Our impression of a city is often shaped by the quality of its public spaces. Poor public spaces can leave a bad taste in our mouths and make us reluctant to return. Unfortunately, many urban planners and interior designers have a knack for creating environments that cause stress and discomfort. From uncomfortable seating to uneven flooring and overly exposed bathroom stalls, the list of design blunders in public spaces is endless. It's time to shed light on these subpar public space solutions and demand better. We deserve better!
#1 The Chairs Waiting For You In The Laser Eye Clinic's Reception

#2 "I'm Sure You're All Wondering Why I've Gathered You Here Today"
#3 No Words Needed Here

#4 As If Public Toilets Didn’t Give Me Enough Anxiety

#5 At First Glance, I Didn’t Recognize This Restaurant Mural As The Sun

#6 This Fountain That Looks Like A Perfect Place To Sit Down

#7 Gas Station In Nebraska. The Station's Color Scheme Was Red. They Tried To Get Artsy

#8 No Broken Legs I Know Of
#9 Flat Carpet In A Hotel In Cologne, Germany Imitating A Curvy Surface

#10 10 Fake Hope Escalator

#11 The Design Of My School - This Is The Place Where Every Hallway Intersects

#12 Two Windows Of My Workplace Are Constantly Fighting For The Honor Of Being The One Who Is Going To Be Opened

#13 The Single Worst Clock I Have Ever Seen. I Actually Said Aloud "Whyyy"

#14 They Built This School Like One Month Ago

#15 Ballroom Where Everyone Downstairs Can See Up Your Skirt

#16 This Is Not Rust. “It’s The Design”

#17 I Love Eating At Restaurant Logo Here

#18 This Fancy Staircase Leads Directly Into A Wall
#19 This Chandelier At A Restaurant I Ate At Bothers Me So Much

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#20 This Picture In McDonald's Was Hung Sideways

#21 Designed For Dissuading The Homeless. Literally Just Uncomfortable For Everyone Else

#22 This Painting Inside A Local “Fancy” Restaurant

#23 $1 Toothbrushes Locked Behind Glass At Walmart. Walked Around The Store For 15 Minutes Looking For Someone “Qualified” To Unlock The Glass Case

#24 Some People Just Want To Watch The World Burn
#25 This Restaurant In London (Waiters Love It)

#26 Toilet Door With Another Door In It That Won't Stay Closed

#27 You Gotta Pay Attention On These Stairs In A Cinema
#28 My Bed At A Hotel I'm Staying In
#29 Public Restrooms With Reflective Surfaces

#30 This Is Russia

#31 This Is The Logo For A "New York Style" Pizza Place In Ponce, Puerto Rico

#32 I Don't Know Why Brown Strings Is A Welcoming Wallpaper To This Toilet Entrance. It Just Feels Gross And Unwelcoming. I Mean, This Is A Public Place

#33 These Restroom Stalls Have Translucent Doors
#34 This New Wall Art In My Office

#35 Upon Walking In This Bathroom At The Supermarket I Was Initially Disgusted At Filth And Lack Of Cleanliness Until A Closer Look Revealed It Was Designed This Way

#36 The Lobby Of This Medical Office Has An Alligator In The Floor
#37 Not Exactly The Color Pattern You Like To See In A Bathroom
#38 Love To Shutterstock See This Kind Of Stuff

#39 The Paint In This Public Restroom

#40 Sometimes People Use The Left Part

#41 The Decorations On This Hotel Restaurant

#42 This Poster In My School Cafeteria Is So Badly Designed They Put Arrows So You Can Read It Correctly

#43 I'm Sure This Mirror Sounded Cool In Theory

#44 Not Sure If This Belongs Here But In My Opinion This Is The Real Problem With America. It's A Toilet Stall If You Were Wondering
#45 New Toilets At Work, Wonderful View On Our Interior Courtyard

#46 These Trash Cans At My School

#47 Poster At My Mom's Audiology Office

#48 I Had To Stop While Ordering Food At A Local Restaurant Because I Saw This Poster

#49 Went In To A Bathroom In Airport And Was Surprised With This. Almost Turned Towards Exit Before Realization

It's no secret that public spaces play a crucial role in our perception of a city. They serve as a reflection of the community and the values it holds. It's a place where people come together to relax, socialize, and engage in various activities. A well-designed public space can be an oasis of comfort and joy, while a poorly designed one can be a source of frustration and anxiety.
Unfortunately, there are far too many examples of public spaces that fall into the latter category. From uncomfortable seating arrangements to uneven flooring that can trip up even the most graceful of individuals, to bathroom stalls that offer little to no privacy, the list of design blunders seems to be never-ending. These design choices not only make us feel uncomfortable but also leave a lasting impact on our impression of the city.
Furthermore, these public spaces can also impact our physical and mental well-being. Sitting on hard, unyielding benches can lead to discomfort and even pain, while navigating trippy flooring can increase the risk of falls and injuries. Bathroom stalls that offer little to no privacy can lead to feelings of insecurity and embarrassment. These types of design choices can contribute to increased stress and anxiety levels, leaving us feeling drained and fatigued.
It's time we start demanding better from our public spaces. We deserve spaces that are comfortable, safe, and accessible to everyone, regardless of age, ability, or social status. With thoughtful design, we can create public spaces that bring people together and promote a sense of community. Let's work towards creating better public spaces for everyone to enjoy!