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Not every building is as beautiful as the Palace of Versailles. Or blends into its surroundings as well as the Macallan Distillery. On the contrary, there are many structures across the world looking like outcasts that will fall apart during the next storm. In some places, they aren't isolated examples, either — even an entire neighborhood can be an abomination. And you can find them on r/UrbanHell.

It's a photography subreddit of "all the hideous places human beings built or inhabit." The online community invites everyone who wants to explore the darker side of the cities, towns, and villages in our shared world and welcomes any photos which show either ugliness, or a problem in urban development. Rural and suburban nightmares are also allowed.

Below you will find a collection of pics that perfectly describe what this subreddit is all about.

#1

The Annual Monsoon Ritual Of Mumbai's Ocean Giving Back What Has Been Dumped In It

The Annual Monsoon Ritual Of Mumbai's Ocean Giving Back What Has Been Dumped In It

93arkhanov93 Report

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SlartyBlartFast
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If only nature could actually give back all the trash to us, maybe we will see the damage we are doing :(

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About half of the global population already lives in cities, and by 2050, two-thirds of the world's people are expected to live in urban areas. But as you can see from some of the photos in r/UrbanHell, in cities, two of the most pressing problems facing the world today also come together: poverty and environmental degradation.

Bad urban development isn't just ugly aesthetics. It's also poor air and water quality, insufficient water availability, waste-disposal problems, and high energy consumption, all of which are exacerbated by the increasing population density and demands of urban environments. Strong city planning is essential in managing these and other difficulties as the world's urban areas grow.

#3

New Delhi - During Lockdown vs. Now

New Delhi - During Lockdown vs. Now

naughty_ningen Report

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SlartyBlartFast
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For a few months earth took a breath, then humans came back with a vengeance :(

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Some of the biggest problems caused by urbanization are:

  • Intensive urban growth can lead to greater poverty, with local governments unable to provide services for all people;
  • Concentrated energy use. It leads to greater air pollution with a significant impact on human health;
  • Automobile exhaust produces elevated lead levels in urban air;
  • Large volumes of uncollected waste create multiple health hazards;
  • Urban development can magnify the risk of environmental hazards such as flash flooding;
  • Pollution and physical barriers to root growth promote loss of urban tree cover;
  • Animal populations are inhibited by toxic substances, vehicles, and the loss of habitat and food sources.
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#7

It's Baffling How Fast It Changes

It's Baffling How Fast It Changes

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Solutions might include:

  • Combat poverty by promoting economic development and job creation;
  • Involve local community in local government;
  • Reduce air pollution by upgrading energy use and alternative transport systems;
  • Create private-public partnerships to provide services such as waste disposal and housing;
  • Plant trees and incorporate the care of city green spaces as a key element in urban planning.

Ultimately, cities can bring us obstacles and opportunities as well as freedom and captivity, and it's up to us to get the most out of them.

#9

People Offering Prayers At River Yamuna, India, Which Is Frothing From Industrial Waste

People Offering Prayers At River Yamuna, India, Which Is Frothing From Industrial Waste

excitedrod Report

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WilvanderHeijden
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And none of these fools has the sense to even consider that bathing in industrial waste speeds up your reincarnation process.

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#10

Hotel In Łodz, Poland

Hotel In Łodz, Poland

tanmayp63 Report

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Samantha Lomb
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Its not a nuclear cooling tower. It is for a heating, electric and hotwater generating plant ( TETS in Russian) most are coal or gas powered and that is for releasing steam.

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#11

An Interesting Perspective I've Stumbled Upon In Macau A Year Ago

An Interesting Perspective I've Stumbled Upon In Macau A Year Ago

diejesus Report

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Raven Sheridan
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The difference between the have's and the have not's, in one photo.

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#12

Petare, Venezuela

Petare, Venezuela

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#13

Before And After A Desert Is Turned Into A Soulless Suburb Of A Desert. Jk, Its A Single Photo Of Arizona

Before And After A Desert Is Turned Into A Soulless Suburb Of A Desert. Jk, Its A Single Photo Of Arizona

TownPro Report

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Leo Domitrix
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The water waste hurts. Why do you want lawns in a desert? If you want green lawns, move to England (no offense, England. You have the rainfall, is all.)

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#14

Not A Very Romantic Scene

Not A Very Romantic Scene

lazybong Report

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Samantha PandaNotBored
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Blame your government’s. This is their fault . They buy rubbish from countries and do not dispose of it correctly.

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#15

Naples, Italy

Naples, Italy

biwook Report

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Beuska
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just imagine, a few decades or hundred years ago somebody built a nice villa, and now with the urbanisation the whole thing is under a highway..

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#16

People Living Next To A Helicoidal Street In Chongqing

People Living Next To A Helicoidal Street In Chongqing

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#17

Kowloon Peninsula, Hong Kong. Comparison Of 1964 - 2016.

