PUBLIC MARKS from sbrothier with tag squatt

Once a symbol of industrial might and now ground zero for rustbelt blight, the Packard plant in Detroit has become an urban explorers' delight, graffiti artists' canvas, scrappers' cash in a city beleaguered by decay. BRIAN KAUFMAN/Detroit Free Press

Détroit, une ville autrefois qualifiée de "Paris du midwest américain" semble avoir été frappée par la pire des tempêtes. Tous les fléaux qui affectent certaines grandes villes nord-américaines sont ici réunis : déclin des grandes industries (notamment celle de l'automobile), ségrégation raciale et crise des hypothèques.

Ruins are the visible symbols and landmarks of our societies and their changes, small pieces of history in suspension. The state of ruin is essentially a temporary situation that happens at some point, the volatile result of change of era and the fall of empires. This fragility, the time elapsed but even so running fast, lead us to watch them one very last time : being dismayed, or admire, making us wondering about the permanence of things. Photography appeared to us as a modest way to keep a little bit of this ephemeral state.

Over the past generation Detroit has suffered economically worse than any other of the major American cities and its rampant urban decay is now glaringly apparent during this current recession. Yves Marchand and Romain Meffre documented this disintegration, showcasing structures that were formerly a source of civic pride, and which now stand as monuments to the city’s fall from grace.

Ruins are the visible symbols and landmarks of our societies and their changes, small pieces of history in suspension. The state of ruin is essentially a temporary situation that happens at some point, the volatile result of change of era and the fall of empires. This fragility, the time elapsed but even so running fast, lead us to watch them one very last time : being dismayed, or admire, making us wondering about the permanence of things. Photography appeared to us as a modest way to keep a little bit of this ephemeral state.

great thread, great shots !

Future is waiting for us. With hollow skeletons or downsized ugly creatures with bulgy eyes - it's not important.Important thing is that there will be a footprint left.Footprint of civilization. Cement, metal and dust not claimed by anyone. They are eternity.

exploration urbaine : forts / usines abandonnées / espace urbains / cokeries & aciéries / carrières / mines...

CATACOMBES.info est un site d'information sur les carrières et catacombes de Paris lancé par un groupe d'amis habitant le 12e arrondissment de Paris (d'ou le Zedou (douze) Connection).

Modern Ruins

A NY based organisation providing blind archeologists with the finest quality flashlights. Hospital Hopscotch / Urban POst Mortem / Parlor Games / Nerve Center

Abandoned buildings are very popular sites for infiltration -- it seems silly to allow buildings so wonderful to simply sit empty.