Perhaps no place exemplifies the failures of a post-industrialized economy better than Detroit, a city that has lost more than half of its population over the past 60 years. In an effort to provide perspective on the dramatic changes taking place in his hometown, photographer Kevin Bauman began capturing images of the abandoned buildings that increasingly dotted the landscape. The resulting project titled 100 Abandoned Houses, paints a compelling portrait of a dying city where stately homes that were once vibrant and alive, are now bleak and boarded. The effect is equal parts beautiful and tragic, pointing to the challenges that lie ahead as we attempt to re-imagine our urban centers.
[via Behance]
Facebook
Twitter
Digg
Reddit
StumbleUpon
Yes, sad, lovely and accurate. But as a Detroiter, I have to point out that beyond decay, there are great ideas and innovation brewing in my city.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/08/opinion/08barlow.html?_r=2
http://www.modeldmedia.com/default.aspx
April 9th, 2009 at 9:31 am
I appreciate the perspective from a local. I definitely didn’t want it to appear as though I was writing off the city and my choice “dying” wasn’t necessarily the most appropriate choice of words in this instance, perhaps “crossroads” would have been more accurate. I definitely think that the current situation presents a unique opportunity and has the potential to transform the city for the better. Here’s to hoping that more inspiration continues to come out of Detroit.
April 9th, 2009 at 9:48 am
Dying City? Tell that to the 100,000 people who came down for the Final Four, what a great time for all….
April 12th, 2009 at 11:41 am