Cathedral in Ruins

Some of my favorite architectural spaces are ruins. I have been contemplating why, lately, and I think the reason lies in the way the Earth takes back its space so there exists in one moment, two distinct pulls, that of the natural and manmade worlds and two time frames– now and then.

Ruins of architectural building, built in 1896

Perhaps it is the historical interest and the questions that ruins suggest that captivate me. What was the building? Who used it? What happened? How was it built? Maybe it is a sense of mystery, wonder and story that is hidden within the walls of a structure that is being taken back by its environment.

Old Brick Wall

Or, it could be the hope of what these ‘ruins’ could be. Some ruins are so beautiful they are arguably better left to disintegrate further and then some older buildings, walls, abandoned homes are begging to be restored or adapted because they still want to serve people.

Memory is Creation Without End by Japanese sculptor Kimio Tsuchiya

Are there any ruins you have become particularly fond of? I am interested in what these places feel like to others, referring to less popular ruins not widely visited historical architecture.