ADVERTISEMENT

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

Add photo comments
POST
galinatsoneva avatar
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 :(

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

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

Add photo comments
POST
galinatsoneva avatar
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 :(

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

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.
ADVERTISEMENT
#7

It's Baffling How Fast It Changes

It's Baffling How Fast It Changes

ilovebravebrowser Report

ADVERTISEMENT

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

Add photo comments
POST
bp_10 avatar
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#10

Hotel In Łodz, Poland

Hotel In Łodz, Poland

tanmayp63 Report

Add photo comments
POST
samlomb avatar
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#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

Add photo comments
POST
raven_sheridan14 avatar
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#12

Petare, Venezuela

Petare, Venezuela

antoine_montt Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#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

Add photo comments
POST
leodomitrix avatar
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.)

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#14

Not A Very Romantic Scene

Not A Very Romantic Scene

lazybong Report

Add photo comments
POST
comerfordsamantha46 avatar
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#15

Naples, Italy

Naples, Italy

biwook Report

Add photo comments
POST
pbea avatar
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..

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#16

People Living Next To A Helicoidal Street In Chongqing

People Living Next To A Helicoidal Street In Chongqing

biwook Report

#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

Add photo comments
POST
sonja-szabrotska avatar
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

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#19

Johannesburg, South Africa

Johannesburg, South Africa

Intricate1779 Report

Add photo comments
POST
jonathan avatar
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#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

Add photo comments
POST
lekha54321 avatar
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)

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#23

Downtown Seattle, In The Heart Of The Retail District

Downtown Seattle, In The Heart Of The Retail District

unlordtempest Report

Add photo comments
POST
talovich avatar
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#24

Progressive Insurance's Call Center

Progressive Insurance's Call Center

acamu5x Report

#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

Add photo comments
POST
jameskramer avatar
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#29

One More Lane Will Fix It

One More Lane Will Fix It

11vidakn Report

Add photo comments
POST
galinatsoneva avatar
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!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#30

Somewhere In Brazil In The 90's

Somewhere In Brazil In The 90's

LeandroGanchas75 Report

Add photo comments
POST
moconnell avatar
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#31

Baghdad Between Then And Now!

Baghdad Between Then And Now!

alfredokurdi Report

Add photo comments
POST
skwatandost avatar
Aski Markup
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Goodness, the Americans really destroyed that beautiful country.

thomasesthomas avatar
Thomas E S Thomas
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Before and After Saddam Hussein. America made little to no mark in that country. Before the Baath party, Iraq was a capitalist nation on par to any parts of Europe or America. Below that layer of sand and dirt is a paved street, sewers, and many utilities that Iraqis no longer use.

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

Is that 1st photo taken at an angle, or did someone give the building a little push to put it back upright?

helensiruchidis avatar
No Fox Given
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've been staring at the pictures for so long wondering if it was just me seeing things lol

Load More Replies...
ctrteresa avatar
Teresa Taylor
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow! Usually you see a huge amount of development over 50 years. This is truly horrific. It went from a modern city to a squalid Third World locale.

kellybachhuber avatar
Kelly Bachhuber
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Americans? Try every country...even their own. Where have u been?

cedricclaes_1 avatar
Cedric Claes
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In the 60's and 70's there were no hijabs or any kind of head-scarfs either.

readingrainbowiraq avatar
Ashley Heller
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was there in 2006 and 2007 and heard their stories about God Jesus and how their country really went to hell. I feel bad for the 5 year old brides dieing on their wedding nights.

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

Dec. 1, 2015 : Lt. General Michael Flynn isn't afraid to speak up when it comes to his views on America's handling of ISIS. This month, the retired Defense Intelligence Agency director sat down with German magazine Der Spiegel for an interview where he blamed the 2003 Iraq war — and then President George W. Bush — for creating the Islamic State terrorist group. The Iraq war was "a huge error," he said, adding that the fall of Saddam Hussein presented an opportunity for groups like ISIS to grow.

subhadhragunn avatar
SG108
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is it my imagination or was that building leaning in 1967?

s-dabandarchuk avatar
Covid Pan Demic
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One of the first pictures in this article where the place got less populated, and i can see why

boredpanda-com_2 avatar
Jhm Mke
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As an American, I remember the Bush administration first bringing up the "weapons of mass destruction" that Saddam Hussein had. Without that lie, the US would never have gotten involved. I don't blame America, I blame the American leaders who lied to their constituents....

mjwgjgema avatar
Mjw Gjgema
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

