Coup de coeur – i09 – "The 10 Architectural Sins of Superhero Bases"

“The 10 Architectural Sins of Superhero Bases
i09
Sep 21, 2011
By Cyriaque Lamar

Superheroes are great at solving crimes, but downright awful at the intricacies of spatial design.

As proof, we’re taking ten of the jazziest superhero headquarters ever committed to paper and judging them at face value. Did you know that the supervillain Thanos is great for property values?

1.) Environmental Hubris
To disguise the Bat-Copter, Batman has built a mountain that forever burps out pollution, a tactic that may backfire on those sunny Gotham afternoons.

It’s a wonder the US Geological Survey hasn’t attempted to investigate an active volcano in Bruce Wayne’s backyard.

2.) Narcissism
Most superheroes aim for subtlety. On the other hand, The Teen Titans once built their headquarters in the shape of the letter T, which is an audaciously stupid design when you think about it.

It must noted that the Teen Titans were just teenagers, so all of their decisions were clouded by a haze of hormones and the impulse to play hooky and drink wine coolers in a parking lot somewhere. (The New Teen Titans 7)

3.) No Kitchens
One of the greatest sins of superhero architecture is that it categorically denies human biological imperatives. There’s no starker example than the Justice League Satellite, which lacks both proper food preparation facilities and toilets. Superman may eat sunshine and fart rainbows, but Batman doesn’t have such a luxury. ( Justice League of America 95)

4.) Insufficient Accommodations
Although the Baxter Building has a room devoted solely to Giant Maps, it is sadly lacking in residential space.

Note how the Thing must sleep in a Barcalounger and the Human Torch must commute from the suburbs to his asbestos-lined cupboard. I know Manhattan real estate is perpetually at a premium, but this is ridiculous. (Fantastic Four Annual 3)”

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(Source: Nicolas Marier via io9 et Architizer)