One time I went to Charlotte, North Carolina on Google Maps because that's how I go on vacation and while there caught a glimpse of a very intriguing array of skyscrapers. So I went downtown to check them out, and a lot of them were pretty fucking cool. If you like this but you want to see buildings that are bad, check out my article on the 8 most overrated skyscrapers in New York City. Just kidding, I know you navigated to this page from there because there's no other way to get here. Think of it as a back button, if you forgot how to use the one on your browser.
8. Bank of America Corporate Center
I can't find a good picture of the street-level facade, and that's okay because it's not really very exciting. It has nice proportions, makes you want to go inside, which is a pity because this is an office building owned by Bank of America. Whatever, I love the gentle curve of the structure, and the forest of weird spines at the top. I don't know what architectural style this is, but the BofA CC is very dedicated to it. It's like, Nu Corporate, but working it?
7. The Fifth Third Center
I refuse to know anything about the incredibly goofy name of this building, except that it apparently references yet another bank. Anyway this building has a delightful and fascinating shape. It's like two buildings have fused. It's like an exciting combination of Art Deco on the streets and Neogothic in the sky. Skyscrapers in Charlotte really know how to work the spikes, and vertical window groupings, which I feel are an essential component of Gothic architecture. This one gets more points than BofA CC because it has better value contrast between the windows and the building.
6. First Citizens' Bank Plaza
I don't really understand how this building works in 3 dimensions, and I'm so excited about it. The horizontal stripes really help highlight the interesting octagonal geometries and it has cool distinct profiles from different directions. Once again I do not recognize this architectural style but I dig it. This one earns extra points for looking cool on street level, with the octagons and some good layering.
5. Duke Energy Center
I respect this building for how you think you know what's going on after looking at it from one angle, but to understand its trickster essence you need to look again from the side. Huh?? This building makes no sense to me aesthetically, but in the same way as a 12-year-old's cool self insert with demon wings and a sword that's also a wizard staff. This building is only alive through rule of cool and that rocks.
4. One Wells Fargo Center
Apparently nicknamed 'The Jukebox Building,' and any building with such a cute nickname based on its look has got to be an icon. Frankly I love this building! The way the windows and stonework are flush makes the mirror effect incredibly cool, and I really really love how the rippling of the building makes it look like the windows are offset in each vertical column. Extremely pleasing 3D structure, plus it has a cute park with a weird elephant leg clock that looks like it is about to stroll across the street to get a sandwich at Panera.
...Actually, I'm not sure if that's a clock. It could be, uh, something else. Can we take a closer look?
Hm I mean yeah, okay, that is a clock. The question remains: why?
3. BB&T Center
This one's really boring at street level, but I really respect its look!! It takes confidence to make a building that looks this much like a Sharper Image air filtration tower from the 80s. Pleasingly chunky, and I love the stripes of windows around the top. The parking garages in its retinue really complete the effect. A wonderful building.
2. Grant Thornton Building
This building just about stopped my heart, it's so beautiful. Its absolute elegance of design, the stepped pattern, the chunky corner guards--the fact that the facade is entirely black and silver mirrors! What the fuck. This building is so fucking cool, and it has a really charming little park in front of it. Don't tell me it's not a skyscraper because even if that's true I don't care, how could I leave it off this list? The reason it's not in the number one slot is it has a Panera Bread in it.
1. Hearst Tower
Hearst Tower is very special and dear to my heart. THIS is what you call a Gorgeous Art Deco Skyscraper. Note how fucking cool the street-level facade is. Note the Gothic arches at the top. Note the cool prowlike segments sticking out of the corners, the COOL fucking roof, the absolutely supportable use of mirrors. This is a COMRADE of a skyscraper that makes people walking by feel like a star.