Image via Complex Original
Sometimes we laugh at buildings that look a bit like a penis. It's ok. Often, the look is intended.
Phallic architecture has roots with ancient Greeks and Egyptians. Both cultures were obsessed with genitalia, and the interest carried into all forms of applied arts. Dick-swinging buildings really came into vogue in the 20th century, as skyscrapers rose across the American prarie and each and every city aimed to showoff the biggest and baddest building.
In recent years, phallic architecture has taken more humorous turn. Architects often claim feign ignorance when their completed structures bare uncanny resemblance to an erection. These places become (even if just for short moments) tourist attractions and Internet sensations. The idea remains the same: Buildings that look a bit dicks are all around, and never quickly forgotten.
Here are 10 of the most ridiculous examples of phallic buildings.
10. State Capital Building
Location: Lincoln, NE
The "Phallus of the Plains." The "Penis of the Prairie." The "apex" of phallic architecture. Critics don't dick about when describing the look of Nebraska's state capital. It is the second-tallest in the United States and the BIGGEST design load architect Bertram Goodhue ever dropped.
9. Buffalo City Hall
Location: Buffalo, NY
An Art Deco masterpiece, Buffalo City Hall is all about all about portraying the manly power of industry. The design doesn't fail. Architect John J. Wade did the job.
8. Astoria Column
Location: Astoria, OR
Patterned after Trajan's Column in Rome (one of the great phallic structures), the Astoria Column sits 600 feet above sea level on Coxcomb Hill. The column was originally completed in 1926 at a cost of $27,133.96 (pretty damn exact). Our tip: Pay close attention to the landscaping.
7. National Shrine of the Little Flower
Location: Royal Oak, MI
Soak in the name. Yup, Charity Crucifixion Tower (completed in 1931) cuts a distinct shape in the night. Rene Paul Chamberlain carved the integrated figurative sculpture of Christ on the cross, built on the Art Deco design of architect Henry J. McGill.
6. Casa Mila
Location: Barcelona
At first glance, you might mistake the chimneys on Antonio Gaudi's surrealist masterpiece (also known as La Pedrera) for veiny members. Don't worry, you are actually just looking at creepy dudes.
5. Harvard Lampoon Castle
Location: Cambridge, MA
Edmund M. Wheelwright designed the Lampoon Castle in 1909 and it was constructed at a cost of $40,000. At the time, the building was the most expensive headquarters of a college newspaper in the United States. At other times, it has been declared the "ugliest building in the world." Wheelwright certainly had a sense of humor, deeming the style "Mock Flemish" and preparing exactly the type of tower required to produce a list like this. We think the Castle is laughing with us. (Or, perhaps at us—who cares?).
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4. NSA Field Station
Location: Tuefelsberg, Berlin
No cock and bull story: This building played a key role in the Cold War. The Field Station was one of the premier listing posts, and thanks to situation on the highest elevation of West Berlin had perfect reception in all directions. One could also posit that the ridiculous design kept any notion of serious activity within safely at bay.
3. The Water Tower of Ypsilanti, Michigan
Location: Ypsilanti, MI
Locals call this building "the brick dick." Many people consider it the world's most phallic building. William R. Coates designed the water tower as part of an large city waterworks project in 1889. It's unclear if he intended to leave a hilarious legacy or not.
2. Smaralind
Location: Reykjavik
Imagine laying the pipes for this building. It is one of Iceland's biggest shopping malls and contains everything you need for the perfect date—cinema, liquor store, and pharmacy. Nobody realized it looked like a dick from the plans, it was only after viewed from the air that notice was made.
1. Yas Hotel
Location: Abu Dhabi
Part of the Yas Marina, the Yas Hotel is known for "sensuous curves" and a full LED shroud that changes color at exciting times during the night. The Yas Marina Formula 1 Circuit track also rolls right through the tip. Should you want to spend a night in this brilliantly designed spot, there are 499 rooms available.