Kowloon Peninsula, Hong Kong. Comparison Of 1964 - 2016.

polysabu Report

#18

Electrical Wiring And Water Pipes In A Brazilian Favela

Electrical Wiring And Water Pipes In A Brazilian Favela

justuniqueusername Report

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Sonja
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh yeah, I saw this one already somewhere here on BP. Would like to see the guy who would try to find which wire or pipe is the one with problem

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#19

Johannesburg, South Africa

Johannesburg, South Africa

Intricate1779 Report

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Jonathan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a South African, I know this is not true... we also have electric fences along with what is shown.

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#20

Literally, Just Thanksgiving Traffic In La

Literally, Just Thanksgiving Traffic In La

WhiteMos Report

#21

Private Houses On The Roof Of An Eight-Story Mall In Zhūzhōu, China

Private Houses On The Roof Of An Eight-Story Mall In Zhūzhōu, China

adamlm Report

#22

Cairo, Egypt

Cairo, Egypt

biwook Report

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Lekha
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not a single tree in sight (Ok, realised that's very normal there. My bad)

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#23

Downtown Seattle, In The Heart Of The Retail District

Downtown Seattle, In The Heart Of The Retail District

unlordtempest Report

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Yugan Talovich
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't understand how the US can have money to make bombers but not to help citizens who need help.

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#24

Progressive Insurance's Call Center

Progressive Insurance's Call Center

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#25

Hyderabad, India

Hyderabad, India

hafeezahmed2839 Report

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Laura Kibben
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Still such a waste. I mean, c'mon! Who doesn't already know about literally everything that can be bought. We DON'T NEED ADS!!!

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A B C
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm wondering why one would even try to "advertise" like this. I mean, nobody's gonna stand there and study all the ads, so it's a waste of money!?

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F. H.
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Most of it seem to be CAD and data management services. Those are very specialized things. You probably don't decide you need that while you walk past it. I guess there are a lot of open-plan offices in there with every person at every computer being his own little enterprise. People go there if they need a 3D object designed or a database managed and pick the offer from the advertisments.

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Nerd
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Fun fact: This plaza is in Mythri Vanam (Ameerpet, Hyd - India). Hub for any educational certifications.😊

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Persp Gold
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

who gets the money? the signage itself looks fairly well kept

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Altezzoso Burton
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I feel bad for the people. The internet has ads, real life shouldn't!

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Gitte Skov
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would not want to have OCD here! 😳 Especially if you have compulsive need to read All signs, 🙄

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sunil R
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It was known as United States of Ameerpet, Hyderabad,India

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David Henry
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Like, does this even actually work? Who really looks at these anymore thinking, "I better remember that billboard in case I ever get held at gun point and asked if Sues Kuntry Kitchen excels in chicken fried steak or blueberry pie". Nobody pays attention to this s**t anymore. It's not just an eyesore, it's a pointless waste of money. People, in general, already know what they want and where they want it from. Same for TP commercials: we're aware toilet paper exists, and everyone has already picked their sides. You no longer need to assault us with the 'does a bear s**t in the woods' schtick.

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F. G-Lacoste
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And nothing in indian languages because it is all about computers ? That is what is shocking me hereé

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Ruth Scheidler
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

At first I hoped it was parking garages. Not so. Painful to consider living there.

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Ali Hard
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How is that even good advertising?? I can't even read it fast enough to know what to buy

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Jonah Vancuran
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

it hurts my eyes... and it's not very effective either, due to the fact the more advertisements put up, the less people will pay attention to them.

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Rebecca K
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And you know if you ask a question, they'll say, "Didn't you read the sign"? :)

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Karen Filice
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This would quickly suck the life out of me just to stand there…..definitely not on anyone’s bucket list either!

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TinyButMighty
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As someone who collects ads like this, it makes me upset that I can’t go and take them all down and make myself and the people there happy.

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Raymond Pobiak
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wonder how effective those signs are? I believe I’d be highly disinclined to stop and read them. But, many businesses have decided it’s an investment worth making.

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Beverly Deelstra
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This country justkills me. I would rather die than live like this.

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Amber Bedard
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What a waste of money trying to advertise somewhere like this. Nothing sticks out. Its just a cluster F**k of words at this point

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imagae
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow.. looks like the pain reliever aisle at Walgreens or CVS.

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Bjorn Palenius
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Do ALL these billboards really help the business that put them there?!

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LSR
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Hello Mr. Manager, this is Hasan from your advertising company. We have great news, we already posted your advertisement in a very good spot! Everyone who is everyone is there with their own ads!"

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armando cardoso
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Imagine if pictures could give us a sense of smell as well, no one would ever want to see pics from India again. What a disgusting place and people.

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Fixit Mann
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

autocad devop data science linux chiplevel training. I think this is a tech center.

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Kinslee Hager
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There's so much ad and sign stuff im getting a headache

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Cathy Carey
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You know, when you put up that many ads in such a small area people won't see any of them unless they deliberately look and read.

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Elizabeth Gardner
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

worse than polution this make me feel physically sick to look at it.

