An Architectural "Eyesore of the Week"

Tom follows a number of blogs, from Economic to Architectural blogs (because he's an architect). Whenever we're out driving, he'll notice homes with poorly designed additions, and says "That's someone who should've hired an architect." Anyway, Tom says that each month the architectural blogger he follows posts a commentary on architectural eyesores and writes a critique on each one. Sometimes these critiques really are priceless and his comments are often scathing reviews of people’s lack of taste and examples of why “you should have hired an architect.” Here's the "EYESORE OF THE WEEK": The Blogger's Comments (who is also an architect): This monstrosity stirred up a lot of shock and consternation as it rose up on a middling-quality block on the north side of Saratoga Springs. The general complaint was that the building was "too tall," but this was actually the least of its errors. The problems stem not from the structure’s height but from poor proportioning and design. Basically, what you have here is a crab shack stuck on top of a three story packing crate. Note that they have used a heavier darker color for the upper floors rather than on the base; this makes the building look top-heavy. Notice that the volumes are simply stacked, like pallets in a frozen food warehouse. Notice the change-of-materials gambit on only one side at the ground level; it was supposed to give the base "weight" but actually looks incongruous and dumb. Notice the poor quality of the materials used for the screened-in porch and flimsy appearance of the columns. The windows are mere holes in the walls. There is absolutely no meaningful or graceful ornamentation. The neighbors are right about this being an ugly monstrosity that they will have to live with for the rest of their lives. Our knowledge and skill in building has been reduced almost to zero in this culture.