The barcode building was built on land improperly acquired, in violation of the building code, and built without building permits or engineering studies. It's a danger to nearby buildings, including the Cathedral which is heavily attended by worshipers and tourists.
It's suggested in the article that political/financial influence had something to do with this illegal construction.
Relative architectural merit is pretty irrelevant here.
That’s a good point. My response, however, was to a post focusing on aesthetics.
I’m an architect. As such we spend considerable time and brain damage negotiating codes and permits. I have no sympathy for those who get caught circumventing building codes.