Photographer Nicolo Sertorio has documented a series of abandoned rest areas throughout the United States. The Italian artist has done so alongside the American interstate road system, mapping out varying stops that for the most part attract few visitors.
Sertoria notes that many of these rest stations are now in a state of decay. Gas stations and large food chains have made them relatively useless. Coupled with this has been the decline of interstate vehicle traffic and state budgets, taking away funding for the areas that are supposed to provide respite for drivers.
While rest point may no longer be of much appeal to travelers, there is nonetheless a sense of beauty that is present in all of Sertorio's barren shots. Evidently, little is needed to showcase these landscapes.
What Makes This Trend Stand Out
- Abandoned Rest Areas
- The trend of abandoned rest areas presents an opportunity for innovative solutions, such as repurposing these spaces for eco-friendly amenities or transforming them into art installations.
- Decline of Interstate Traffic
- The decline of interstate vehicle traffic signifies the need for disruptive innovation in transportation, such as exploring alternative modes of travel or developing efficient and sustainable transportation systems.
- Decaying Infrastructure
- The decay of rest stations highlights the potential for disruptive innovation in infrastructure maintenance and revitalization, including implementing advanced technologies for restoration or creating sustainable architectural designs.
Sectors Adopting This
- Art and Photography
- The art and photography industry can benefit from the trend of documenting and showcasing abandoned rest areas, providing new opportunities for artists and photographers to capture unique and visually captivating landscapes.
- Hospitality and Travel
- The hospitality and travel industry can explore disruptive innovation by transforming abandoned rest areas into immersive travel experiences, offering eco-conscious accommodations or creating interactive roadside attractions.
- Transportation and Infrastructure
- The transportation and infrastructure industry can leverage the challenges presented by declining interstate traffic and decaying rest stations to develop innovative solutions for efficient and sustainable travel, such as designing smart rest stops or implementing renewable energy infrastructure.
