The internet has a knack for shaming people over their choices, whether it’s questionable hairstyles, DIY projects, or even marriage proposals. Pointing out what we perceive as tasteless decisions gives us a sense of superiority, but sometimes it’s just about having a bit of lighthearted fun.
Architecture isn’t immune to this kind of online scrutiny. There are entire communities and pages dedicated to calling out the questionable choices made by architects and interior designers over the years. One such example is the “I’m Architecture Shaming” page, which thrives on this very concept. Keep scrolling to check out some of its most entertaining posts!
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#1
Those Teefs, I Mean… Window
38 Architectural Fails That Deserve Public Shame
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#2
Why? Just Why?
#3
Not Exactly Architecture But This Is A Crime Against Interior Design
When it comes to shaming architecture, objective critique is often in short supply. What one person finds tasteless or offensive, another might see as stylish and appealing. However, certain types of buildings tend to attract more online ridicule than others.
For instance, Brutalist structures, McMansions, and overly flashy contemporary designs—or attempts to mimic the iconic styles of renowned architects—frequently become targets of criticism. With that in mind, let’s dive into some of the most notorious architectural “sins” that the internet loves to call out.
#4
It’s Like An 80’s Cartoon Villain Lair
#5
As Seen Somewhere In Ohio. It Looked Normal And Fairly Nice From The Front And Then I Saw The Sides Of The Building
#6
Adding On An Exexexexextension
McMansions are a type of home that many people love to criticize. But what exactly defines a McMansion? They’re similar to mansions in size but lack the refinement and exclusivity, often being as common and mass-produced as a McDonald’s fast-food restaurant, according to Miller Samuel Real Estate Appraisers and Consultants.
From an aesthetic standpoint, McMansions often fail to win people over due to their lack of symmetry and coherence. They frequently boast exaggerated features, such as grandiose entrances, disproportionately tall columns, and oversized pediments. These homes rarely stick to a single architectural style, time period, or regional influence, resulting in what can only be described as an architectural mishmash—a chaotic blend of mismatched elements.
#7
Help Wanted: Gatekeeper
#8
There Are No Words For This Chandelier
#9
Shameful. But I Like Cats And So This Would Be Ok With Me!
It wouldn’t be accurate to claim that everyone dislikes McMansions. In fact, some individuals are willing to tear down historic modernist structures to build their own sprawling homes. A prime example is actor Chris Pratt, who faced significant backlash last year for demolishing Craig Ellwood’s iconic Zimmerman House.
Pratt decided to replace the historic mid-century building with a new 5,000-square-foot farmhouse, a move that sparked widespread criticism online. Many people trolled him, comparing his decision to “buying a Rothko just for the frame”—essentially discarding something of immense cultural value for something far less meaningful.
#10
Love Me Some Brutalism, But Not Sure How I Feel About This One
#11
I Can Finally Contribute. Two Houses Got Married
#12
What I Thought Was A Prison Is Actually The Holiday Inn At Heathrow Airport
However, Pratt and his family aren’t alone in tearing down historic mid-century Californian homes. There’s a growing trend of purchasing these iconic properties only to demolish them and replace them with new McMansions. As Adrian Fine, president and CEO of the Los Angeles Conservancy, explained to The Washington Post, many buyers view these estates as nothing more than “valuable plots of dirt,” prioritizing the land over the architectural heritage it holds.
#13
Oyster Shell Fireplace. I Hate It
#14
Feel Like This Belongs Here
#15
Throw A Blanket Over That And You’ve Got A Pretty Sweet Fort
Environmental psychologist Sally Augustin highlights that McMansions are often poorly suited for human comfort. Their soaring ceilings in foyers and “great rooms” create a formal, impersonal atmosphere that lacks warmth and coziness. Additionally, the irregular shapes of many rooms can be unsettling for some, adding unnecessary stress—particularly when trying to figure out how to arrange furniture in such unconventional spaces.
#16
I Kinda Like It, But Could See Why Some People Would Hate It. I Would Absolutely Be Stubbing My Toe On That Bottom Step
#17
No Words
#18
Windows?! More Like Liabilities!
McMansions don’t belong to the realm of high architecture, nor do they need to. They cater to affluent suburban lifestyles, offering grandeur rather than architectural refinement. As Kriston Capps explains in The Washington Post, the surge in McMansions—often built by demolishing historic homes designed by renowned architects—represents a clash between “elite aesthetics and conspicuous consumption.” It’s a battle between preserving cultural heritage and embracing opulent, mass-produced ideals.
#19
Sorry But This Genuinely Took Two Years Out Of My Life LOL
#20
Perfect House For This Page
#21
Just Moved To A New Neighborhood. I Hate This House
Brutalist buildings are undeniably distinctive in style, but they’re not exactly known for being inviting places to live. When Brutalism comes to mind, it’s often government structures or the stark landscapes of post-Soviet countries that people picture. Starting in the 1970s, public perception shifted, and these concrete giants began to be seen as imposing, cold, and even symbolic of societal problems, rather than inspiring or uplifting landmarks.
#22
New Apartments Just Built Near Me
#23
Well, Hello Neighbor
#24
“It’s Fine, Just Add A Bump Out”
Architecture can certainly have its humorous side, but when it goes overboard, the results often elicit more cringes than genuine laughter. Consider Ohio’s “Big Basket” building or Idaho’s Dog Bark Park Inn, shaped like a giant beagle. While these quirky designs might amuse some, they stray far from traditional architectural principles. Whether that’s a good thing or a bad thing? Well, we’ll let you be the judge of that.
#25
Mcdonalds In Bergen, Norway
#26
Directly From A Science Fiction Movie
#27
Another Satisfied Customer
We all want our homes to be visually appealing, but shouldn’t they also be comfortable, cozy, and, above all, feel like a place where we can truly live? Too often, contemporary avant-garde designs prioritize bold aesthetics over practicality, resulting in spaces that look striking but fail to function as livable homes. If you’ve seen our other posts on architecture shaming, you’ve likely come across examples of this trend: staircases that lead to nowhere, windows that don’t open, and balconies that are completely inaccessible. It’s a reminder that good design should balance beauty with usability.
#28
Don’t Let The Land Limit Your Ambitions
#29
Thought The Group Would Like This
#30
One Job!!!! You Had One Job!
What do you think are the most egregious architectural offenses on this list, Pandas? Don’t hold back—share your thoughts in the comments below! And if you’re in the mood for more laughs (or cringes) at the expense of questionable design, be sure to check out our post on the “That’s It, I’m Architecture Shaming!” group, where people absolutely don’t hold back their critiques. It’s a treasure trove of hilariously brutal takes on some truly baffling buildings!
#31
Y’all Living In A Cinnamon Toast Crunch
#32
Client – “I Want A Garage.” Architect – “Sure Bro.”
#33
Kitchen By Artist Niki De Saint Phalle. It’s Atrocious, But I Also Really Like It
#34
This Looks Like A Pod Racer Or Something…one Of The Weirdest Houses I’ve Come Across
#35
I’m Sure The Neighbors Are Thrilled
#36
I Have Made The Mistake Of Trying To Climb Those Stairs With The Handrail On My Right. (And No, There Is No Warning Sign At The Bottom)
#37
Thought You’d Enjoy This Horrendous Shower With Not Just One Step To Get Into It, But A Second Into A Weird Pit, With Sharp Edges, Truly Horrendous Tiles, And Almost Certainly Loads Of Mildew, So Hard To Clean That!
