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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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#5

Beirut Port

Beirut Port

Gordn_Ramsay Report

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

The corrupted government did this and I'm sure that all the donations from around the world to help the poor people who lost their houses, made a few people very rich but did nothing to help those who need that money to rebuild their houses.

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

and years later, no cleanup effort, and its not radioactive. lets call jeff bezos, maybe he will help. (I mean when he went into space, didnt he have renewed passion for the planet??) hey billionaires, this is what you do, right, with your sweat labor workplace warehouse money? or, not...

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

So sorry. The people of Lebanon deserve better. It's such a beautiful place and the people are so warm/welcoming, but the government is a disgrace.

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

It is always the government to blame, and that’s the truth!

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

i lived many years in Oregon, where i helped to edit some videos on logging on public lands. They cut down old growth trees and sold them whole to be taken to japan to be ground up for diapers. not to mention the sickness that is the US military in the 1940s developing the atom bombs, and with very little testing or understanding they incinerated 2 entire cities in Japan when japan, an island country, had nearly been cleaned out of anything in the factories and munitions already, all those thousands of citizens old men women and babies were turned to dust or burnt to suffer terrible effects, and we have not really been held accountable nor apologized, and its an act of violence that has not been equaled, yet we sit here all proud to be american. then lets go bigger; how about the number of seriously flawed nuke plants all over the world, yet nobody seems too concerned about reducing their carbon footprint. the greedy bastard society is standing on gaias neck.

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

Hitler killed more people then those 2 bombs combined. We didn't apologize because it was during a war. I don't condone use of nuclear weapons at all and don't agree with our severe military response. Japan did attack us first killing many young soldiers never declaring war until hours later. We asked them for a peaceful resolution and even gave the revised terms of only stop and surrender your military only. We do not want your country nor do we want to even enter. They declined, insisting on continued attacks on our military and our country. Their leader so recognized his error he committed suicide as an apology to his people. We did go to Japan to sign the surrender and end of war docs and immediately helped with injured and sick. We also helped rebuild their cities. Their citizens were lied to by their own government about American soldiers. They were terrified because they were bombarded with pamphlets that had pics of our GI's with dog heads eating babies and worse.

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

lets all bow down to the oh-so holy buck ... and really see what damage we can cause, huh?

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

I have relatives in Beruit. Their government and economy is terrible and the pandemic and all the wars there only made things worse. 😢😭

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

This was not your government. It was the revolving door of terrorist groups and their corrupt politician collaborators who did this, and since the Lebanese people can, having accepted this arrangement for more than a century, truly say "We have met the enemy, and it is us".

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

that was like the curtain call, the death knell for Beirut. So sad. we really need to all work together on this apathy because only then will we turn things around. this could have been avoided had one governor or mayor really got proactive on removing the hazard!! it would have taken maybe a month of labor or two to get it removed from the middle of town!!

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

The things for which governments are responsible are horrendous - no matter the government.

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

I’m sure the instructions didn’t say to store it the way they did

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

And given their way, one side of American politics would love this to be a thing if it would save them 2 cents on gas.

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

And what did you name the camel that you use for transportation?

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Colleen Bateman Cure
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No greenery anywhere in sight, only "crane trees" How long ago did that explosion happen? I thought nature would at least grow weeds - they're growing in every nook & cranny, on coastal eastern Australia after we got the "Rain Bomb"in late February. I cant pull them out fast enough before more take over. I wish we could give some rain to settle the dust & treat this city to some fresh water. . Must be shocking for all the folk trying to survive with these dire conditions in Lebanon.

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Eleonora Ruby Sil Mendoza
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

IM SO SORRY FOR THOSE THAT ARE STANDERS IN ALL THIS ( PLEASE BLESSED DO"S IN NEED FATHER GOD

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

Ive been here so much destruction so much debris. 2 ships are still there sunk on the pier. we have a shipment of yacht for some rich guy in Lebanon. our jetty is directly adjacent to the explosion site 20210223_0...f6a221.jpg 20210223_070049-620ee05f6a221.jpg

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

I remember seeing the TV footage and the massive shock wave. Just incredible.

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

In the 70's Beirut was a beautiful international place. Full of happy beautiful people, a fabulous souq and wonderful restaurants and hotels. The walk in front of the hotels on the Mediterranean was perfect. Real sorry to see it as it is now.

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

That’s the aftermath of Muslim/Islam party. You know they r only happy when they explode each other up.

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

Dumshit, YOU are the government!! Elect another mutt, see what they will do !!!

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

Oh don’t worry they’ll clean it up and rebuild a monstrosity full of people.

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Sill Marien
Community Member
2 years ago

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I don't think this photo matches all others. This is terrible what happened in Beirut's port, but that was clearly an accident - nobody planned it like those other densely built areas

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

That is the result of some terribly neglect. Who in their right mind allows thousands of tons of highly explosive material in the same room as higly combustable liquids and fireworks without any fire supression and bad wirering in a densely populated area? It may have been an accident, but it was predictable and avoidable, especially since the goverment was warned of the situation several times. I do not think "accident" is a very good excuse in this case, and the goverment is still to blame. https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/09/09/world/middleeast/beirut-explosion.html

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Samantha PandaNotBored
Community Member
2 years ago

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Your government was also involved in a war. How would you like them to make money on your behalf. Sell t towels

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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

antoine_montt Report

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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

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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