""We" wanted to bring democracy there (read: protect the oil revenues) - if Irak had nothing more than camels and goats in the offering, Uncle Sam had not been interested. And what did they got? Destruction, lost of human lives andmisery for the survivors, plus, as a bonus, IS. For Syria it is the same. I have lived and worked there. This kind of involvements wear the mask of idealistic drive to bring democracy, but, like Sir Henry Deterding in 1922 on the Conference in Athens (about the future of the dead Ottoman empire) said to the American ambassador: "Let's be honest sir, don't say Democracy when you mean Oil.."

rs_6 avatar
R S
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Islam destroyed Iran + the rest of the middle east

faxpulcher1 avatar
L.E. Misiak
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Saddam Hussein and his tyranny destroyed Iraq. He and his family lived in luxury whilst his people suffered and died.

dawncapri_ds avatar
Dawn Shackleford
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That is air pollution from cars and trucks and industries. Looks like my mother's bedroom after she passed from smoking all her adult life, same color of walls as these yellow that once were white!!! Darn shame!!!!

tootall89 avatar
Jeff Bunn
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Excuse me??? Do you want Osama BinLaden back again??? F**k you guys!! You can have someone else just like him!! We fought and lost over 2,500 of our young people over there!! Many tens of thousands of our young came back missing large parts of their bodies!! You f*****g DARE to say that we destroyed the country??? As a Disabled Vietnam era Army Veteran, I take offense to that!!!

arshadhussainkhan77 avatar
Bobby
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Development after the most developed country's invasion.

chrisshaw_1 avatar
Chris Shaw
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Women had no rights in 67, but now, oh hang on, that's it, they STILL have no rights.

lesliehill avatar
Leslie Hill
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It is only the pavement that has changed. Why has overdevelopment not happened here?

detox avatar
De Tox
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

growingupwatson avatar
Alexandra Walters
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Islamic revolution actually did this in the 70s before the war on terror.

mwatson15802 avatar
Mary Watson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

At least the building is straighter now! Someone fixed the foundation & stopped the leaning!!

giovanni_hynson avatar
Giovanni Hynson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's what Islam want's, you must live like cave men who's only purpose in life is to worship Allah.

smbarry97 avatar
Shawn Barry
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

1967 was before it was a theocracy and a long drawn out war with Iran

jamie1707 avatar
jamie1707
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I was a boy, I read fantasy stories that took place in Bagdad. I always wanted to go there, but I guess the famous landmarks/buildings mentioned in the stories are long gone.

narutonobakka avatar
Kantami Blossom
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's what happens when a country keeps putting egomaniacal morons who like to start pointless wars and steal public money for themselves(Iraq is not alone in this stupidity, if you look closely at parts of the UK or USA you will see similar results).

carolegleed avatar
Carole Gleed
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Perhaps it would look better with more light on the buildings and what is that awful wall.

marakitsch0 avatar
Candia Lee
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is not a good example; basic difference in pix is buildings are older, people dress differently, left pic has more light, and there's a street market.

borismandi avatar
mande.be
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Left picture is taken by the same man who took the right one, after so many years of fighting wars, his shoulder fell down, that is why the second picture is slanted to the right and first to the left! Consequences of having a rifle hanging on his right shoulder. SO SAD, but EYE-OPENNING picture what is USA doing to the world!

spiderman_hh_86 avatar
مها البغداديه مزيونه
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

اني جنسيتي عراقية كان العراق من اجمل بلدان الشرق الاوسط لكن حولها الامريكان الى اسوء بلد بالكون مع الاسف

naimahyianni avatar
naimah yianni
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, we all know that there were no weapons of mass destruction and that the US and my own country the UK, lied to their citizens in order to justify going into Iraq. Bush and Blair are murderers and liars and should be in jail or worse

kathinka avatar
Katinka Min
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hope, the US are proud of their effort to secure oil for themselves.

carolyngerbrands avatar
Carolyn Gerbrands
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

This does not mean war with us destroyed the place. Could be fault of past regime and lack of maintenance.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#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

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#34

Dubai, The Hollow City Of Artificiality

Dubai, The Hollow City Of Artificiality

Cat-attak Report

Add photo comments
POST
suegrigg avatar
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#36

Mirny In Siberia, Russia

Mirny In Siberia, Russia

ADarkcid Report

Add photo comments
POST
comerfordsamantha46 avatar
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

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#37

Ah, Good Old Car Culture...

Ah, Good Old Car Culture...

biwook Report

Add photo comments
POST
redrockinlobster avatar
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

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#38

Block 23, New Belgrade, Serbia

Block 23, New Belgrade, Serbia

Porodicnostablo Report

Add photo comments
POST
comerfordsamantha46 avatar
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 . 😆

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#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

Add photo comments
POST
samlomb avatar
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#40

Nobody: Southwest Us Developers:

Nobody: Southwest Us Developers:

Zidar93 Report

Add photo comments
POST
olivier_caissy avatar
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?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

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

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda