New buildings are constructed every day. Some to overwhelming fanfare, others to disdain, and most to little more acknowledgment than a passing glance on the street. Of course, there’s also another option: controversy. It doesn’t come around often, but when it does, it’s hard to forget.
It’s important to note that there’s a big difference between ugly and contentious—in fact, many of the buildings on this list, like the Guggenheim, are as architecturally significant as they are aesthetically stunning. But looks aside, these buildings have stirred up arguments, created conflicts, or welcomed their fair share of debate. From a modern addition to a historic palace to a billionaire’s 27-story personal residence, these 13 buildings are among the most controversial in architectural history. Below, AD digs into what makes these structures so highly contested.
