Globe correspondent Alex Beam suggested today that the new ultra-posh Mandarin Oriental next to the Pru is a strong contender for the ugliest building in Boston. That seems a little extreme, but I agree with most of what he says. It is ugly and disrespectful of its surroundings, much like the other structures we’ve seen erected in Boston over the last few years.

Off the top of my head, I can name four new buildings with that slotted steel and glass canopy over the front doors. Cookbook architecture, anyone?