Architecture that's funny, flawed, or downright impractical
OK, architects aren't perfect. Even the greatest architects design buildings that are impractical, absurd, or just plain funny looking. Which buildings are the silliest? That's open for debate. Here's a short list of famous structures that have stirred controversy, outrage, and - sometimes - laughter.
It was bad enough when neighbors complained about Frank Gehry's overly bright Disney Concert Hall. But the negligence suit that MIT filed against Gehry Partners is enough to make any architect run for life. Apparently, Gehry's famous, startling Stata Center at MIT has so many cracks and leaks, the amphitheater had to be rebuilt - to the tune of $1.5 million.
Philip Johnson was probably spoofing classical architecture when he designed the many-pillared Town Hall for the Disney planned community at Celebration, Florida. You just have to chuckle.
Designed as a one-year, temporary structure, the Millennium Dome was doomed to be associated with the crazy panic that surrounded the changing of the centuries. After the official start of the new millennium, the funny looking Dome closed and Great Britain spent several years looking for ways to use it. For architect Richard Rogers, the Millennium Dome was not his proudest accomplishment.
Also known as the Monument of Light, the 393-foot (120-meter) Spire of Dublin was supposed to welcome the new millennium like the Dome in England. But Dublin's stainless steel tube was mired in controversy and construction wasn't completed until 2003. Now Dubliners are saying, What's the point?
I.M. Pei placed massive concrete slabs in the midst of a scenic mountain view. Some critics call the museum bold and transparent. Others just shake their heads.
){kind=link}
){kind=link}
){kind=link}
){kind=link}
){kind=link}
){kind=link}
){kind=link}
){kind=link}
| 