November 2011
Monthly ArchivesFlower Power: Abandoned Buildings (& Objects) Transformed by Foliage
Inspired by these captivating “houses gone wild”, we set about looking for abandoned buildings and objects that weren’t just overgrown, but temporarily transformed amid an explosion of colour.
Green Demolition: Building Deconstruction With an Emphasis on Recycling
Demolition can be fun to watch. But it’s not necessarily good for the environment, not least due to the waste generated. Enter Buffalo ReUse, New York’s only fully licensed, bonded and insured “Green Demolition & Salvage Company”.
The Magnificent “Dead Cities” of Ancient Syria
Known as the Dead Cities, or Ancient Villages of Northern Syria, this incredible collection of 700 abandoned settlements ranges from single monuments to almost-complete Byzantine villages, dating back before the fifth century CE.
Wild Cars: 14 Abandoned Vehicles that have Officially Gone Green
Abandoned cars rarely compliment the landscape and certainly don’t benefit the environment, but thanks to nature’s relentless campaign to consume them in foliage, these examples have gone green – literally.
UK Harrier Jump Jets to Fly Again… in America – Check out our (Abandoned) Harrier Archive
In a move that will be welcomed by aviation enthusiasts on both sides of the Pond, it’s been reported that the UK’s controversially mothballed fleet of 74 Harrier Jump Jets will see active service again – but not in Britain.
Top 10 Links of the Week (Part 12): Urbex, Overgrown Abandoned Houses and More
In Part 12 of our weekly round-up of great articles, we explore more awesome urbex chronicles, a converted Nazi bunker, incredible views from volcanoes and the highest town in the world, as well as recycled art and other curiosities.
Doomed Bra Fence Almost Inspired World’s Longest Bra Chain – Just 100,000 Short!
Cardrona Bra Fence – arguably New Zealand’s strangest tourist attraction – appeared mysteriously over Christmas 1999 and almost inspired the longest bra chain in the world after it was ultimately removed by the local council.
“An Extraordinary Dimension”: Dennis Maher Uses Destroyed Buildings to Create Recycled Art
Dennis Maher’s urban art installations, taken from the least profitable parts of demolished buildings in Buffalo, evoke creation and destruction and reflect how the waste of abandoned buildings impacts negatively on the environment.
Elmer Long’s Weird and Wonderful Bottle Tree Ranch, Barstow, California
One of the more weird and wonderful attractions along historic Route 66 near Barstow, California is Elmer Long’s Bottle Tree Ranch, made from hundreds of empty bottles mounted on recycled scrap metal poles.
Artist Nick Sayers Creates Geodesic Domes from Recycled & Re-purposed Materials
These wonderfully creative geodesic domes are the work of British graphic designer Nick Sayers, who began creating spherical sculptures and shelters from re-purposed materials around 1992.
Top 10 Links of the Week (Part 11): Urbex, Offbeat Sports and More
In the eleventh installment of our popular weekly link round-up, join us as we explore awesome urbex venues from the world’s most creepy abandoned water parks to a group of artists who’ve set out to “beautify” several derelict buildings.
Diving the Spectacular Japanese Ship Graveyard of Truk Lagoon, Micronesia
Truk Lagoon in Micronesia became home to a spectacular sunken ship graveyard after Operation Hailstone, a massive US Navy assault launched against the Japanese fleet in 1944. Among them is the San Francisco Maru, known as the Million Dollar Wreck.
Quilted Gas Station Project Highlights Concern Over Global Oil Dependence
The Quilted Gas Station Project, which transformed an abandoned filling station in Syracuse, New York, promotes sustainable living through recycled art while expressing concern about our global dependence on oil.
Phantom Settlements: 4 Towns and Villages that Never Existed
They sound like the ghosts of abandoned cities, but in reality phantom settlements never existed at all. Ironically, some have gained a cult following and boast online “residents”, while others have even come to exist in the real world.