In an effort to combat the rise of what they call boring buildings, the Humanise campaign has reimagined iconic Scottish landmark Edinburgh Castle as a modern eyesore. This drastic transformation is part of a broader movement to draw attention to the negative impact that bland architecture has on people’s mental health and the environment.
Research conducted by the campaign reveals that 76% of people in Britain feel that the appearance of buildings has a detrimental effect on their mental well-being. The UnLandmarks project, a collaboration between Humanise and Uncommon Creative Studio, aims to showcase the soulless development trends that are contributing to this issue.
Edinburgh Castle is just one of the six British landmarks that have been stripped of their character in this series of images. Other affected sites include the Tower of London, House of Parliament, Hovis Hill, Liverpool’s Liver Building, and Buckingham Palace. These reimagined UnLandmarks serve as a stark reminder of the increasing lack of humanity in modern architecture.
The Humanise Campaign, launched last October, seeks to spark a global movement advocating for more human-centered design in buildings. The creators hope to prompt a national conversation on the impact of soulless buildings on society’s mental health, as well as the environmental waste generated by their constant demolition and reconstruction.
Nils Leonard, co-founder of Uncommon Creative Studio, emphasizes the power of design to inspire and improve human health. By transforming beloved landmarks into bland structures, the UnLandmarks project aims to highlight the importance of preserving the unique character of our built environments. Through this provocative campaign, the organizers hope to rally support for a renewed focus on creating spaces that are not only visually appealing but also conducive to positive mental well-being.
The UnLandmarks series serves as a reminder that beautiful architecture is more than just a luxury; it is an integral part of our cultural identity. The project challenges us to consider the impact of the spaces we inhabit and encourages us to advocate for design that prioritizes the well-being of individuals and the planet as a whole.
