Lately I have been trying to answer the question “what is good architectural design” and I remembered these photographs. They were shot by Danny Wills and are of Mike Tyson’s abandoned mansion.

I love these photographs. They remind me of my disdain for superfluous architectural design and of another giant’s fall from grace. I am referring to Dubai and its recent collapse. I hope that the world’s current economic state is clear enough evidence that architectural design, or any design for that matter, cannot be solely predicated on the pursuit of wealth. There are far to many problems in the world that need solving for us to be building monuments to luxury like the Burj Dubai and the home above. These photographs also remind me of why I have the utmost respect for the people behind projects like Architecture for Humanity and Project H Design.

*side note: I am looking forward to the day when I can visit Dubai and document all of the fallen.