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.
Adaptive Reuse: From Derelict Pig Barn to Modern House
This 18th century pig barn in Germany may not be much to look at from the outside, but inside it houses a beautiful modern dwelling thanks to an implanted wooden frame.
Then & Now: The Deterioration of Abandoned St. Agnes’ Church in Detroit
This conjoined image underscores the relatively short space of time necessary for an abandoned building to decay once it’s no longer maintained.
Tomb Adapted as Home in Cairo’s City of the Dead
On the plus side it’s sturdy, ready-made and relatively decorative. But this extreme example of adaptive reuse, situated in Cairo’s impressive City of the Dead, was never intended for the living.
Praça Cantão: Favela Painting Set to Span Entire Neighbourhood in Rio de Janeiro
In the Santa Marta slum of Rio de Janeiro, an art project called Praça Cantão has transformed a run-down town square into a vibrant display of colours.
Ryugyong Hotel: Transforming a Vast Concrete Skeleton into a Glass-clad Skyscraper
Dubbed “hotel of doom”, the vast concrete skeleton of the Ryugyong Hotel has loomed over Pyongyang for years. But completion finally appears to be on the horizon…
Urban Art, Libraries & More: Recycling Britain’s Iconic Red Telephone Boxes
With many now being phased out across Britain, the iconic red telephone box has been repurposed as libraries and toilets and transformed into recycled art.
The Five Most Unusual Fast Food Restaurants From Around the World
Most fast food chains look the same no matter where you go in the world but there are some notable exceptions – and this article highlights five of them.
Recycled Tube Trains Serve as Artists’ Studios in London
Standing on Great Eastern Street in London, a glance several metres above eye level with reveal two recycled Tube trains, now the sustainable studios of Village Underground.
The Doors of Dublin: A Colourful Paddy’s Day Tale
Around St. Patrick’s Day 1970 a poster appeared in the window of the Irish Tourism offices in New York City that was destined to become one of Ireland’s most iconic modern images – “The Doors of Dublin”.
‘Bug Mansion’ Constructed from Recycled Pallets, Bricks and Carpet
This unusual pile of discarded building materials at the disused West Grinstead railway station in England is actually a ‘bug mansion’ inhabited by beetles, spiders and butterflies.
Promenade Plantée: Paris’ Popular Urban Green Space Transformed from Abandoned Railway
We’ve explored New York City’s High Line in earlier articles, but the Promenade Plantée in Paris is a new find for Urban Ghosts – despite it predating the High Line by almost 20 years!
Two-Wheeled Urban Adventures: Abney Park Cemetery
Abney Park Cemetery was considered a pioneering project for its time and was the first cemetery in Europe to also serve as an arboretum.
Jonathon Denson’s Guide to Historic (and Abandoned) Pittsburgh
Jonathon Denson’s excellent website doesn’t just document Pittsburgh’s historic abandoned buildings. It also offers tips on how to buy and restore abandoned houses.
House in the Clouds: The Creative Transformation of Thorpeness Water Tower
From the time of its construction in 1923, the Thorpeness water tower in Suffolk was destined to become a residence – both in appearance and eventual reuse.
Deptford Project Recycles Old London Train to Create Modern Cafe
This retired 1960s train may not be travelling anymore, but it’s still serving London commuters every day! Inside the disused carriage is one of London’s most unique eateries – The Deptford Project cafe.