Ryugyong Hotel, Pyongyang, North Korea
The Ryugyong Hotel in Pyongyany, North Korea was built as a response to Singapore’s Westin Stamford Hotel, which was then the tallest hotel in the world. North Korean leaders wanted to prove that they could outperform Singapore, and so the 105-story hotel was built. However, 30 years and $750 million later, it stands unfinished to this day.
The Maunsell Sea Forts, England
These H.G. Wells-ian looking structures were built in order to protect England during World War II from air raids coming from Germany. Built on the Thames, the giant metal towers were actually decommissioned in the 1950s, and were later used by pirate radio operators. Now, most of the towers are a tourist attraction that can be seen by boat or from Showbury East Beach on a clear day.