Architecture
CategoryArchitecture and design are at the core of our towns and cities. But in a post-industrial age, the changing face of the urban landscape has seen many (often ornate) structures abandoned and even demolished, as well as an emerging emphasis on re-purposed buildings and adaptive reuse that puts a creative twist on modern architectural design.
Quirky Adaptive Reuse: Bench Crafted From Driftwood & Lobster Pots
Behind the sand dunes of St Mary’s Bay near the small fishing village of Low Newton by the Sea, Northumberland, nestles this small bench, created from drift wood and old lobster pots.
Adaptive Reuse in Edinburgh: Victorian Swimming Pool Repurposed as Dovecot Studios
The internal balconies, pillars and ceiling supports – grand in a functional way – boast all the hallmarks of a former Victorian swimming pool. Read more about Dovecot Studios and adaptive reuse.
Conceptual Images of the Proposed Bloomingdale Trail Linear Urban Park in Chicago
These conceptual images show the proposed Bloomingdale Trail, an exciting new linear urban park in Chicago built along the route of the abandoned Bloomingdale Line – a former railway featured previously on Urban Ghosts.
Old Railway Track Adapted for Reuse as Footpath
Many abandoned railways have been repurposed as greenways, such as New York City’s phenomenally popular High Line. But here’s a slightly different example – where the rails themselves define the footpath.
20 Historical Photos of President Harry Truman’s Immense White House Renovation
Between 1949 and 1951, President Harry S. Truman undertook the most significant renovation of the White House since its destruction by fire in 1814. Find out more in this amazing series of photographs.
A Brief Introduction to Adaptive Reuse – The Practice of Repurposing Abandoned Structures
Adaptive reuse allows culturally and historically important buildings to be redeveloped and repurposed instead of demolished. This article offers a brief overview of the practice, with some diverse examples.
A Brief Introduction to Organic Architecture
Organic architecture is a philosophy that considers a building to be like an organism, in that it is an organised body of fixtures, fittings and furniture that functions as a whole. Learn more in our brief introduction!
Façadism: The Practice of Constructing Modern Buildings Behind Historic Frontages
Façadism is the practice of maintaining the front walls of an historical building while demolishing its internal structure, roof and less notable external walls to make room for a newer building that satisfies modern demands.
Million Donkey Hotel: Medieval Ruins Repurposed as Unique Lodgings
Set in the side of a castle-topped hill, The Million Donkey Hotel is the puzzling name given to a collection of re-purposed structures in the older part of Prata Sannita, Italy.
Visions of Penn Station – In its Heyday Before Madison Square Garden (11 Photos)
The modern Penn Station is the utilitarian plaza beneath Madison Square Garden. But until 1963, the site was occupied by a Beaux-Arts masterpiece considered one of NYC’s most beautiful buildings.
The Incredible Organic Architecture of Stockholm’s Metro Stations (Photos)
At over 65 miles in length, the Stockholm metro has been described as the world’s longest art gallery. But it’s not just the artwork – present in 90 of the 100 subway stations – that makes this transport network so unique.
Third Time Lucky for Guernsey’s Decorative ‘Little Chapel’
In 1904, French monk Brother Déodat, set about creating a miniature version of the famous grotto and basilica at Lourdes. After several incarnations, the decorative ‘Little Chapel’ was born.
Is That a Vintage Tractor Seat On That Antique Grinding Wheel?
The machine itself is interesting enough, but it was the seat that caught my attention, which is similar in appearance to vintage tractor seats that have become increasingly prevalent as modern furniture items.
Boekhandel Selexyz Dominicanen: 700-year-old Church Could be World’s Most Beautiful Bookshop
The stunning Boekhandel Selexyz Dominicanen, located in Maastricht, the Netherlands, is an 800-year-old former church that is arguably the world’s most beautiful bookshop.
Vienna’s ‘Gasometer’ Boasts Four Former Gas Bells Transformed into an Indoor Urban Village
Four gasometers in Vienna, Austria, have been protected landmarks since 1978. In 1995, four leading architects were tasked with giving each one into a unique urban complex.
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