Faded Glory

There's a nostalgia about places with a history. Of how they have seen greater days. As if these places were once "alive", and had eyes that see.

Architectural buildings and places in general, are good examples of objects that persist over time. Simply because once built, it's hard to make huge modifications when it's lived-in.

I would like to imagine that in its time, at the time it was completed, that it brought some pride and joy to someone. However short-lived it was. Functional nonetheless, at the least.

But nothing stands the ultimate test of time. As neglect and weathering eventually take their toll. It matures and ages, becoming like landmarks. There are places that get a second lease of life: Conservation houses, places of historical interest, UNESCO world heritage site, etc. And then there's just that old family house, an old suburban community centre, or some regular looking building that lacks character even in its heydays. Places that fall into the average, at best mediocre by design.

Left to rot and fall apart slowly, while it's succeeded by something more swanky or more relevant. Forgotten. But still standing, for now. A slow death, too difficult to watch. As if it was ever once "alive", that ugly building that we can't wait to flatten.