I have a seriously serious fascination with old and historical buildings. There is so much to love about them – they are layered with character and stories from the past, and at the same time they present us with so many opportunities for the future. I often wonder why the building and architecture industry {and developers in particular} focuses on creating new buildings when there are so many old ones we could be refurbishing and adapting for the modern era.

Personally, I can’t imagine anything more special then being inside a beautiful old building which has been given a new lease on life having been carefully restored in a way which brings in modern conveniences we can’t seem to live without. This is one of my personal interests and my greatest dream – getting my hands on derelict and abandoned buildings, fusing them with thoughtful contemporary design and making them relevant today. And in the process creating coveted buildings and interiors for the future.

It should come to you as no surprise that I found these photographs by Katherine Westerhout incredibly fascinating. Katherine has been photographing abandoned buildings since 2003 as part of her ongoing series of urban landscapes. These images were taken throughout the US – Detroit, Buffalo, Eastern State, Deep South, New York, San Francisco Bay Area and beyond.

AWE and then SOME!



About The Author

Founder & Editor

With a disarming blend of authority and approachability, Dana is a former refugee-turned-global design visionary. Through her multi-faceted work as a creative director, keynote speaker, editor, curator, interior designer and digital publisher, Dana empowers others to appreciate and engage with design in transformative ways, making the sometimes intimidating world of design accessible to everyone, regardless of their familiarity with the subject. Dana's been catapulted to the status of a stalwart global influencer, with recognition from industry heavyweights such as AD Germany, Vogue Living, Elle Décor Italia and Danish RUM Interiør Design, who have named as one of the Top True Global Influencers of the Design World and counted her among the most visionary female creatives on the planet. Her TEDx talk—"Design Can Change the Way You See the World"— will challenge and transform your understanding of design's omnipresent and profound influence. Through her vast experience in interiors, architecture and design, Dana challenges the prevailing rapid image culture, highlighting the importance of originality, sustainability, connecting with your values and learning to "see" design beyond the aesthetic.

9 Responses

  3. jessie

    so beautiful. there is something mesmerizing about the decay of pristine spaces and how the space becomes interesting and full of character when it is in this state because someone stopped caring about its character at all. great find

    Reply
  4. yellowtrace

    Thank you for your comments Nina, Eloise & Jessie.
    Nina – that’s a great link, thank you. And Jessie, your comment captures exactly how I felt when I saw these images but you’ve managed to package it in words so much more beautifully then I ever could.
    x dana

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.