Elegant Decay
Encyclopedia
Elegant Decay is the distinct cultural/historical concept that some places, and structures, become gradually more elegant, notable or beautiful as they decay, or fall into ruin, due to their historical, architectural and/or cultural significance. Although such reverence can often be merely in the opinion of individuals, it is true that certain cities, regions or even countries are more susceptible to the general concept due to past opulence, or their lengthy or enduring history or culture.
Contrary to the general interpretation that places or structures are more noteworthy in their newness, or older structures hold more value and interest in being historically restored to their original state, the concept of elegant decay is that in the slow degradation of the structures an inherent elegance, or beauty, emerges due to past historic importance. In more recent times, this concept has gradually become more important for regions to cultivate a more vibrant tourist industry.
has many places where elegant decay is notable, and celebrated, today. One of the most famous countries is Italy, due to its lengthy historic prominence in prehistoric, ancient, medieval and modern times. Possibly the most celebrated of Italian cities in elegant decay would be Venice
, largely due to the whole city slowly crumbling, and sinking, into the lagoon which it is in.
Although Western Europe holds many instances of elegant decay today, the New World also has places of crumbled reverence as well. Most notable in the United States may be the city and region around New Orleans, Louisiana
, with a historic fusion of cultures, and legacies of hatred and darkness. In the concept of elegant decay, there appears to sometimes be an element of impending doom to such places and structures, as Venice, Italy, slowly sinks, and New Orleans is always under threat of the tides.
It is of note that elegant decay is different in concept and plan than ruin value
, in which structures are planned to look beautiful in ruin from the early planning stages.
The concept of elegant decay is related to the concept of patina
.
Contrary to the general interpretation that places or structures are more noteworthy in their newness, or older structures hold more value and interest in being historically restored to their original state, the concept of elegant decay is that in the slow degradation of the structures an inherent elegance, or beauty, emerges due to past historic importance. In more recent times, this concept has gradually become more important for regions to cultivate a more vibrant tourist industry.
History
With its rich history, and centuries of past prestige and prominence, Western EuropeWestern Europe
Western Europe is a loose term for the collection of countries in the western most region of the European continents, though this definition is context-dependent and carries cultural and political connotations. One definition describes Western Europe as a geographic entity—the region lying in the...
has many places where elegant decay is notable, and celebrated, today. One of the most famous countries is Italy, due to its lengthy historic prominence in prehistoric, ancient, medieval and modern times. Possibly the most celebrated of Italian cities in elegant decay would be Venice
Venice
Venice is a city in northern Italy which is renowned for the beauty of its setting, its architecture and its artworks. It is the capital of the Veneto region...
, largely due to the whole city slowly crumbling, and sinking, into the lagoon which it is in.
Although Western Europe holds many instances of elegant decay today, the New World also has places of crumbled reverence as well. Most notable in the United States may be the city and region around New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is a major United States port and the largest city and metropolitan area in the state of Louisiana. The New Orleans metropolitan area has a population of 1,235,650 as of 2009, the 46th largest in the USA. The New Orleans – Metairie – Bogalusa combined statistical area has a population...
, with a historic fusion of cultures, and legacies of hatred and darkness. In the concept of elegant decay, there appears to sometimes be an element of impending doom to such places and structures, as Venice, Italy, slowly sinks, and New Orleans is always under threat of the tides.
It is of note that elegant decay is different in concept and plan than ruin value
Ruin value
Ruin value is the concept that a building be designed such that if it eventually collapsed, it would leave behind aesthetically pleasing ruins that would last far longer without any maintenance at all...
, in which structures are planned to look beautiful in ruin from the early planning stages.
The concept of elegant decay is related to the concept of patina
Patina
Patina is a tarnish that forms on the surface of bronze and similar metals ; a sheen on wooden furniture produced by age, wear, and polishing; or any such acquired change of a surface through age and exposure...
.
Additional links
- http://www.lindadubingarfield.com/Elegant%20Decay.html
- http://emilyevanseerdmans.blogspot.com/2009/02/elegant-decay-admirals-row.html
- http://www.portaromana.co.uk/uk-europe/image-library.php
- http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/fletcherclaytor/15/1252873578/tpod.html