50 Times Architects Made Buildings That Look Cool But Were Uncomfortable To Live In Or Use

Dr. Komisar pointed out to Bored Panda that no matter how good an architect is, they won't be able to be prepared for all potential problems and eventualities. "But understanding the site conditions and evaluating other buildings using the same construction techniques and materials can help avoid problems," she said.

I was also interested to learn about how architects can innovate and create originality when it sometimes seems like every single idea has already be done. According to Dr. Komisar, the changes don't have to be something profound. Start small.

"Innovation does not have to be radical, but can be an incremental change that will benefit the users and society at large. At the moment we have a huge opportunity to build sustainable buildings that approach or attain a 'net zero' energy cost. By using local and/or sustainable materials, designing for passive and/or active solar and wind power, designing for very low energy usage, and renovating and adapting existing buildings we can help to mitigate climate change."

Dr. Komisar continued: "Addressing this environmental crisis is not only an issue that we must address but also is a tremendous opportunity for design innovation. Addressing these concerns will most definitely introduce a variety of creative solutions."

Architecture is a tough nut to crack. On the one hand, it’s a very functional and rational sphere of activity that literally designs the spaces in which we live, work, and sleep. On the other hand, it’s an artistic expression that puts form on the same level of importance as function. After all, if you’re going to build something (anything!) at all, why not make it stunning?

So of course, it’s up to the architect to solve an engineer’s ever-lasting riddle: how do you innovate and create something iconic while also making sure that your building doesn’t cause people to riot and denounce it in the news?

Well, 99 Designs points out that buildings should be innovative, eye-catching, and ought to pop out of their surroundings. And that means bending the rules and bucking (at least some) conventions.

However, paradoxically, the architect should also be very aware of the building’s surroundings, using them as a complementary backdrop. You can still have your modern masterpiece as long as you pay tribute to the building’s more traditional surroundings with the details, colors, etc.

And it’s with regards to the surroundings that your choice of materials and the way that you shape your project come in—they’re deeply expressive decisions that you should be thinking about as soon as you start sketching out your ideas for your project.

And always, always keep in mind that even though you’re creating a work of art, it’s got to be practical. Otherwise, what’s the point of architecture when sculpture-making would give you the full freedom to express yourself.

The r/bizarrebuildings community celebrated its 5th birthday just a few short months ago, in March, and it’s going strong. Currently, the subreddit has over 131k members and we can see that number rising in the future.

Be sure to give the community a visit if you enjoyed the photos in this list. Pop in for a quick ‘hello, how are you?’ or consider posting a weird-looking yet totally awesome building, too.

“If it's a bizarre building, it belongs here. No, not pictures of buildings having a Christmas bizarre [look]. We want unique, one-of-a-kind buildings!” the ‘Bizarre Buildings’ moderators shared what their online group is all about.

You heard it here, folks—your regular holiday-decoration-bizarre just won’t cut it. You’ve got to go for bizarre bizarre. Crank the weirdness all the way up to eleven so even Alice thinks she’s still in Wonderland. Just remember that when you innovate, you also have the ability to do the climate some good, too!