# Infamous Architecture Awards The Carbuncle Cup Sarcastically Awards the UK's Ugliest Buildings By Joey Haar | Published 2016-09-08 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/carbuncle-cup References: [archinect](http://archinect.com/news/article/149967127/and-the-winner-of-this-year-s-worst-new-building-is) & [bdonline](http://www.bdonline.co.uk/buildings/carbuncle-cup/) The Carbuncle Cup is an annual award given out by [Building Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/building-block-etc), a highly regarding architectural magazine in the United Kingdom. However, rather than awarding architects for things like creativity, unique materials, or overall design, the Carbuncle Cup is a sarcastic award that honors the worst buildings from the previous 12 months. The Carbuncle Cup was first launched in 2006 as a response to the prestigious Stirling Prize given by the [Royal Institute of British Architects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/playful-public-seating), which the magazine saw as painfully self-congratulatory. The Cup incorporates both the input of judges as well as public voting through Building Design's website. The 2016 Carbuncle Cup winner is Lincoln Plaza in London's Docklands area. The [luxury residential flats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/highdensity-residential-design) received the "wooden spoon" due to "a hideous melange of materials, forms, and colors." ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.2/10 - Popularity: 80% | Activity: 38% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/architecture) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Sarcastic Design Awards:** There is a growing trend of sarcastic design awards that highlight the worst buildings or designs from the previous year, creating opportunities for humor and critique. - **Public Participation in Architecture:** The inclusion of public voting in architecture awards like the Carbuncle Cup demonstrates a trend towards involving the public in evaluating and critiquing architectural designs. - **Alternative Approaches to Architectural Recognition:** The Carbuncle Cup's awarding of the 'wooden spoon' instead of a traditional trophy signifies a trend towards alternative and unconventional approaches to recognizing architectural achievements or failures. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Architecture:** The sarcastic design awards trend presents an opportunity for architects to reflect on the negative aspects of their designs and strive for better, more innovative solutions. - **Media and Publishing:** The inclusion of public voting in architectural awards creates opportunities for media and publishing companies to engage with the public and generate discussions around architectural designs. - **Event Management:** The Carbuncle Cup and similar sarcastic design awards create opportunities for event management companies to organize and host unconventional award ceremonies that challenge traditional norms. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Poised Medieval-Themed Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tintagel-castle-footbridge.md) - [Sustainable Red Utilitarian Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/red-house-1.md) - [Converted Holiday Accommodations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wraxall-yard.md) - [Protest Sand Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bland-castles.md) - [Product-Focused Design Awards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sidex.md) - [Brutalist Concrete Tower Apartments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/trellick-tower.md) - [Inclusive Social Housing Projects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/85-social-dwellings-in-cornell.md) - [International Civic Landmarks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nobel-center.md) - [Award-Winning London Garden Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/secret-garden-flat.md)