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.
Low Cost Conversion: Primitive Methodist Chapel Becomes (Primitive) Garage
What do you do if you need somewhere to keep your car but the only shelter available is a derelict chapel round the side of your house? Well, you could always covert that into a simple yet imaginative garage, and finish it off with a nice garden bench!
Crumbling Elegance: The Towering Ruins of Detroit, Michigan
Detroit was once a boom town accounting for one of the largest collections of architecturally inspired buildings in America – impressive structures that still stand today, albeit gutted skeletons of their former selves.
Don Picture Palace: Sheffield’s Last Historic City Centre Cinema
You’d be forgiven for dismissing this unflattering facade as another blight on Sheffield’s rundown West Bar district. But you might be surprised to learn that, behind the prefabricated cladding, is the last remnant of a vibrant city centre movie scene.
A Makeover for Manchester’s Derelict Harpurhey Baths
It may not be as impressive as Manchester’s best known empty pool complex but Harpurhey Baths is still a fine example of Edwardian swimming pool architecture – and one of the last.
Up in Flames: Hastings Pier, RIP
It was the jewel in Hasting’s crown, but after a devastating fire several days ago the historic pier is now little more than a skeletal wreck. In this article, sadly adding one more to our previous post about Three Peeling Pleasure Piers, we take a look at Hastings Pier during better times, and the financial troubles that led to its abandonment and ultimate destruction.
Practical And Sustainable Ways To Save Old Buildings From Decay
In the modern world of commercialism the only real way to save ancient buildings from decay is to make them profitable. Spain’s incredible “Paradores” are an excellent example of historic buildings that have been transformed into luxury hotels, as Escapio reports.
A Brief History of London Bridge – and its Forgotten Stones
One fell down, one was sold to a wealthy American, and the latest incarnation still spans the River Thames to this day. But what is less well known is that stone pillars cut for London Bridge but ultimately unused lie forgotten in their rural quarry to this day.
6 Colourful Capital Cities of the World
While the outward appearance of many capital cities is one of dull concrete, grand stone or skilled brickwork, others are characterised by a more colourful and quirky look that compliments their streetlife and brightens up even the most isolated of settlements. Here are six very different examples.
5 Creatively Recycled (and DIY) 747s: from Jumbo Hostels to Houses & Beyond
The awesome Boeing 747 Jumbo Jet revolutionised commercial air travel. With more than 1,400 rolled off the production line to date, this select group is revolutionising the Jumbo’s life-after-flight potential, from environmental consideration to the world’s wildest recycled home and hostel.
Exploring the Derelict South Fremantle Power Station
Of all the derelict places littering the urban (and rural) landscape, industrial complexes are among the most prevalent. Shutting shop for myriad reasons, from changing economies to advances in technology, abandoned industrial buildings often hide fascinating histories and notable architecture, as seen on this visual journey through the South Fremantle Power Station.
Abandonments Reinvented: The World’s Most Stunning Bookshops
The web is awash with articles claiming to be the “most impressive” or the “top ten (something) of all time”, and any claim is clearly subjective. But it’s just possible that these three bookshops could be among the finest in thw world.
The Forgotten Treasures of Glenroyal Cinema
On the outside, the Glenroyal Cinema in northern England looks like a typical abandoned Art Deco picture house. But inside, above a false ceiling, the treasures of its cinema heyday hide in the shadows.
Railroad Reinvented: Climb Aboard the High Line
Historic places are often pulverized by the wrecking ball to make way for modern redevelopment. Not so with New York City’s historic High Line railroad on Manhattan’s West Side.
6 Bizarre Buildings to Boggle the Mind
American architect Julia Morgan said: “Architecture is a visual art, and the buildings speak for themselves.” Whether or not you agree with Morgan’s sentiments, her words could not have related more perfectly to these bizarre architectural specimens from far flung corners of the world. Here are six buildings that really do speak for themselves!
Is there Beauty in Urban Decay?
The answer is highly subjective, but many urban explorers and those fascinated by hidden history would say “yes”. Smashing Magazine explores the subject of urban decay in a fantastic must-see photo essay, while this collection of 42 stunning images should help you decide. Please let us know what you think!
Popular Articles
Hidden Treasures: The Spectacular Abandoned Stock Exchange Building in Antwerp641,051 views 
20 Spectacular Abandoned Mansions of the World302,353 views 
6 Abandoned Mega-Machines139,826 views 
Abandoned in LA: Creepy Linda Vista Hospital93,793 views 
20 Spectacular Military Abandonments of the World89,049 views 
20 Commanding Cliff-top Castles & Fortresses82,875 views 
