Architecture and design are fascinating topics. There’s a seemingly never-ending discussion about the right balance between function and form, and we’ve recently written about the importance of ordinary beauty, as well as the disturbing trend of design homogenization. So naturally, we believe that aesthetics and artistic expression are definitely worth protecting. Here’s the issue though: should aesthetics trump safety?
To help you ponder this question, we’re featuring some of the very best posts from the r/ArchitectureForAdults subreddit (and a select few from elsewhere). It’s a niche online community that has a very unique perspective on the world. The members share photos and videos of truly gorgeous architectural and engineering designs that flirt with the line between safe and unsafe.
Scroll down and upvote your fave pics! Let us know which of these designs wowed you the most… and which scared the bejesus outta ya! If you’re anything like me and have a not-so-subtle fear of heights and falling, then you might want to hang on to your hats, Pandas. You’re about to get a big dose of vertigo. Go on ahead, I’ll be right with you, I just need to collect myself for a bit.
Bored Panda got in touch with an urban planner and designer from Sweden to get her opinion about the r/ArchitectureForAdults subreddit. She was kind enough to share her thoughts about safety and security in public spaces, as well as why the sub’s tagline might not work in real life.
#1 Mural On The Back Of Acme Incorporated
Image source: jabbett
#2 Almost Pulled A Michael Scott While Delivering Groceries Today
Image source: Samxvalle
#3 You Don‘T Need To Be Drunk Anymore
Image source: Zerfallsgesetz
#4 “Stairs”
Image source: Mod-Bait69
#5 This Staircase
Image source: whitae
#6 All These Houses Are Connected By A Pool
Image source: Starlord2047
#7 In The 20’s, Fiat Had A Test Track On Top Of Their Production Warehouse
Image source: piefordays
#8 Bruh
Image source: abyigit
#9 Just Don’t Swing It Side To Side Too Much
Image source: TraumaticAcid
#10 Construction Of The Hindenburg- Yes, Those Are Ladders
Image source: TheBirdman532
#11 These Obstacles Are Almost Invisible On The Bike Lane
Image source: reddit.com
#12 What Was Their First Idea, Stairs Made Made From Piles Of Rusty Nails?
Image source: jonmpls
#13 Meteora Monasteries, Greece
Image source: fleebinflobbin
#14 The Storseisundet Bridge In Norway
Image source: petershaw_
#15 This 1930s Design Let You Hang Your Baby Over The Side Of A Building In A Cage
Image source: Honeyontoast123
#16 Step Out Of A Bathtub Down A Flight Of Stairs, Anyone?
Image source: TheLoneGinger9
#17 This Architect Accidentally Built A Death Ray That Melts Cars And Fries Eggs… Again
Image source: badsalad
#18 The Cannonball Loop Waterslide, A Slide So Dangerous It Was Shutdown Almost Immediately After Opening
Image source: metricrules
#19 Yes, It’s A Door
#20 Hope You Don’t Drop Anything
Image source: IrishPubstar
#21 On The Floor Of Doctor’s Office. If You Trip On It, You’re In The Right Place
Image source: Chriss899
#22 A Footbridge With Knee-High Sides
Image source: MaxPowerzs
#23 Indian Stepwells | The Construction Of Stepwells Is Mainly Utilitarian, Though They May Include Embellishments Of Architectural Significance, And Be Temple Tanks
Image source: wikipedia_it
#24 Stairwell In A Hotel I Stayed In
Image source: Hun10dog
#25 Oh No
Image source: Chriss899
#26 Window That Turns Into A Balcony
Image source: TheGr8Canadian
#27 I Don’t Even Know Where To Begin
Image source: drillbit16
#28 Looks Too Easy To Slip And Fall
Image source: desraR
#29 Wavy Stairs To Make Going Downstairs More Fun
Image source: mugbee0
#30 Hammock Bathtub
Image source: LagoonRoom
#31 This Infinity Pool
Image source: DaPizzaDoctah
#32 Emergency Exit Looks Like Emergency By Itself
#33 I Always Wanted A Treehouse
Image source: deadburgerboy
#34 What Kind Of Stairs Is That Even????
Image source: Lolammo
#35 Train To Machu Picchu With A Balcony
Image source: robotevil
#36 Skyslide At OUE Skyspace In Los Angeles, CA | An Outdoor Glass Slide That’s Attached To The Exterior Of The U.S. Bank Tower. The Skyslide Is 45 Feet Long, About Four Feet Wide And Made Entirely With 1.25-Inch Glass. Visitors Glide From The 70th To The 69th Floor. Now Permanently Closed
Image source: wikipedia_it
#37 Internal Staircase For People Who Like Every Trip To Be An Adventure, And No Longer Have Children
Image source: MightyTribble
#38 These Urinals Where You Can Look Out To The Street. Windows Aren’t Tinted At All So You Can Also See In. Even Has A Sink On Top Of Each One
Image source: Starlord2047
#39 The Statue Of Liberty’s Torch, New York, NY
The torch has been closed since the “Black Tom” explosion of July 30, 1916, which was one of the largest acts of sabotage to our nation prior to the event of pearl harbor on December 7, 1941
Image source: wikipedia_it
#40 Adult Transportation
Image source: pinkflyingpigs
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