Al-Bait is a megalithic residential and hotel complex that dominates the skies of the Saudi Arabian city. The Saudi government owns the building, which hosts thousands of visiting pilgrims during the Haj. Its giant 1,991 ft clock tower and square blocks make it look like something from early 20th century New York.
6. American Dream Meadowlands, East Rutherford, New Jersey
So far, U.S. taxpayers have had to shell out $1.9 billion for this incomplete urban eyesore, a sports and entertainment center with a mall attached. Also known as ‘Xanadu,’ an unknowing visitor might pass this edifice and wonder whether they have passed into East Rutherford’s industrial district. Xanadu’s shipping container yard chic, with its garishly turquoise and rusted colors, resembles an architect’s hangover.
7. Trelick Tower, London, England
During World War Two, thousands of bombs rained down on London, leaving behind the post-war dilemma of rebuilding much of the city. Furthermore, the cost was an issue with the nation bankrupt; therefore, the ‘brutalist’ movement was born. Trelick Tower embodies this grim, gray stone construction, designed by the aptly-named Ernő Goldfinger!
8. Swansea B.T. Tower, Wales
“The B.T. tower was built in the 70s and is a strong contender for the U.K.’s ugliest building,” claims a Swansea resident. The beautiful ruin of Swansea Castle, built in the 12th century, sat perfectly undisturbed until 1970 when the British Royal Mail erected the modernist eye-botherer. Now they stand together, like a supermodel and her obnoxious, wealthy boyfriend.
9. The Antilia, Mumbai, India
“The Antilia, the home of Mukesh Ambani in the city of Mumbai,” suggests the final poster. “I can’t think of an uglier home to live in.” Without knowledge of this high-rise modern palace in Mumbai, one might think it’s a lavish hotel, not a private residence. However, the glass-covered tower is 27 stories tall and has a 168-car garage, a cinema — even an indoor snow room. What makes this ugly, though? Maybe the fact it looms over some of the poorest slums in the world.
More From Savoteur
Traditions are, like every other thing, ephemeral. The inevitability of cultural shifts is constant with the passing of time, and with these changes often come the gradual erosions of binding values that may, sadly, bring back nostalgia for the times we wish we could have again. Come with us down the recollections of the good old days we may only continue to cherish in fond memories.
11 Once-Beloved Long-Term American Traditions That Are All But Gone
The 10 States With The Most Firearm Fatalities: Is Yours The Worst?
Firearm fatalities continue to be a pressing issue in the United States, with certain states bearing the brunt of this tragic problem. Here, we present a list of the ten most dangerous states, highlighting their firearm fatality statistics and shedding light on the contributing factors.
The 10 States With The Most Firearm Fatalities: Is Yours The Worst?
12 Most Dangerous Rivers Across the World To Avoid Dipping Your Toes Into
There’s an exciting frenzy in stepping into new waters. Because rivers are a vital part of our ecosystem, they make for some of the best tourist hotspots to refresh and catch up with the lush serenity nature has on offer.
Some rivers, however, are notorious for their treacherous currents, unpredictable rapids, and dangerous wildlife. This guide shows you which rivers you should not dip or swim in when you finally stand before their sprawling waters.
12 Most Dangerous Rivers Across the World To Avoid Dipping Your Toes Into
10 Biggest Culture Shocks Southerners Had Visiting the North in America
America is a divided nation — or so it would seem if we are to believe the news media, with their non-stop live reporting on the great social divide. We’ve been there before. In the Civil War, it was North vs. the South; in hip hop, it was the East Coast vs. West Coast divide. However, now it seems to be a rural vs. urban divide.
Regardless, some Southerners still find the North a surprise. A recent discussion sheds some light on the matter, with people sharing their biggest surprises about their northern neighbors.
10 Biggest Culture Shocks Southerners Had Visiting the North in America
10 Places People Would Travel if They Had 2 Weeks Anywhere in the World
Where would you go if you had two weeks to explore the world? Would you choose to relax on an isolated beach, party in a city with a vibrant nightlife scene – or something in between? Experienced travelers discussed this question recently in an online forum, and the result is a concrete list of places to visit if you had two weeks to spend anywhere in the world!
10 Places People Would Travel if They Had 2 Weeks Anywhere in the World
