MEGASTRUCTURES
and Big Dumb Objects (BDO). Colossal, artificial, terrifying and/or awe-inspiring constructs.
created by Avalon
last updated November, 2025
Comments
These tend to show up mainly in sci-fi novels but I'm having a lot of fun working my brain thinking about Novels from other genres that have BDOs/ Megastructures. If its not artificial, also keen to hear about it still!
The hitchhikers guide to the galaxy!! the planet builder thats the size of a planet and also earth computer LOLLL
TRUE TRUE
Wooould you count Piranesi as a BDO book?
That's actually a good shout! I'd say so, it fits the parameters while also introducing a book outside of Sci-Fi. Adding now
incredible, no notes 🤌
Interesting, thanks for making this list.
I've wanted to read Blame! for ages!! This is an awesome niche list that I will probably try and read every book from.
I was trying to find one and couldn't see anything so thought I'd make it myself. The world of Blame! is fantastic. They came out with a Netflix movie based some of the early volumes too - It wasn't the most amazing ofc but it did capture some of that megastructure overwhelm.
would house of leaves work for this kind of list?
Thank you for the suggestion - I don’t know this book I’ll look into it now! It depends on whether it can be considered a physical structure of enormity or not (or is that part of the secret/interpretation?) what do you think?
the horror of house of leaves is buying a seemingly normal suburban house and the discovery of the enormity of space within the house. kind of like a tardis "bigger on the inside" but the space within the house is a horrifying labyrinth. i haven't fully finished the book but it's one of those in between spaces, but this list immediately reminded me of it.
A labyrinthian space! It actually sounds like a thrilling read. I’m happy to add it to the list 😊
When you told us about the list, I thought you meant real buildings and structures 🤣 I was surprised when I saw the hitchhikers book 🤦🏻♀️
I love it!! This is fricken awesome!
Ooh, you should do a collab with Jay! Since you both like….objects 😜
Well I mean they ARE real buildings and structures in their respective Worlds right?? I’m happy I get to introduce you to a new concept 😂 I would giggle if Jay took this list and just named it MEGASTRUCTURES (of a different kind) or something Jay-like 😵 🤭
You might like Coup de Grâce by Sofia Ajram, the main setting is an infinite Montreal subway station!
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