Pyramids definitely have a credibility problem and a whiff of whimsy, being thought of variously as ancient, awesome, esoteric, mystical, or the source of dubious “Pyramid Power” theories/hoaxes.  Or worse, “Pyramid Selling” scams.  But perhaps the main reason nobody takes seriously the idea of pyramids as buildings in which to live, is that (aside from a few private houses) nobody has yet built a residential pyramid, with just one partial exception…. 

Luxor Hotel Casino (1993)

the Luxor is UNIQUE as the only large pyramid ever built in which people actually live, even if only temporarily as hotel guests (a handful of other “pyramid hotels” are scattered about the world, e.g., the Doha Sheraton, but only the Luxor is a true pyramid) 

Critics of the pyramidal design say that it creates too many sloping walls and therefore wastes space.  But the only “sloping wall” here is the window, and that is arguably more attractive than a vertical window.   A spacious patio (admittedly not useful given Las Vegas’ desert climate) is another potential bonus provided by sloping walls. 

As any decent architect or building engineer will affirm, pyramids are the strongest and most stable structural form.   

PYRAMIDS ARE BEST, except....

“Triangles leaning against each other is structurally excellent geometry.  But, for everyday use, pyramids pose some design problems for the average person – like hanging pictures, separating rooms and arranging furniture.   It is not the most efficient space to live in as it would be harder to create the spaces we’re used to. With pyramids you will always have to contend with those four slanted surfaces.” Professor Reinhold Schuster, structural engineer.  

Pyramids Motel, Van Reenen’s Pass, KZN, South Africa

When Prof. Schuster says pyramids make impractical living spaces, he was only talking about small house-size pyramids.  I once stayed in the motel above, which consisted of individual pyramid-shaped chalets.  It was only possible to stand upright in the centre of the room and showering was especially awkward for a tall person since the bathroom was located in the corner. 

BUT, given large pyramids, the living units (apartments) could be integrated within the walls (as in Las Vegas’ Luxor Hotel) in which case only the exterior wall would be angled, which would also create an ideal space for an open patio.    

A city-centre pyramid would be impracticable due to a combination of very high land costs and typically small block sizes

An OA-City sized pyramid would occupy a dozen or more city blocks, so would clearly be impractical in a city centre. And,  whereas a vertical-walled building exploits its site to the maximum, a tapering pyramid would be an extravagant waste of land. Every developer is well aware that he gets the most bang for his block with a tall rectangular box..!