Our mission is simple: to bring you a carefully selected of the worst architectures and designs from around the world, so the big question is “what is the definition of bad architecture?” it will be very difficult for us to compare all these building within the range of attractiveness, beauty and functionality, and always there will be a barrier of the word “subjective” controlling the assessment of the buildings, peoples different view and opinion have a major effect on the look and performance of the buildings, we must consider the argument between the professionals and the public. What is accepted and recognized as the best or the worst building not necessary viewed by the public positively which prefer to see an iconic nice building performing well without going in to very deep technical solutions.
As a first step the thought of ‘bad’ architecture may conjure up images of non-iconic ugly buildings; perhaps the notoriety Pier Head Ferry Terminal in Liverpool, or the Basket Building in United States? Or could be the Fang Yuan Building in Shenyang or The Elephant Building in Bangkok? There’s no question that these buildings are among the ugliest buildings in the world, but how about the durability and performance of these ugly buildings or the users’ satisfaction, or how sustainable are these buildings, how about assessing the fabric, structure, ventilation, acoustics, fire protection, servicing, heating and cooling …etc?
However the ugly building doesn’t necessarily have the same meaning as the worst architecture in the world. There are so many different industries and categories of buildings which affect the way of assessing and choosing ‘bad architecture’ because what’s counted as bad architecture within the retail sector is entirely different to that of a car factory or a school building. Similarly a museum or theatre has a completely different make-up compared to that of a hospital or warehouses.
The Roman architect Vitruvius in his treatise on architecture, De Architectura, asserted that there were three principles of good architecture:
Another basic principle associated with modern architecture and industrial design in the 20th century is ‘Form follows function’. The principle is that the shape of a building or object should be primarily based upon its intended function or purpose.is the basic rule which many architects and designers follow to provide the best possible functionality for a building, however this is not always the case as many big-name architects and designers within the industry are not following the basic rules.
Nominate a building as ‘Bad Architecture’ or ‘worst architecture’ is not a simple process, and needs very complicated assessment and measurement tools such as the Design Quality Indicator (DQI) by CABE, which allow various design quality
components to be measured together, which are all about the essence of good buildings and not only judged on architectural beauty, but on the excellence shown from a construction and technical building control point of view, difficult sites, innovative and creative solutions.
By ARAZ AGHA
But why should we award and give credit to bad architecture?
As a first step the thought of ‘bad’ architecture may conjure up images of non-iconic ugly buildings; perhaps the notoriety Pier Head Ferry Terminal in Liverpool, or the Basket Building in United States? Or could be the Fang Yuan Building in Shenyang or The Elephant Building in Bangkok? There’s no question that these buildings are among the ugliest buildings in the world, but how about the durability and performance of these ugly buildings or the users’ satisfaction, or how sustainable are these buildings, how about assessing the fabric, structure, ventilation, acoustics, fire protection, servicing, heating and cooling …etc?
However the ugly building doesn’t necessarily have the same meaning as the worst architecture in the world. There are so many different industries and categories of buildings which affect the way of assessing and choosing ‘bad architecture’ because what’s counted as bad architecture within the retail sector is entirely different to that of a car factory or a school building. Similarly a museum or theatre has a completely different make-up compared to that of a hospital or warehouses.
The Roman architect Vitruvius in his treatise on architecture, De Architectura, asserted that there were three principles of good architecture:
- Firmatis (Durability) - It should stand up robustly and remain in good condition.
- Utilitas (Utility) - It should be useful and function well for the people using it.
- Venustatis (Beauty) - It should delight people and raise their spirits.
Another basic principle associated with modern architecture and industrial design in the 20th century is ‘Form follows function’. The principle is that the shape of a building or object should be primarily based upon its intended function or purpose.is the basic rule which many architects and designers follow to provide the best possible functionality for a building, however this is not always the case as many big-name architects and designers within the industry are not following the basic rules.
Nominate a building as ‘Bad Architecture’ or ‘worst architecture’ is not a simple process, and needs very complicated assessment and measurement tools such as the Design Quality Indicator (DQI) by CABE, which allow various design quality
components to be measured together, which are all about the essence of good buildings and not only judged on architectural beauty, but on the excellence shown from a construction and technical building control point of view, difficult sites, innovative and creative solutions.
By ARAZ AGHA
But why should we award and give credit to bad architecture?