Throughout history, there are and have been many great examples of architectural projects that have greatly influenced the world of Architecture. However, if Architects want their work to have long term success, they need to make sure that the project itself has thoroughly thought out.
These are only a fraction of examples that I think could have made changes in order to have avoided mass abandonment.
The Chernobyl Disaster
This accident took place in 1986 at the Chernobyl nuclear power station in the Soviet Union. Many families have had to flee their homes, leaving every single belonging of theirs behind. I am aware that nuclear power stations are important as its a source of producing energy, but if it was not located near a place where people were living, the abandonment of many homes could have easily been avoided.
It is safe to say that this is perhaps one of the reasons why Architects in the modern world ensure that the location of a project is appropriate where it is.
Check out this video which highlights the remains of what was once filled with life.
Chernobyl Video
Hashima Island
Nine miles from the city of Nagasaki, Japan’s abandoned Hashima Island was once the attraction for undersea coal mining. These mines across the country didn’t last long due to petroleum. Within just three months, the island was empty with everybody leaving their homes behind. The lack of regular maintenance throughout the years is very apparent which is a shame as I strongly believe that the Island could have easily been recovered.
If it wasn't for the fact that this Island was built around for only one reason, perhaps there could still be people living there as it was initially intended for and not just another spot for tourists to visit.
Interactive tour of Hashima Island
Houtouwan, Shengshan Island
What was once a former fishing village located about 87 miles southeast of Shanghai is now home to an abandoned ghost town. The current aesthetic of the site represents the picture of nature taking over the man made. This is a good example that perhaps a lack of maintenance is not necessarily a bad thing as it could sometimes create a great aesthetic that tourists could visit?
These are only some examples of Architecture that have been hugely neglected over the years. Although they are not what they once were, the positive element with these such places is that almost all of them are very recoverable. However, society these days are opposed to the old and they would rather have something that is on trend. For these buildings to have a successful come back, a lot of money would be required for them to have a specific aesthetic to gather attention. For now, until someone invests in these structures, they will remain abandoned.
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