Awkward Architecture: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly

There are thousands of beautifully designed buildings in the world, from elegant family homes to “living” green architecture that serves more than just its human occupants. Architectural materials and design are continuously evolving, which allow for structures that we would have never thought possible. Here are a few examples of what can be considered as the good, the bad, and the ugly.

China has been on the rise with interesting architecture lately, and the “doughnut” skyscraper in Guangzhou is no exception. The design is a departure from typical western skyscraper architecture; its aim is to be a, “Native Chinese landmark…inspired by the strong iconic value of jade discs and numerological tradition of feng shui, in particular, the double disc of jade (bi-disk) is the royal symbol of an ancient Chinese dynasty that reigned in this area around 2000 years ago,” says architect, Joseph Di Pasquale.

The design of the doughnut skyscraper is radical and unorthodox, but beautifully stands out in a new league of architecture that China can call its own.

A notorious example of awkward architecture is the Gherkin in London. Construction started in 2001, and was completed by 2004. By looking at it, one can determine that the skyscraper gets its name from its “pickle” shape, while at the same time concluding that it is indeed a giant phallus. Despite its strange shape, it has won a number of architectural awards, including the Stirling Prize by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

Possibly one of the ugliest buildings this year, Frank Gehry’s Biomuseo in Panama City is the architect’s first project in Latin America. The asymmetry of the multiple roofs can be perceived either as genius architecture or an atrocious cluster of multi-colored metal panels that look like leftovers from another Frank Gehry project. Whichever stance one might take, one thing is certain: it screams “Frank Gehry.”

These examples are inspired by the never-ending quest to be unique. Ambitious design gives these buildings their own identity, whether the reaction is positive or negative, they are unforgettable.

Images and Information courtesy (C) Dezeen and Victoria Murillo