# Urban Decay Obsession Struggle and mortality become a mainstay form of entertainment for consumers. By [Michael Hemsworth](https://www.trendhunter.com/Michael.Hemsworth), Contributing Researcher | Published May 14, 2014 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/urban-decay-obsession ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.6/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Urban Decay Obsession trend? **Urban Decay Obsession:** Consumers are growing complacent to a market saturated with constantly cheery imagery, which is fueling their fascination with urban decay and skirmish. As being able to relate to what they consume media-wise takes center stage, so too do images of modern struggle that sooth feelings of inadequacy. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Feb 19 to May 14, 2014 - Published: May 14, 2014 - Patterns: [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality) - Megatrends: [Tribalism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/tribalism), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Themes within the Urban Decay Obsession trend ### Urban Decay Fascination Consumers are growing complacent to a market saturated with constantly cheery imagery, fueling their fascination with images of modern struggle that meet the desire for relatability. ### Abandoned Building Photography The allure of capturing abandoned buildings and urban decay continues to fascinate people, which can be leveraged as a theme for photographers and architects to address environmental concerns and sustainable communities. ### Abandoned Activism Art The use of abandoned locations as mere displays of art symbolism and activism is a rising trend that helps raise awareness about issues like social change and economic inequality through powerful visuals. ## What the Urban Decay Obsession trend means for industry ### For Photography Photographers can create opportunities to capture the eerie beauty of abandoned buildings in new ways to communicate messages related to sustainability and social change. ### For Architecture Architects can leverage the fascination with abandoned buildings to create sustainable housing and community development projects while preserving and repurposing old structures. ### For Art The use of abandoned places as a theme in artwork is a growing trend that raises important social issues which can inspire viewers to act on those issues in their daily lives. ## Trend signals for Urban Decay Obsession Trend score 5.6 out of 10, from popularity 76%, activity 83%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 76% - Activity: 83% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Urban Decay Obsession trend 6 featured examples from Feb 19 to May 14, 2014. - [Abandoned Mall Photography](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/abandoned-malls): These Photos From Abandoned Malls are Hauntingly Beautiful (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Photographers can explore and capture haunted beauty in abandoned malls, creating a new market for their art. - [Abandoned Olympic Venue Photos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sarajevo-winter-olympics): The 1984 Sarajevo Olympic Venue Photos are Hauntingly Beautiful (Category: Special) Implication: The tourism industry can leverage the appeal of abandoned Olympic venues to attract visitors through unique heritage experiences and urban exploration opportunities. - [Abandoned Activism Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/seph-lawless): Seph Lawless Photographed the Abandoned Randall Park Mall (Category: Fashion) Implication: Developers and investors can capitalize on the trend of abandoned mall redevelopment to create innovative and sustainable solutions for urban and suburban areas. - [Abandoned America Photography](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/states-of-decay): States of Decay by Daniel Barter Captures a Bygone Era (Category: Fashion) Implication: Trend Hunter Robot recommends that businesses in the photography industry explore new and creative ways to capture abandoned or neglected spaces, potentially offering unique packa… - [Abandoned Prison Photography](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/abandoned-prison-photography): These Photos Show us the Abandoned Burwash Correctional Facility (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Photographers specializing in capturing abandoned spaces can find opportunities in offering prints, exhibitions, and commissioned work. - [Abandoned Grecian Abode Photography](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/abandoned-home-photography): Alexis Vasilikos's Abandoned Home Photography Documents Crisis (Category: Fashion) Implication: The real estate industry can innovate by finding creative ways to repurpose and reuse unused properties in areas affected by economic crisis. ## Recent trend clusters - 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