People Are Sharing Examples Of ‘Urban Hell’ That Look Like A Dystopian Movie But Are Sadly Real (45 New Pics)

Dedicated to “the downsides of modern development”, in their own words, the ‘Urban Hell’ community sheds light on some of the most depressing-looking buildings, poor infrastructure decisions, and constructions that simply don’t match the environment, among other debacles. We have put some of them on this list for you today, so scroll down to browse them and see for yourself how unfortunate some architectural decisions can be.

To learn more about the dos and don’ts when it comes to modern development and architecture,Bored Pandaturned to an expert, the CEO and founder of ‘Architecture Hunter’, Amanda Ferber, who was kind enough to answer a few of our questions. Scroll down to find her insight in the text below.

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How many times have you walked past something that made you stop dead in your tracks because of how grand it looks? Maybe a series of glass skyscrapers against the backdrop of a clear blue sky or a newly built edifice so ginormous, you need to take a minute or two just to comprehend its size?These are just a couple examples of how society adapts to the growing needs of a growing population, which surpassed 8 billion people roughly a year ago, in November 2022. Currently more than three times larger than it was in the mid-twentieth century, it is estimated to hit 9.7 billion in 2050 and surpass 10 billion before the mid-2080s,the UN reports.That poses the question, how will we all fit? And while there might not be one answer to this, it’s safe to assume that it might call for at least a few more buildings.

These are just a couple examples of how society adapts to the growing needs of a growing population, which surpassed 8 billion people roughly a year ago, in November 2022. Currently more than three times larger than it was in the mid-twentieth century, it is estimated to hit 9.7 billion in 2050 and surpass 10 billion before the mid-2080s,the UN reports.

That poses the question, how will we all fit? And while there might not be one answer to this, it’s safe to assume that it might call for at least a few more buildings.

Hong Kong’s Dismal Cage Homes House Thousands Of People

Light Pollution By A Single Building In Mumbai (It Was 1 Am When This Pic Was Taken)

Created nearly exactly a decade ago, the ‘Urban Hell’ subreddit is dedicated to modern development. However, instead of focusing on how it can help solve certain problems of modern society, it sheds light on some of its less positive attributes. As the moderators put it themselves, it’s a place for photographs of “all the hideous places human beings built or inhabit”.The subreddit invites its members to join for aesthetic appreciation of the less glamorized side of cities, towns, villages, and areas both rural and suburban; and over 1.2 million members have already accepted the invitation. “We welcome any photos which show either ugliness, or a problem in urban development,” the description reads, as the members share pictures of the most upsetting examples of modern development they can find in their galleries.

The subreddit invites its members to join for aesthetic appreciation of the less glamorized side of cities, towns, villages, and areas both rural and suburban; and over 1.2 million members have already accepted the invitation. “We welcome any photos which show either ugliness, or a problem in urban development,” the description reads, as the members share pictures of the most upsetting examples of modern development they can find in their galleries.

Delhi, India

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In order for a structure not to end up on the ‘Urban Hell’ subreddit as an example of the downside of modern development, there are some factors the architects ought to take into consideration. “In an area with an established urban landscape, it’s crucial to take existing architectural elements into account,” the CEO and founder of ‘Architecture Hunter’, Amanda Ferber, told Bored Panda.“What’s the average building height? Is there a prevailing architectural style? Are there historic buildings in the vicinity? In such a context, introducing a design that sharply contrasts with the surroundings can be too disruptive. In a pristine, untouched environment, this consideration becomes even more delicate and challenging. Many architects positively opt for natural materials, which can be a more harmonious fit with the natural surroundings, showing respect for the environment.”

“What’s the average building height? Is there a prevailing architectural style? Are there historic buildings in the vicinity? In such a context, introducing a design that sharply contrasts with the surroundings can be too disruptive. In a pristine, untouched environment, this consideration becomes even more delicate and challenging. Many architects positively opt for natural materials, which can be a more harmonious fit with the natural surroundings, showing respect for the environment.”

Trees, I See

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Las Vegas’s Underground Homeless

Another important factor to consider when it comes to modern development is how the project might age throughout the years. “At times, a project might enthusiastically embrace the dominant ‘trends’ of its era, which, as years pass, can render it unmistakably ‘dated’,” Ferber pointed out. “Consequently, newer architectural developments may stand in contrast, not because they lack appeal, but because the existing structure was tailor-made for that specific period.”

