Architectural blunders can be found from the John Hancock Tower in Boston to the Louvre in Paris, former Boston University President John Silber says in his new book, Architecture of the Absurd.
While Silber is most known at BU for his controversial 20-year presidential term, he recently took his career in a new direction and wrote a book about some of the world's most renowned flaws, feats and failures in architecture.
Drawing experience from his architect father, his involvement in BU architecture projects and his world travels, Silber argues in his book that while visually appealing buildings should be commended, design should never trump functionality.
"Very beautiful things are extremely admirable, but functionality is essential," he said in an interview. "Just look at the Sydney Opera House. It's a beautiful building, but it is also functional. The acoustics in there are wonderful."
During his time at BU, Silber oversaw an expansive building program that produced the School of Management building, the Photonics Center and the John Hancock Student Village, among others.
Silber's involvement in these projects led to his induction into the American Institute of Architects. His specialization has since turned to analyzing the absurd, such as the Hancock Tower, which cost $34 million to fix falling glass panes, and the glass pyramid in the Louvre courtyard, which he calls intrusive.
"I used to say that there would never be an architecture of the absurd," he said. "With architecture, no one was going to pay for something absurd. . . . Over time I came to realize how wrong I was.
"The absurd occurs because there is a confusion between architecture and fine art, and architecture and sculpture," he continued. "You don't live in a sculpture."
Tackling buildings closer to home, Silber discusses the dysfunctional nature of Mugar Memorial Library's old entrance and its constant ventilation and temperature problems, as well as inaccessible windows in the School of Law building, which he said was poorly designed by Harvard University architect Josep Sert.
But, he said his least favorite building on campus by far is Warren Towers.
"It's an ugly color of brick, and really no dormitory should be in the middle of campus," Silber said.
While Silber pinpointed Warren as an eyesore, some students said other ugly buildings were more offensive, such as the Fuller Building and the George Sherman Union.
"My least favorite building would probably be the GSU," said College of Communication junior Andrew Delmonte. "I just can't even look at it."
Silber said despite some poor architecture at BU, newer buildings such as the Student Village and SMG are successful because they are handsome and functional.
With Architecture of the Absurd, Silber said he hopes to encourage people to use their money responsibly and avoid extravagance when choosing architecture.
"They have to design something that will be beautiful and functional and under budget," he said.
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