Really incredible. It reminds you of what kind of investment has been made in the city over the last century and also what happens when maintenance stops. Imagine the experiences people had in these spaces. What other infrastructure exists in the city that has been under utilized and even abandoned? Can we reignite these elements of infrastructure? Thanks for posting!

What if the dilapidated buildings are the attraction? Of course this can’t be applied to all neighborhoods of all cities facing exodus, but in Detroit’s case, one the areas could be designated a “park” of sorts. Detroit could embrace the decaying beauty associated with the end of an era and keep an area as a landmark of sorts - use it to attract visitors to the city. I think many people have a morbid curiosity when it comes to rundown neighborhoods, dilapidated buildings, and by extension, disaster areas. I know when I was younger, my friends and I were fascinated by the abandoned building down the street and took any opportunity we could get to go in and explore (an old factory in Ware, MA, old Air Force base housing in Rome, NY, an entire abandoned subway in Rochester, NY, etc.). Own this aspect of civilization. Empires rise and fall. Take pride in the complete history, instead of hiding it.

Cities are vibrant when people are proud to live there.

Revitalization in my mind is moving on. What has fallen, fell. Cities shouldn’t chase their past; they should embrace their history and proceed to their next future.

Amazingly beautiful photographs on the Marchand and Meffre website. One would like to see these grand spaces brought back to life though they are mesmerizing as ruins. Tragically, however, at a certain point, I imagine many decaying buildings get torn down. When this is the case, it would be nice to see efforts to preserve building components, especially those that have real meaning in the community. Perhaps salvaged elements could be woven into new civic buildings and other structures, so there is some connection with the past even in the new.

Nice provocation Simon!