Weird, eccentric, or ugly tall buildings

[jayem]

Any architecture fans here like me? I was going through some of my magazines, and picked a few tall buildings that to me, are bizarre, impractical, or just plain ugly. Some have been around and are well known, some are recently built. All are strange.

432 Park Avenue, NYC

Called the Matchstick Building for obvious reasons. Skyscraper design should emphasize verticality. But there should also be some horizontal mass to keep the proportions pleasing. I'd be afraid this would topple over in a strong wind.

The Shard, London

Aptly named for its resemblance to a jagged piece of broken glass. I don't understand the economics of triangular buildings. The higher you go, which most always correlates with higher rents, the less usable floor space you have.

City of Capitals Towers, Moscow

Reminds me of giant alphabet blocks stacked by a 2 year old.

Lakhta Center, St. Petersburg, Russia

Recently completed and now the tallest building in Europe. Looks like a prop rocket ship from a cheap 50s sci-fi movie.

Adaire Apartments, Tysons Corner, VA,

I don't know what the designers did to this building's facade. But it looks like it's molting.

 

[Sparagmos]

I like the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th. I’d rather skyscrapers look unique than the same old designs.

 

[Quid est Veritas?]

Disa Park, Cape Town. Nicknamed Tampon Towers. Really, really ugly - a blight on the face of Table Mountain.