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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

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

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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

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

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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

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

Read an article once that explained the reason for bendy roads in residential suburbs: to keep the cars driving slowly for safety reasons

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

If you live in the middle, it's like being anywhere. Live on the outside edge, and oh boy, you wake up every morning and know EXACTLY where you are: The middle of Hell!

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

you guys are complaning not beeing straigth, but complain abou the all iqual cities in the previous fotos... above

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

The image evokes such a mix of feelings in me: a fascination with the artistic design of the town, and a sense of claustrophobia at the thought of all living inside a box, so to speak.

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

Traditional grids cause faster traffic plus not knowing the layout helps keep the riffraff out.

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

The word “cookie cutter” has never been more defined (?!) but what impresses me most… not one single cul-de-sac!? Amazing!

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

Amazing how USA developers think crooked streets lend "character" to a new neighborhood!(and I am American and do not get it)

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

Gives the illusion of being in a cozy town and not some super artificial housing block. Typical suburb BS.

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

This is what the suburbs of Dallas, Texas are turning into right before our very eyes.

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

For any of your questions i have your single answer right here: IT'S AMERICA, HOME OF SOULLESS 'REPRESENTITIVES' WHO ACTUALLY COULD NOT GIVE LESS F***S THAN THEY ALREADY DO!!!

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

I live in Northern AZ and thankfully, we don’t have any of these “master planned” cookie cutter housing developments…yet, where your choices for exterior color is tan, taupe or light brown. I have been super lost driving in one one of these neighborhoods while in Phx once. It was actually disorienting and kinda scary.

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

Note that there is not a whole lot of water available in the Southwest and it's getting worse due to climate change. This is ethically the same as letting developers build in a flood plain.

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

I know exactly where this is. It is a suburb of SW Las Vegas back in the very early 00's. The bends from the ground view give it a pleasant feel so it does not look like cookie cutter boxes.

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

"Jasonville! Visit us on Friday the 13th!" An introduction to Jasonville on Highway board.

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

Looks like Arizona and while Phoenix is built on a grid, neighborhoods often have curvy roads to prevent speeding and help with water drainage. It only rains a bit here, but when it does it dumps and we have flash floods.

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

Looks like it was a 40 acre family farm sold off to a developer, The shape of the land/ neighborhood is quintessential 40 acre homestead - ranch

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

Dark portions are roads. Green parts are trees. Yards are gravel. There is no grass. Lived in Phoenix area 15 years. Irrigation is strictly regulated.

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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 long it would take to find a piece of cheese in there?

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

Why is everything so close together? There is more than enough space.

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

With all that desert, they couldn't give each house 1/2 an acre?

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

Well, the idea behind it is that you need fewer pipes, wires, etc. between the houses for X amount of people. Plus, you can buy a 40 acre parcel and put 1000 people on it instead of 160 (and yet charge each family the same as if it were a 160 person town.) It could be worse (but this is rural Southwest USA) in that it could be a single, high-rise building for that many people. At least that leaves more room for farming (but you won't see any near this desert site anyway.) And this is something for the city dwellers that have to live here.. I'm sure that a few miles down the road there is 1 person living per several square miles, rainwater collection, septic tank, and no grid power.

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

I think I’m too ignorant to understand what is going on in this one. Anyone care to explain?

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

The dust would be constant and awful. It probably won’t be long until it’s all covered with houses, though.

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

worthless desert land such as 20 acres for $5000, now each of those homes is probably $300,000.

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

How do you every put in proper public transportation? The North American dream home: A double garage and driveway with living quarters off the back.

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

Assuming there will be many more like this, how do you put in proper public transportation? The North American Dream home: A double garage and driveway with living quarters off the back.

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

Sims Real Life- Your objective, house 10,000 people within one square mile. And make it look pretty.

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

You can see a lot of this when flying over certain parts of California

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Neide assis de lima
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Topógrafo fã das formas orgânicas da arquitetura de Niemayer, kkkkkk

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

There is no parks, playgrounds, sportfields. No place to spend time or meet friends. Very strange.

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

This is built for big bee’s, we just need to find bee’s as big as an F-18 !!!

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Marglo948
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's weird. I used to ride a moped. You could enter a development and think you are going one direction and end up on the same street you entered from.

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

My neighborhood looks similar, but we have 2 round-abouts, and yes the curved roads are an attempt to stop speeding. Also to make one’s drive home more fancy.

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

The bends in the roads are to make it more user friendly! Some trees would be nice...

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

This group was very hard to take…but a reality wake up call to deep areas of need!

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

Every time I see a picture like this I wonder when the area will run out of water. The Southwest is a summer drought area and too often an all-season drought area. It's getting worse because of climate change. Developments like this should not be allowed. The same goes for building in flood plains 'cause some years we don't get droughts.

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

I think the bends take away the reality of the situation when you can't see too far down the street.

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

The houses on bendy streets seem to be larger than those on straight streets

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

I don't get why everyone is so down on these developments it gives more room for farms forests nature just because we want things to be all unique and individual but it builds a community if it's anything like the ones in the uk when they build them they have to include schools and shops as well. I thinks these are much better than other places which see sone with huge gardens while other people are living in tents ricpeople with ac

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

IStart generating extra cash online from hom emore than $22k by doing very easy work just in spare time. Last month i have got paid $22745 from this easy home job. Join this job right now and makes more cash every month online. Just follow web link here to get started......www.earn96.com  

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

Nowhere to walk to, no park. No greenery. A desolate dormitary.

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

Have they never heard that some green offers a better quality of life?

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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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