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Mansion On Top Of Building In Bangalore. Dear God

The Neue Elbbrücke Bridge In Hamburg. The Original Design Was Completed In 1887 And Featured Two Wonderful Gothic Gateways, Torn Down In 1959 To Add An Additional Lane

“It’s important to note that architecture is distinct from fashion,” the CEO of Architecture Hunter continued. “While a piece of clothing can, though it shouldn’t, be discarded, architecture tends to be enduring unless it’s demolished or undergoes a significant renovation.“Poorly designed architecture can undermine a city, fostering insecurity; it can exclude people, or, in some cases, it can lead to significant environmental issues—as seen in the well-known instance of the building in London with its curved mirrored façade, which generated extremely hot areas, to the extent of melting cars in the city.”

“Poorly designed architecture can undermine a city, fostering insecurity; it can exclude people, or, in some cases, it can lead to significant environmental issues—as seen in the well-known instance of the building in London with its curved mirrored façade, which generated extremely hot areas, to the extent of melting cars in the city.”

The Problem There Are Still People Living In Such Buildings!

Chinese Ghost Town Of Mansions Reclaimed By Farmers

Skopje, North Macedonia. Consistently One Of The Most Polluted (Air Quality) Cities In Europe

In a recent interview with Bored Panda, Ferber emphasized that it’s essential to consider the environment and the surroundings when planning a new construction project. “Whether the location is already densely developed or completely untouched, this concern is valid, but it may require different design approaches. To make a project stand out, it doesn’t necessarily need to clash with the existing environment; the goal should be to create a positive highlight rather than a negative one.“Architecture should embrace a welcoming, non-aggressive approach,” she added. “It should prioritize inclusivity and be meticulously crafted to enhance usability for people. Aesthetic considerations are also integral to design, naturally. When assessing an architectural project, it mustn’t be examined in isolation but rather in harmony with its immediate environment.”

“Architecture should embrace a welcoming, non-aggressive approach,” she added. “It should prioritize inclusivity and be meticulously crafted to enhance usability for people. Aesthetic considerations are also integral to design, naturally. When assessing an architectural project, it mustn’t be examined in isolation but rather in harmony with its immediate environment.”

Covering The Slums With Green Walls

Come Enjoy The Lovely Beach In Alexandria, Egypt!

Liebian Building - A 121-Meter Skyscraper With A Waterfall In The City Of Guiyang, China’s Guizhou Province

Even though the growing population might call for a growing number of construction sites, adding buildings in some areas can be significantly more difficult than elsewhere. Take Mumbai in India, for example; home toover 21 million people, it is one of the most densely populated cities in the world (even though far from the number one).

The “Other Side” Of The Pyramids Of Giza

Bolton, England

This Elementary School In Ohio Can Only Be Reached By Car - It Might Be Normal For Us For Is An Abomination By European / Asian Standards

It might come as no surprise that Indian cities are among the most densely populated ones, considering the total number of people in the country. World Population Review (WPR) pointed out that India’s population growth hasslowed significantlyover the last years; however, it remains the country with the largest population in the world (with over 1.432 billion people).

Residential Space In Noida, India

Los Angeles Is Also A Concrete Jungle

I Wonder How One Can Live In A Mansion Like These Without Feeling Immense Guilt

When it comes to the US, Union City in New Jersey holds the title forthe most densely populated city. With just over 54,000 inhabitants per square mile, it might not begin to compare to Mumbai or Muzaffarnagar, but to anyone trying to reach the subway through a sea of people, it can surely feel crowded enough.The second and third most populated cities in the country, West New York and Hoboken respectively, are also located in New Jersey; however, state-wise, it’s Washington D.C. thattakes the lead.

The second and third most populated cities in the country, West New York and Hoboken respectively, are also located in New Jersey; however, state-wise, it’s Washington D.C. thattakes the lead.

China Once Tried To Build A City That Would Be An Exact Copy Of Paris. Even An Exact Copy Of The Eiffel Tower Was Built. Only On A Smaller Scale: The Copy Was 108 Meters High. The Town Was Designed For 10,000 People. Now It Mainly Attracts Poor Tourists Who Cannot Afford The Real Paris

Housing Complex In Malaysia

The Largest Stack Interchange In North America, Entire LA Neighborhoods Were Destroyed

Whether extremely densely populated or not, expanding cities to conveniently accommodate large numbers of people requires more than just buildings; proper infrastructure has to be created as well. That might lead to some unfortunate decisions—as seen in some of these pictures—such as a maze of streets with a school trapped within it, for instance, or a huge highway crossing the middle of a residential area.

Tokyo, Japan

Lancaster New “City” (General Trias, Cavite, Philippines.)

What’s The Point Of Having An Interchange That Size In The Middle Of The City, Dubai, Uae

If browsing pictures of ‘Urban Hell’ is something you enjoy, you might like viewing other architecture-related disasters as well, such as the failures onthis listorthis one. But if you wish to continue down the same path, you might want to give ourprevious editionof pictures from ‘Urban Hell’ a go next.

New Delhi, India