Buildings Gone Bad: 2014's Worst Architecture

The designs of architecture's most famous practitioners inspire the most public forms of attention and criticism. A recent column in Slate doesn't shy away from the latter.

1 minute read

December 29, 2014, 6:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Kriston Capps has compiled a list of lowlights from the year in architecture. The list follows the example of Frank Gehry, who earlier this year berated 98 percent of the world's architecture. Capps's critique, however, is directed toward the architecture that begs to be seen, as such, he describes the list "as a plea for 2015: Leave Frank Gehry alone."

Capps writes that the "dubious designs and blustering egos collected here all make a strong case for the worst architecture of 2014," describing them all as "worse than Gehry’s Fondation Louis Vuitton, which opened this fall and may in fact be the best building of 2014."

The list includes multiple mentions for Zaha Hadid, multiple mentions for George Lucas, multiple buildings in Los Angeles, and all 1,715 Designs in the Guggenheim Helsinki Contest.

Friday, December 26, 2014 in Slate

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog