Buildings are meant to provide shelter, comfort, and security to their occupants. However, some structures around the world have earned the reputation of being dangerous due to their location, design flaws, or inadequate maintenance. In this article, we’ll take a look at the most dangerous buildings in the world, listed in order of their perceived threat.
- Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy: The iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa is not just a tourist attraction, but also a potentially dangerous building. The tower has been tilting to one side since its construction began in 1173, and it’s estimated that the tower leans about 4 degrees from vertical. The tower’s tilt has been corrected several times, but it still poses a threat to its visitors and the surrounding buildings.
- Ryugyong Hotel, North Korea: The Ryugyong Hotel in Pyongyang, North Korea, is a massive, 105-story skyscraper that has been under construction for over 30 years. The building was originally designed to be the tallest hotel in the world, but due to design flaws and financial setbacks, construction was halted several times. The building is now a mostly empty shell that is considered dangerous due to its unstable structure.
- Torre de David, Venezuela: The Torre de David, also known as the “Vertical Slum,” is a 45-story skyscraper in Caracas, Venezuela. The building was originally intended to be a financial center, but construction was halted in 1994 due to the collapse of the Venezuelan economy. Squatters soon moved in, and the building has become a dangerous slum with no running water or electricity.
- National Library of Belarus, Belarus: The National Library of Belarus in Minsk is a modernist building that has been criticized for its design flaws and safety hazards. The building’s glass facade is prone to shattering, and there have been reports of cracks in the building’s structure. The library has been evacuated several times due to safety concerns.
- The Gateway Arch, United States: The Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri, is a 630-foot tall stainless steel arch that was completed in 1965. The arch is an iconic landmark, but it’s also considered dangerous due to its design flaws. The arch’s tram system has malfunctioned several times, and there have been reports of people becoming trapped inside the arch.
These buildings represent a range of dangers from structural instability, poor maintenance, or design flaws. While some may still attract tourists and visitors due to their unique features, they should always be approached with caution. It’s important for building owners and authorities to ensure that all structures are properly maintained and safe for their occupants and visitors.
Photo by Alex Vasey on Unsplash
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