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Gyan Ranjan Pruthal
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hey, I studied here. In one of the coaching institutions advertised here (though, can't pinpoint it exactly)

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Keerthi Vardhan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That area is Ameerpet in Hyderabad. The view might not be striking, but It's a technical training hub and biggest in the world. People get their technical training here. It offers a lot of scope for people who want to learn any cutting edge technology. If people get fooled and judge a book by it's cover then they are wrong. These small rooms have trained enough people who are now working for reputed companies bringing great value to the technical ecosystem. They just teach you the skills you need. It's upto the intellect of the person to harness the talent from it. Ask any person who is a technical person from Hyderabad, India and it would be clear on you'd know the value attached to the place.

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Onion rings like to make your breath smelly
Community Member
2 years ago

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Adrienne Kushner
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My company does drafting here in the U.S. We can't compete with India because they can turn projects around in 24 hours for practically nothing. The companies here learn the hard way when they can't use the drawings or try to contact India to have corrections or addendums added. We get a lot of jobs that have to be redrawn in order to be used. You get what you pay for!

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Carol Goodson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

from these pictures, India must be about the worst place in the world to live

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Mazer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This photograph is so meaningful. Corporations rule right now, And it’s so hard to get away from them or their influencing

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urszulat
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

At least it's colourful and seems to make use of what would usually be discarded.

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Molly Block
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The only sign my mind actually takes in and understands is the "NO ENTRY" sign there on the bottom. LOL. Wow. Visually it's like some retail artwork!

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NWB
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

now...I saw a sign for a bloke about my computer it was just words....can someone help me find it...lol

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Banana Rama
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's like living in old internet pop up ads. The kind where you'd go to close one and four more open. Time to reboot!

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François Carré
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How do you even expect to have your ad actually noticed by anyone among this mess ?

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João Santos
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

most of the adds are digital related stuff.... but they went analogic...

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ProfessionalTimeWaster
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These are not ads, these are shops. But you can't see the name, only what they offer. Most likely they are tuition centres or places to get computer projects done.

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Jo Choto
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I guess if someone pays you to put ads on your balcony, you take the money.

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#26

Ghost City In China, Made To Be A Replica Of Paris - Tianducheng

Ghost City In China, Made To Be A Replica Of Paris - Tianducheng

hasanah78 Report

#27

All Residents Of Whittier, Alaska Live Inside One Building

All Residents Of Whittier, Alaska Live Inside One Building

NaperVillage Report

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James016
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There was a whole BP post about this. A rail company owns most of the land so no-one can do anything.

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#29

One More Lane Will Fix It

One More Lane Will Fix It

11vidakn Report

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SlartyBlartFast
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In my country the biggest highway is 3 lanes. No city has more than 3 lanes. And we consider it an achievement. I am amazed at this picture honestly!

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#30

Somewhere In Brazil In The 90's

Somewhere In Brazil In The 90's

LeandroGanchas75 Report

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M O'Connell
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

@WilvanderHeidjen They absolutely are homeless. They are squatting in a utilities access cabinet.

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#31

Baghdad Between Then And Now!

Baghdad Between Then And Now!

alfredokurdi Report

#32

Billionnaire Vijay Mallya's Mansion Atop A Skyscraper In Bangalore, India

Billionnaire Vijay Mallya's Mansion Atop A Skyscraper In Bangalore, India

fragilistical Report

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#34

Dubai, The Hollow City Of Artificiality

Dubai, The Hollow City Of Artificiality

Cat-attak Report

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Sue Grigg
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I will never understand the lure of Dubai, it's a giant soulless shopping mall for rich people. They can have it, it's tacky and ugly.

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#36

Mirny In Siberia, Russia

Mirny In Siberia, Russia

ADarkcid Report

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Samantha PandaNotBored
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

All of those houses and infrastructure was built die to that mine . It’s still a working mine right now . Giving ppl jobs homes lives

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#37

Ah, Good Old Car Culture...

Ah, Good Old Car Culture...

biwook Report

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Red rockin lobster
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is not an urban nightmare (whichever you're reffering to). Also, it's like comparing a clouds and grapes

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#38

Block 23, New Belgrade, Serbia

Block 23, New Belgrade, Serbia

Porodicnostablo Report

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Samantha PandaNotBored
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

At least they have friendly neighbours. My neighbor wouldn’t take my washing in . 😆

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#39

16-Lane Highway Built Through The Downtown Where A Market Square Used To Be In Moscow, Russia

16-Lane Highway Built Through The Downtown Where A Market Square Used To Be In Moscow, Russia

matthewstifler Report

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Samantha Lomb
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Again context is great. This was done to facilitate troop movements quickly in and out of the capital which proved vital in WWII as the soldiers from Siberia crossed Red Square in the May Day parades and went straight to the front lines to repel the Nazis. The French similarly built huge boulevards in Paris to facilitate troop movements and to keep people from being able to build barricades, which is a French national tradition.

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#40

Nobody: Southwest Us Developers:

Nobody: Southwest Us Developers:

Zidar93 Report

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Olivier Caissy
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Out of curiosity, for what it is, why is it not more square, why all the bends?

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Note: this post originally had 75 images. It’s been shortened to the top 40 images based on user votes.

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