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Our perceptions of the world can change the way we perceive the decay of objects and places. Although many people may interpret an old, abandoned building as a pile of garbage, people could try to see the mystery hidden beneath these ruins. These places tell a story, not one that can be read, but one that can be touched and seen in person. There is so much more to a dilapidated building than meets the eye, if the viewer is willing to alter their point of view. People that explore abandoned buildings such as urban explorers, have a different view when it comes to decaying structures. They can seek beauty, mystery, and history as they investigate different places. Each building is unique in their own way if people are willing to open their eyes to the possibilities.

Every building has its own history or purpose behind it, whether it is to be a home, a place to work or a place to shop, they all have a reason for being created. As these places become old, technology moves forward and times change, many places lose their original purpose and are left to deteriorate. An abandoned building on Dundas Street in London, Ontario tells the story of a factory that was once used to produce and sell confectionery and baked goods, and is now abandoned.

Perceptions of Ruin

#Photography #nature #art #bird

Figure One

Figure one is a photograph of the front of the building, the first thing that people see when they drive by. At first look it is a mess of boarded up windows and doors and shattered glass, but if a person would change their perception, they would realise that there is a story hidden in those walls of a building that was once occupied by workers. The company that previously used this building was called ‘Beta Brands Limited’, it was established in 1972 and there was a total of seventy-five employees that were working to provide for their families. ("Beta Brands Limited, London, Ontario," n.d.). This factory had a purpose at one point, and was a very familiar place to its staff. Now, it is a piece of history that can be physically touched, instead of read about in a book and signifies the changes that are happening in society through the use of technology. “I have always looked upon decay as being just as wonderful and rich an expression of life as growth” ("I have always looked upon decay as being just as wonderful and rich an expression of life as growth. - Henry Miller - BrainyQuote," n.d.). Henry Miller had the right perception when it came to looking at ruin since it is not always negative, instead they can show a great deal of history, and can prove how fast the world is changing. At a first glimpse this building may not be appealing, but the story it holds can help people look closer into the beauty and the positive side behind the decaying structure.

As people further investigate this building they can see the previous elements being decomposed by the earth and by people, but in a way, it can be intriguing. The objects that have been broken in a unique and beautiful way.

Figure Two

Each window on the side of the building has been broken in a unique way, as seen in figure two. Just like a snowflake or clouds, they all have a different shape that can be perceived as a figure. These broken pieces can all be related back to a piece of nature such as a hummingbird (bottom left window) or elephant (middle of bottom row) when they are focused on, as seen in the zoomed in photo in Figure three.

Figure Three

There is a certain type of beauty that can be found in decay that can only be seen by some people. There are people that can see a broken window and think of it as a hazard, or a waste, but they do not take enough time to slow down and appreciate the unique beauty it holds. Like usual, it is a type of beauty that can not be described through words. Generally, the whole building is not aesthetically pleasing in its entirety, but portions of it are eye catching since they are not made on purpose, and are a work in progress. Through time the windows have individually been broken to create this masterpiece. The ware and tear of these buildings is not the only thing that can cause them to be seen as beautiful, people often add to the decay through their own personal touch.

Figure Four

Figure four shows one of the rooms in the factory with graffiti on the walls. This type of art is typically found in and around abandoned buildings. Although some people can see it as vandalism, others view it as a type of art. Even these artists have opened their eyes to have a different view of this building. They have created another use for it as their canvas. The room also has beautifully exposed beams on the ceiling which show the bones of the structure. The hidden beauty was carried throughout this building to another room as shown in figure five.

Figure Five

This next room in the building can only be seen through the small hole in the glass tile which almost had the affect of another world. As people peer in through the broken glass, they find a cold, dull room illuminated by the colourful graffiti along the walls.

The final element that abandoned structures bring is the element of mystery. People feel a thrill from investigating a new building. There is so much mystery hidden in the walls, behind the next corner. Good or bad, they could find anything in the next room they enter. There is a chance that there could be a hidden treasure in the room and people never give up searching for it, similar to pirates. This treasure can be found in many forms such as the perfect photograph, an unusual artifact or unknown information. There is something to be said of the mystery of the unknown. It drags people in, sparks curiosity and wonder.

In figure six there is a pair of doors on the old factory that are almost three stories high, with no way of getting to them. This makes people wonder what they were used for. It makes them want to get in and investigate the use of the doors further. Perhaps from the inside these doors will have another purpose and must be investigated to know. There is a mystery inside every building that intrigues people, abandoned buildings are the places where people are able to let their curiosity spark.

Figure Six

Although many abandoned buildings may be unpleasant to view at first glance, it takes a special point of view to realise there is much more to the building. There is a historical significance and a story behind the structure, one that people are able to touch and see with their own eyes. These abandoned buildings also emit a certain beauty, but it can not always be found, people must be willing to open their eyes to it. Finally, there is always the element of mystery in dilapidated buildings. Mystery and curiosity are usually what draws people in at the beginning and helps them open their eyes to a different perspective. It is a special talent to see the positive side of a dilapidated building, and if people try to change their perspective, there is always an amazing experience behind the investigation of an abandoned building.

Perception of Ruins