Ruined structures are abandoned buildings consisting of various levels of disrepair because nature, weather and time have taken a huge toll to grow over and engulf the structure. Such kinds of ruined structures with walls stripped down to their bare masonry or truncated ceiling rafters are scattered across both rural and urban landscapes. Every ruined structure has the potential to shelter once again and to become a historic landmark for a contemporary space.
Perception of Ruins in the Modern World
Ruined structures are the testimony of the glory of previous events and at the same time witness the collapse of those social systems. Ruins are perceived as an object of fascination and romanticization. Also, they are considered to be the picturesque memorials to the past- and also treated as physical reminders of what once were the inescapable powers of time and decay. Ancient weariness does give a certain historical value to a ruined structure, but still many consider it as a ‘decay of architecture’ and is easily dismissed by considering it as eerie and distasteful. Ruined structures in modern times are a potent representation of the gap between past and present.
Even if the original function of the building is terminated, and also left to deteriorate, some structures around the world have gained aesthetic significance because of their decayed character that enhanced its architectural remains. The modern ruined structures evoke a different way of seeing architecture as it offers the ‘relief of imperfection’. Modern ruined architecture is an unintentional artwork that elicits subversive thoughts and actions, alternative use of space and unconventional design. Such structures that no longer meet the functional demands are treated as the last resort for actual productivity as it allows people the opportunity to independently reinterpret places, history and culture.
Importance of Repurposing a Ruined Structure
If positioned at the intersection of old and new, many ruined buildings speak of the durability of their masonry, as well as their ability to be reused and repurposed. Even the foundations in ruined structures prove robust enough to support a whole new structure for new generations of users. Ruined or Decayed abandoned Structures can be used with different purposes as a defining and charming feature of a restoration project. Architects can incorporate crisp and contemporary materials to create contrast with the ruined architectural elements and thus restore the structures. Architects can also approach the task of renovation with a more traditional philosophy, thus respecting and replicating the archaic materiality.
Examples of Contemporary Ruins in Modern Architecture
- The Maunsell Sea Forts, England– These armed towers were built on the Thames during the Second World War to help defend the United Kingdom. They are named after their designer Guy Maunsell and were earlier operated as army and navy forts. Today these dilapidated and abandoned structures can only be reached by boats. Although the buildings are in ruins, they still stand as a memorial to the Second World War and the brave soldiers who served their country.
2. Michigan Theatre, Detroit, USA- The theatre was built in 1926 on the spot of Henry Ford’s first workshop. Once, it used to be an opulent structure downtown with seven stories along with expensive architectural and interior work. After closing in 1967, the space served several functional requirements before finally being repurposed as a parking garage in the late 1970s.
3. Buzludzha Monument, Bulgaria– The monument was built at the end of the Cold War by the Bulgarian communist regime to serve as the official headquarters of the Bulgarian Communist Party. The UFO-shaped building was designed on the concept of ‘brutalist architecture’. Earlier the site used to hold many state functions, later, the monument was abandoned and closed to the public in 1989. The structure was commissioned in 2013 for an overall restoration including renovation of wall and dome mosaics in interiors.
References:
- In Ruins- Projects that breathe new life into dilapidated buildings. Available at: https://architizer.com/blog/inspiration/collections/in-ruins/
- 10 abandoned places and ruins of modern architecture. Available at: https://designwanted.com/10-abandoned-places-modern-architecture/
