Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. An architect's journal has published its annual awards for the worst British architecture designs of the year, the Carbuncle Cup 2009. I had a look at these designs expecting to go into apoplectic fits of mixed scorn and despair. Much to my surprise, I really liked the top two worst designs!
http://www.bdonline.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=430&storycode=3147432&channel=430&c=2
The Liverpool Ferry Terminal was voted worst of the year. Think it looks a sleek modern contrast to the nearby Liver buildings. Decent cladding not horrible concrete. Not keen on wonky windows but can live with it.
Make's Amenity building at the University of Nottingham, second worst. Spectacular sloping front. Brilliant black and red cladding. Dramatic stuff.
The rest I regard as common or garden ugly drab boxes, apart from one:
Poundbury Fire Station. The project by Prince Charles who gave the word carbuncle to the world of architecture. Normally I am enthusiastic about everything he does as we are of similar age and have much in common, apart from him being royal, rich and pulling Princess Diana. However, this I find a dreadful mishmash reminiscent of a Greek temple in the pediment at the front and of a Victorian sewage pumping station in the high round windows round the sides, all topped by a daft little lookout tower on the roof. Derivative and playing safe, not impressed.