Have you ever wondered how chancy abandoned sites are?
Abandoned sites dominate our neighborhood’s physical environment by affecting community well-being and health, and viewed as a sign of social disorder. Here are the reasons-
Pollution
Illegal dumping: Abandoned sites can be a target for illegal dumping, leading to the release of pollutants, including chemicals, construction waste, and other materials, into the environment.
Chemical leaks: Abandoned sites may contain chemicals and toxic substances that can leak and contaminate the soil, groundwater, and air.
Figure 1: The Welsh Bromine Works, Wales Abandoned Chemical Processing Plant (Source: Obsidian Urbex Photography)
Hazardous waste: Abandoned industrial sites may have hazardous waste materials that can contaminate the environment, affecting the quality of air and water.
Decay and debris: Abandoned sites can become a breeding ground for pests, mold, and other harmful organisms that can contribute to air and water pollution.
Structural damage: Abandoned sites can pose a structural risk that can lead to accidents that can cause environmental damage, including leaks, fires, and explosions.
Crime
Provide cover for criminal activity: Abandoned sites can provide a space for criminals to hide and carry out illegal activities. These buildings are often unmonitored and can be used for activities such as drug dealing, prostitution, and theft.
Attract criminal activity: Abandoned sites can attract criminal elements to a neighborhood. For example, drug dealers may be attracted to abandoned buildings because they provide a space to store and distribute drugs.
Reduce community involvement: Abandoned sites can make people feel unsafe and fearful, which can reduce community involvement in the area. This can lead to a lack of eyes on the street and a lack of community policing, which can make it easier for criminals to operate.
Decrease property values: Abandoned sites can decrease property values in the surrounding area, which can lead to economic decline. This can create a sense of hopelessness and despair in the community, which can contribute to criminal activity.
Health
Physical: Abandoned sites may be structurally unsound, with the potential for walls, ceilings, and floors to collapse and due to breeding of pests in these places creates unsanitary conditions that contributes to the spread of communicable diseases.
Mental: Abandoned sites can contribute to a sense of decay and neglect in a community, which can lead to feelings of hopelessness, anxiety, and depression.
Here are some abandoned places around the world-
- Pripyat, Ukraine
- Battleship Island, Japan
- Bodie Ghost Town, California, USA
- Maunsell Fort, Kent, England
- Presidio Modelo, Cuba
Addressing abandoned sites can involve a range of strategies, collaboration between different organizations and can be a challenging but necessary step in revitalizing communities and promoting economic development.
References-
Akindele, O.A. (2013). Environmental Effects of Abandoned Properties in Ogbomoso and Osogbo, Nigeria. Ethiopian Journal of Environmental Studies and Management, [online] 6(6), pp.707–716. doi:https://doi.org/10.4314/ejesm.v6i6.1S.
Atlas Obscura. (n.d.). Abandoned City of Pripyat. [online] Available at: https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/abandoned-city-of-pripyat.
Atlas Obscura. (n.d.). Presidio Modelo. [online] Available at: https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/presidio-modelo.
Branas, C.C., Kondo, M.C., Murphy, S.M., South, E.C., Polsky, D. and MacDonald, J.M. (2016). Urban Blight Remediation as a Cost-Beneficial Solution to Firearm Violence. American Journal of Public Health, 106(12), pp.2158–2164. doi:https://doi.org/10.2105/ajph.2016.303434.
Frontline Ulster. (2017). Site Visit – Maunsell Sea Forts. [online] Available at: https://frontlineulster.co.uk/maunsell-sea-forts/ [Accessed 24 May 2023].
Garvin, E., Branas, C., Keddem, S., Sellman, J. and Cannuscio, C. (2012). More Than Just An Eyesore: Local Insights And Solutions on Vacant Land And Urban Health. Journal of Urban Health, 90(3), pp.412–426. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s11524-012-9782-7.
Han, H.-S. (2013). The Impact of Abandoned Properties on Nearby Property Values. Housing Policy Debate, 24(2), pp.311–334. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/10511482.2013.832350.
Hashima Island. (n.d.). Hashima Island: A Forgotten World. [online] Available at: https://www.hashima-island.co.uk/ [Accessed 24 May 2023].
Kruger, D.J., Reischl, T.M. and Gee, G.C. (2007). Neighborhood Social Conditions Mediate the Association Between Physical Deterioration and Mental Health. American Journal of Community Psychology, 40(3-4), pp.261–271. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s10464-007-9139-7.
login.ezp-prod1.hul.harvard.edu. (n.d.). Shibboleth Authentication Request. [online] Available at: https://www-sciencedirect-com.ezp-prod1.hul.harvard.edu/science/article/pii/S0049089X15001258 [Accessed 24 May 2023].
Photography, O.U. (2020). Welsh Bromine Works, Wales. [online] Obsidian Urbex Photography | Urban Exploration | Abandoned Locations. Available at: https://www.obsidianurbexphotography.com/industrial/welsh-bromine-works-wales/ [Accessed 24 May 2023].
It is an absolute necessity to put some light on this topic since we already are facing climate change problems and land use crisis. Land is a very limited resource which we have, and how we use it affects everything including, health and well-being and the climate change as well. Abandoned sites are often used as dumping grounds at some places, which further causes increased temperatures because of the dumped waste by the chemical reactions taking place, hence causing fire, degradation of the land and air pollution.
A few solutions to this as Urban Designers could be:
1. Adaptive Reuse: Explore opportunities for adaptive reuse, where the abandoned site is transformed into a new function while preserving its existing structures or features.
2. Mixed-Use Development: Create a mixed-use development that combines residential, commercial, and recreational spaces within the abandoned site.
3. Urban Green Spaces: Transform the abandoned site into a public park or urban green space. This approach not only revitalizes the area but also provides a valuable community asset. Along with acting as a green open space, it also promotes a space for public interaction and leisure activities.
4. Cultural and Arts District: Establish a cultural or arts district within the abandoned site, supporting artistic expression and cultural activities.
It’s important for urban designers to engage in a collaborative and thoughtful process, involving stakeholders, experts, and the community, to develop tailored solutions that address the specific context and needs of the surrounding areas and use of the site.