50 Design Fails In Public Places So Atrocious, They Make People Wonder How They Got Approved (New Pics)

The secret of a great public space lies in itsdesign. For people to visit and make use of these places many times over, they have to be functional, accessible, easy to use, match the needs of the community, and evolve with it as it changes. After all, most things are created to be utilized, not just to be seen.However, not all designs can check these boxes. “What happens when theyfailto do so?” you may ask. Well, they are shared online for netizens to judge. The team atBored Pandahas collected some of the worst cases in the list below. We hope that these photos serve as a public service announcement that we deserve better!We also reached out to urban plannersTaiwo AgbajeandSamuel Austin, who kindly agreed to share some tips on how to create a successful public space.This post may includeaffiliate links.

This post may includeaffiliate links.

This Pattern On The Hospital’s Floor

The Students In My Course Complained About Not Having Enough Privacy, And University Decided To Install Glass Doors To Solve The Issue

My Classroom Has These Floor Outlets. It’s Basically The Toe Stubber 5000

Urban planner and GIS analystTaiwo Agbajetells Bored Panda that one aspect that makes apublic spacesuccessful is its accessibility. “A remarkable public space is undeniably easy to access and navigate, visible from a distance, and seamlessly connected to its surroundings.”Other features that it has to include are engaging activities. “Successful public spaces are unequivocal hubs of vibrant activity, offering diverse opportunities for people to engage and participate in various activities,” says Agbaje.

Other features that it has to include are engaging activities. “Successful public spaces are unequivocal hubs of vibrant activity, offering diverse opportunities for people to engage and participate in various activities,” says Agbaje.

Leg Space In A Cricket Stadium

There Are Three Steps Down At The Entrance To This Lobby

Public Restroom Stalls With… Viewing Windows? Why?

He also adds that such places should be comfortable, pleasing to the eye, and serve as a fostering environment for social interactions. “A comfortable environment is undeniably crucial, where seating, shade, cleanliness, and pleasant aesthetics significantly contribute to a positive experience. The space’s image must radiate safety, inviting warmth, and impeccable maintenance.Outstandingpublic spacesdefinitively foster social interactions, serving as unequivocal meeting points that genuinely enhance the sense of community, enabling connections among friends, family, and strangers."

Outstandingpublic spacesdefinitively foster social interactions, serving as unequivocal meeting points that genuinely enhance the sense of community, enabling connections among friends, family, and strangers."

The Wall Art In This Bathroom Is… Suboptimal

They Put Circus Mirrors In My Local Gym

My School Installed A New Beamer. I Nominate Them For “The Best Engineering 2017”

Nope, this isn’t a minimalist, avant-garde design. The water just spills off the edges onto the floor, which is why the mop is right there. There isn’t even a drain pipe below this counter.

This Was The “Sink” In A Restaurant

At Least It’s Padded

The Fitting Room Door At The Thrift Store

Now that we have discussed what makes a public space successful, let’s see what the most common mistakes designers make when creating them.Austin believes that going too over the top can often ruin the experience of these places. “Some of the most successful public spaces are those that are simple, welcoming and encourage you to stay. While flashy designs and expensive materials look nice, they often create spaces that feel like you don’t belong or a sterile, unnatural feeling.”

Now that we have discussed what makes a public space successful, let’s see what the most common mistakes designers make when creating them.

Austin believes that going too over the top can often ruin the experience of these places. “Some of the most successful public spaces are those that are simple, welcoming and encourage you to stay. While flashy designs and expensive materials look nice, they often create spaces that feel like you don’t belong or a sterile, unnatural feeling.”

The Lights In This Hallway

Lets Hope There Won’t Be Fire

Placing The Emergency Door Button Next To The Children’s Play Area

Meanwhile, Agbaje often notices inadequate seating and lighting in poorly designed public spaces, “Insufficient seating or uncomfortable benches may dissuade individuals from utilizing the space. Adequate seating is paramount for relaxation and facilitating social interaction. While “insufficient or harsh lighting can engender a sense of insecurity within a public space, particularly during evening hours or at night. Well-conceived lighting augments visibility and fosters a welcoming environment.”

These Stairs

This Is The View Of The Stage At The Concert I’m At

This Aquatic-Themed Hospital Couch Weirdly Has An Underwater Giraffe On It

Perfectly Thought Classroom

Who Wouldn’t Want A Ceiling That Looks Like It’s Covered With Hair?

Steps That Are Too Long For One Step, But Too Short For Two

One piece of advice that Austin has for designers who aspire to create successful public spaces is to get tactical and then get permanent. “Trial pop-up street furniture, or temporary programming within a space. Physically test what will work best through trial and error before you start pouring concrete and making permanent decisions.”

Cyber-Greco-Roman Architecture

My School’s Locker Can’t Even Fit My Backpack Because Of Those Shelves

They Replaced Half The Mirrors In My Local Shopping Mall’s Bathroom With Advertising Boards

“Mind The Step”

Installed Those Elevator Buttons, Boss

My View At A Movie Theater Last Night

He further advises embracing the unique identity of the local culture and embracing greenery, which provides relaxation and improves the well-being of the community. Lastly, he reminds designers not to overlook the materials they use in the space. “Opt for durable, sustainable materials capable of withstanding wear and tear. The use of premium materials notably augments the overall experience and endurance of the space.”

My Sister And I Went To Use The Bathroom At My Other Sister’s Softball Game And We Saw This

The Staircase At My Hotel Room Just Drops Off

World’s Most Practical Design

This Escalator Requires That You Still Use The Stairs

This Door

Kids' Area In A Hospital’s Lobby. N Is For… Nugget?

My Friend Saw This At The Cinema

My School Added A New Vending Machine To The Science Building’s Lobby. Better For Them To Eat Junk Food Than Have Free Water

Meanwhile In Supermarket

Shoutout To This Bar In Rural Alberta, Where The Women’s Bathroom Is Right Beside The Piano Stage, No Door. If You Go To The Toilet, Everyone In The Bar Is Going To Hear It