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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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#42

Smog In Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Smog In Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

kirime Report

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

This is exactly how Salt Lake City looks in the winter too. They call it the "inversion"

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#43

The Apartment I Used To Live In. Dhaka, Bangladesh

The Apartment I Used To Live In. Dhaka, Bangladesh

remiswifu Report

#44

An Apocalyptic Landscape With Balloons At The Ghaziabad Industrial Area, India

An Apocalyptic Landscape With Balloons At The Ghaziabad Industrial Area, India

tanmaypendse63 Report

#45

The Most Depressing City In Russia - Norilsk

The Most Depressing City In Russia - Norilsk

MrRipperGuy Report

#46

Corviale, Rome, One Of The Longest Single Residential Building In The World (1 Kilometer In Length, Housing 8000 Persons)

Corviale, Rome, One Of The Longest Single Residential Building In The World (1 Kilometer In Length, Housing 8000 Persons)

Ezer_Pavle Report

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

Until now I never really considered the effect on the landscape. You can have this monstrosity or you can lose the fields so each house can have it's own 20ft piece of land. We've seen both examples in this thread.

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#47

My Country Doesn't Make It Often To This Sub, But Here's One: House Under A Highway Bridge, Zürich, Switzerland

My Country Doesn't Make It Often To This Sub, But Here's One: House Under A Highway Bridge, Zürich, Switzerland

biwook Report

#48

Mecca, This Cityscape Is Deeply Unsettling

Mecca, This Cityscape Is Deeply Unsettling

reddit.com Report

#49

Anti-Homeless Architecture - Porto Alegre, Brasil, 2021

Anti-Homeless Architecture - Porto Alegre, Brasil, 2021

tsprado Report

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

If the entity is gonna buy bricks, why can't they buy a few more, and let the homeless BUILD a shelter?!?

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#50

Endless Parking Lots, Highways, Strip Malls With The Same Franchises All Accessible Only By Car. Topped Off With A Nice Smoggy Atmosphere And A 15 Minute Drive To Anywhere. Takers ?

Endless Parking Lots, Highways, Strip Malls With The Same Franchises All Accessible Only By Car. Topped Off With A Nice Smoggy Atmosphere And A 15 Minute Drive To Anywhere. Takers ?

humzahjaleel Report

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

Am I the only one that literally feels happier when I get to walk (instead of commute)?!

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#51

San Francisco, USA

San Francisco, USA

Sayl0 Report

#52

Jaywick, Essex, UK

Jaywick, Essex, UK

jas2244 Report

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

I believe this is one of if not the most deprived place in the UK. There was a programme about it on TV some time ago.

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#54

A Graveyard In Hong Kong

A Graveyard In Hong Kong

Porodicnostablo Report

#56

Alexandria, Egypt

Alexandria, Egypt

Halla5432 Report

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

My practical side totally understands the convenience of building the bridge across to make traffic flow easier and avoid congestion. But my romantic side hates the thought of breaking up the gorgeous natural ocean view with a man-made concrete bridge and traffic! Takes the breathtaking and makes it concrete jungle

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#57

Salty Hker Here. This Is Far Worse Than Skyscrapers And Apartment Buildings Imo

Salty Hker Here. This Is Far Worse Than Skyscrapers And Apartment Buildings Imo

SamBkamp Report

#58

Bucharest In 1999

Bucharest In 1999

andromedass Report

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

ARGH! At first look that man on the right appeared to have no head!! (I'm looking at this on a small screen admittedly.)

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#59

How People Commute In L.a. (And Most Of America)

How People Commute In L.a. (And Most Of America)

grobby-wam666 Report

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

I'd hate to live in a place where I was forced to commute by car.

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#60

Water Pipelines In Our Locality. Kalimpong, India

Water Pipelines In Our Locality. Kalimpong, India

friday-boy Report

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

country of contradiction, where the poorest live with the richest, only vastly diff areas

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#61

Waiting For A Bus At -54°c In Yakutsk, Russia

Waiting For A Bus At -54°c In Yakutsk, Russia

andreysavv Report

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#63

These Unfinished Monorail Lines All Across São Paulo Were Supposed To Be Ready For The 2014 World Cup...

These Unfinished Monorail Lines All Across São Paulo Were Supposed To Be Ready For The 2014 World Cup...

SilverSkilo Report

#64

Salem, Or, USA. This Picture Was Taken At 5 Pm Today

Salem, Or, USA. This Picture Was Taken At 5 Pm Today

arm2610 Report

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

That was last September when much of the state was on fire. I remember that day and have a similar photo of the sky.

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#65

Yesterday When It Rained In My City (Luanda - Angola)

Yesterday When It Rained In My City (Luanda - Angola)

LeandroGanchas75 Report

#66

Seoul In Winter 1956

Seoul In Winter 1956

biwook Report

#67

Welcome To The Bay Area

Welcome To The Bay Area

nobodywins888 Report

#68

Minneapolis, USA

Minneapolis, USA

AlAmine Report

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

I live in Minneapolis. The George Floyd aftermath with all the protestors was deeply unsettling. The day Derek Chauvin was found guilty you could cut the tension in the air with a knife. It was like trying to breathe cotton.

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#69

To Avoid Homeless People The City Is Installing Stones Under This Bridge - São Paulo, Brazil

To Avoid Homeless People The City Is Installing Stones Under This Bridge - São Paulo, Brazil

PandaReturns Report

#70

House Of Atomic Engineers, Moscow (400m Long)

House Of Atomic Engineers, Moscow (400m Long)

tanmayp63 Report

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

It is a wonderful building and what is missing from this context is Soviet built Moscow has a lot of green space as buffers between buildings, which the current government is developing. Additionally they are seizing the Khrushchev era buildings, displacing families to the suburbs and developing the land into expensive condos. This was a house for workers, which they got for free ( tied to their jobs)

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#71

"Can We Go To Paris?" -"No, We Got Paris At Home." Paris At Home:

"Can We Go To Paris?" -"No, We Got Paris At Home." Paris At Home:

TopAlternative4 Report

#72

El Helicoide, Venezuela’s Drive Through Shopping Mall Turned Prison

El Helicoide, Venezuela’s Drive Through Shopping Mall Turned Prison

dirtyhippie62 Report

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#73

A Cemetery Next To A Factory In Poland

A Cemetery Next To A Factory In Poland

ialmostfelloffmybed Report

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

Actually I dont think it's a bad idea. Of course we would all like to place out earthly remains somewhere serene, but if space is limited, this is a better option than lets say a kindergarden/school next to a factory...

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#74

Suburb In The Middle Of The Desert, Arizona, USA

Suburb In The Middle Of The Desert, Arizona, USA

Intricate1779 Report

#75

The British Seaside: Where Dreams Go To Die

The British Seaside: Where Dreams Go To Die

shootforthunder Report

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

That "Dreamland" building is actually a beautiful art-deco cinema. It is a legally protected listed building, and not only that, it's listed at grade II*, which puts it in the top 8 percent of ALL protected buildings in the UK. It's a very fine piece of architecture.

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