70. The Stata Center’s Architectural Controversy

Year: 2007

Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA

Company: Skanska USA, NER Construction Management, Frank Ghery (lead architect)

Estimated Damage Value: Unknown

In 2007, the Ray and Maria Stata Center, designed by Frank Gehry and located at MIT, became a legal battleground. Despite its German Expressionism style, its poor design led to an undisclosed lawsuit sum against Skanska USA, NER Construction, and Gehry.

Faulty design caused numerous issues at the Stata Center, including leakage, cracks, mold, and safety hazards due to ice and debris. Frank Gehry bore the brunt of the blame, having overlooked Skanska and consultations, resulting in an out-of-court settlement in 2010.