Seven Skyscraper Design Fails

This week, sun rays bouncing off the "Walkie-Talkie" skyscraper in London have caused cars to melt and forced the city to ban parking in the area. Here are 7 other skyscraper design fails that have led to mishaps and disasters for cities.

1 minute read

September 5, 2013, 10:00 AM PDT

By NicoleFerraro


"London's "Walkie-Talkie" is melting cars... a weird story that provides more evidence of a harrowing trend: skyscrapers taking revenge on cities."

From Shanghai's "glass bombs" to the Vegas "death ray," here are seven examples of "sheer stupidity when it comes to designing and implementing high-rise buildings."

What can city leaders and architects glean from these mishaps, and how must building codes and regulations be amended so that skyscrapers cease fire on our cities?

The author includes images from the seven design fails, which include:

  • Toronto's soaring skyscrapers
  • Dallas Condo vs Dallas Art District
  • The Arab Gulf's "Towering Infernos"
  • Glass Bombs-Away in Shanghai
  • Fatal Building Collapse in Shanghai
  • Peek-a-Boo: (London) Shard Sees You!
  • Viva Las (Vegas) Death Ray

Wednesday, September 4, 2013 in Future Cities

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

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