What is ‘hostile architecture?’ Why OKC put boulders under bridge
Officials said the boulders are to push people toward housing or other resources, but experts say it’s not an effective way to address the problem.
A New Jersey real estate team published a list of the 100 ugliest public buildings in the country, and two Illinois structures made the list.
The Robert Dekanski Team surveyed more than 3,000 people and released a ranking of “the 100 most unattractive public buildings” in the U.S.
Here’s what they found.
Peoria, Winnebago Courthouses make ‘Ugliest Public Buildings’ list
The Peoria County Courthouse made the list at No. 37, seemingly not impressing voters with its plain, beige exterior. Meanwhile, the Winnebago County Circuit Court, located in Rockford, landed at No. 56 on the list.
Courthouses dominate ‘Ugliest Public Buildings’ list
As illustrated by the Illinois selections, the New Jersey team found that more than half of the top 30 entries were courthouses or judicial centers, seemingly based on their “cold and fortress-like” appearances.
“That’s not entirely surprising,” the report reads. “Many were built during the mid-to-late 20th century when brutalist and utilitarian styles were the norm.”
Rankings based on more than just appearance
The team noted in the report that the rankings were often based on more than just the buildings’ physical appearances, with factors like the structures’ function and upkeep claiming importance as well.
“A drab building that still delivers great service might be tolerated,” the report says. “But if it’s crumbling and confusing to navigate? That’s when complaints really stack up.”
Top 10 ‘Ugliest Public Buildings’
Here’s a list of buildings that made the top of the list:
- City of Flint Municipal Center in Flint, Michigan
- Fresno County Superior Court in Fresno, California
- Buffalo City Court in Buffalo, New York
- Jackson County Courts Building in Pascagoula, Mississippi
- Philadelphia Municipal Services Building in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Akron Municipal Court in Akron, Ohio
- Atlantic City Municipal Court in Atlantic City, New Jersey
- Bentonville Public Works Maintenance Facility in Bentonville, Arkansas
- Tuscaloosa County Public Works Building in Tuscaloosa, Alabama
- El Paso County Court Administration Building in El Paso, Texas.