When it comes to architecture, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Whether it’s a bold aesthetic statement, a feat of engineering prowess, or a reflection of personal ideology, these structures rarely pass unnoticed. Unlike a piece of art that can be tucked away in a gallery, a building’s immovable nature forces it into the public eye every day, compelling everyone to form an opinion. Here, we dive into 15 U.S. buildings that locals and tourists hate.
Florida State Capitol
This historically significant building in Tallahassee, Florida, was designed by Edward Durell Stone and Reynolds, Smith & Hills as an example of modernist architecture that failed to win over public opinion. Intended to be a bold departure from traditional architecture, some critics argue that mixing classical and modern styles wasn’t a good idea.
Boston City Hall
Completed in 1968, this building was meant to convey a sense of strength, transparency and durability, yet many find its rough concrete facade and massive, irregular shape harsh and uninviting. Its aesthetic is described as cold and oppressive, failing to integrate with the more traditional architectural styles of Boston’s historic government district.
The Zions Bank Building
Standing as the tallest building in Idaho, the design of this building was changed several times. Many residents believe the building resembles the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints spires even after modifications. Despite its ambitious design, the Zions Bank Building has faced criticism for its generic office tower appearance.
J. Edgar Hoover Building
Planning for this building started in 1962 to be the headquarters of the FBI. It follows the guidelines of Brutalist architecture focusing on functionality and imposing strength, with a stark concrete facade meant to convey authority and security. Still, the lack of decorative elements creates an oppressive, bunker-like look that some find unappealing.
Verizon Building
Designed in the Art Deco style, this building is located at 140 West Street and took 4 years to complete. The lack of windows on its upper stories gives it a fortress-like quality, making it appear out of place among Manhattan’s more ornate and diverse architectural styles. It occupies a prominent location in the city’s skyline, making its presence particularly noticeable and often lamented.
U.S. Bank Stadium
Located in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota, this building follows Nordic design and modern aesthetics. Yet many locals and tourists criticize its glass-heavy design, which is overly aggressive and jarring. The sharp edges and black glass facade give it an almost alien appearance.
Watergate Complex
The Watergate Complex is a notable example of modernist architecture. The design aimed to blend residential, office, and hotel spaces with flowing, curved forms that integrate with the Potomac River’s natural flow. Some view the Watergate Complex as outdated, and its unconventional shapes make it difficult to harmonize with the more classical architecture of Washington, D.C.
Trump Tower
It’s common to see extravagant buildings in Las Vegas, but the Trump Tower is a minimalist structure lacking character. The giant Trump logo and the golden color make it look too loud compared to the elegant architectural styles around it. A fraud lawsuit surrounding the hotel makes people loathe the building.
North Dakota State Capitol Building
Joseph Bell DeRemer and W.F. Kurke designed this building in the Art Deco style, emphasizing simplicity and function. Unlike the more ornate capitol buildings found in other states, North Dakota’s State Capitol is plain, and the lack of decorative elements led some to view it as drab and uninspiring, more reminiscent of an office building than a seat of government.
Oregon Convention Center
Modern design with a focus on transparency and openness inspired this 1990 building. The twin spires are intended to be a distinctive feature but are criticized for looking like oversized, inappropriate additions to the main structure, failing to harmonize with the rest of the building. Also, the extensive use of glass can create heat retention and glare issues, making the interior uncomfortable.
Alamodome
This multifunctional stadium features a modern, utilitarian design. It was opened in 1993 but later renovated. However, people don’t like its boxy exterior and the absence of distinctive features, which make it appear more like a giant warehouse than a state-of-the-art sports venue. It has also faced criticism for its uninspiring aesthetics and lack of modern amenities.
James R. Thompson Center
Sherman House Hotel previously stood at this spot until it was demolished in 1980. The center was completed five years later and stands as a striking example of postmodern architecture. The unique design includes a dramatic curved glass facade and an expansive atrium, but people don’t like its chaotic and visually overwhelming appearance.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium
This multi-purpose building has a futuristic design with a retractable roof inspired by a camera aperture. While many admire its innovative design, others find the stadium’s angular, spaceship-like appearance overly ambitious, and the complex roof mechanism faces operational issues. The sharp lines and metallic exterior can also appear harsh and industrial.
Denver International Airport
As the second-largest airport in the world, Denver International Airport was inspired by The Rocky Mountains, with a tent-like structure on the peaks. The design aims to blend the natural beauty of Colorado with modern architectural elements, but some view the airport’s tent-like design as gimmicky and impractical. The fabric roof has been prone to wear and tear, requiring frequent maintenance and repairs.
Wells Fargo Center
This Jacksonville skyscraper was designed as a major office space with sleek reflective surfaces. However, the dark glass contributes to its cold, impersonal aesthetic and creates significant heat buildup inside the building, leading to higher cooling energy costs. Additionally, the building’s plain, rectangular form offers little visual interest.
