Buildings You Simply Can’t Live In – Yet They Exist
Architecture is meant to serve people — to shelter, to house, to give comfort. But some massive structures around the world challenge that idea. Despite their size and location, they remain uninhabitable — symbols of abandoned ambition and plans that never came to life. In this article, we explore two buildings that were never meant to be homes, even though they were built like they would be.
Ryugyong Hotel – Pyongyang, North Korea
Background
Construction of the Ryugyong Hotel began in 1987, intended as a bold statement of architectural and political power. Designed to be the tallest hotel in the world at the time, it stands 105 stories tall with a distinctive triangular shape.
However, work stopped in 1992 following the collapse of the Soviet Union — North Korea’s main economic partner. A financial crisis halted the project indefinitely.
Why is it uninhabitable?
While the outer structure was eventually completed, the interior was left untouched. No systems, no finishings — essentially a hollow shell.
| Obstacle | Details |
|---|---|
| Incomplete interior | No windows, no furniture, no plumbing or electrical systems. |
| Structural issues | Reports suggest questionable concrete quality and elevator problems. |
| Lack of utilities | No water, electricity, air conditioning, or safety systems. |
In 2011, a glass façade was added to modernize the exterior, and later reports hinted at commercial redevelopment. But to this day, the building remains closed to the public and completely unused.
Sathorn Unique Tower – Bangkok, Thailand
The Story Behind It
This 49-story skyscraper in central Bangkok was planned in the early 1990s as a luxury condominium project. The goal was to offer high-end apartments with panoramic views of the city and river.
But in 1997, the Asian financial crisis struck, and construction stopped abruptly. With 80% of the building completed, the developers withdrew and funding dried up.
Why is it unlivable?
Despite being a nearly complete shell, the tower lacks essential infrastructure, and its structure has degraded over the years.
| Obstacle | Details |
|---|---|
| Never finished | No plumbing, wiring, or final construction was done. |
| Legal disputes | Investor lawsuits blocked any further work. |
| Deterioration | Exposure to weather and neglect led to damage and decay. |
Over the years, the tower gained a reputation as a “ghost building,” attracting urban explorers and photographers rather than residents.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Ryugyong Hotel | Sathorn Unique Tower |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Pyongyang, North Korea | Bangkok, Thailand |
| Construction started | 1987 | 1990 |
| Reason for halt | Soviet collapse, economic crisis | Asian financial crisis |
| Completion level | Exterior only | ~80% of construction |
| Current status | Closed, unfinished | Abandoned, unsafe |
✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight
This article examines two uninhabitable megastructures—Ryugyong Hotel and Sathorn Unique Tower—as architectural forms suspended in abandonment. The visuals highlight stark concrete geometry and unfinished facades, with Ryugyong’s pyramidal massing clad in mirrored glass and Sathorn’s raw columns exposed against the Bangkok skyline. While the article captures the symbolic weight of architectural incompletion, it offers limited engagement with broader urban or cultural consequences. Could these structures be reframed as adaptive reuse opportunities rather than failed ambitions? Still, the piece provides a valuable visual archive of design halted by political and financial disruption, inviting reflection on impermanence in the built environment.
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