How many times have you walked past something that made you stop dead in your tracks because of how grand it looks? Maybe a series of glass skyscrapers against the backdrop of a clear blue sky or a newly built edifice so ginormous, you need to take a minute or two just to comprehend its size?

These are just a couple examples of how society adapts to the growing needs of a growing population, which surpassed 8 billion people roughly a year ago, in November 2022. Currently more than three times larger than it was in the mid-twentieth century, it is estimated to hit 9.7 billion in 2050 and surpass 10 billion before the mid-2080s, the UN reports.

That poses the question, how will we all fit? And while there might not be one answer to this, it's safe to assume that it might call for at least a few more buildings.

Created nearly exactly a decade ago, the ‘Urban Hell’ subreddit is dedicated to modern development. However, instead of focusing on how it can help solve certain problems of modern society, it sheds light on some of its less positive attributes. As the moderators put it themselves, it’s a place for photographs of “all the hideous places human beings built or inhabit”.

The subreddit invites its members to join for aesthetic appreciation of the less glamorized side of cities, towns, villages, and areas both rural and suburban; and over 1.2 million members have already accepted the invitation. “We welcome any photos which show either ugliness, or a problem in urban development,” the description reads, as the members share pictures of the most upsetting examples of modern development they can find in their galleries.

In order for a structure not to end up on the ‘Urban Hell’ subreddit as an example of the downside of modern development, there are some factors the architects ought to take into consideration. “In an area with an established urban landscape, it's crucial to take existing architectural elements into account,” the CEO and founder of ‘Architecture Hunter’, Amanda Ferber, told Bored Panda.

“What's the average building height? Is there a prevailing architectural style? Are there historic buildings in the vicinity? In such a context, introducing a design that sharply contrasts with the surroundings can be too disruptive. In a pristine, untouched environment, this consideration becomes even more delicate and challenging. Many architects positively opt for natural materials, which can be a more harmonious fit with the natural surroundings, showing respect for the environment.”

Another important factor to consider when it comes to modern development is how the project might age throughout the years. “At times, a project might enthusiastically embrace the dominant ‘trends’ of its era, which, as years pass, can render it unmistakably ‘dated’,” Ferber pointed out. “Consequently, newer architectural developments may stand in contrast, not because they lack appeal, but because the existing structure was tailor-made for that specific period.”

“It's important to note that architecture is distinct from fashion,” the CEO of Architecture Hunter continued. “While a piece of clothing can, though it shouldn't, be discarded, architecture tends to be enduring unless it's demolished or undergoes a significant renovation.

“Poorly designed architecture can undermine a city, fostering insecurity; it can exclude people, or, in some cases, it can lead to significant environmental issues—as seen in the well-known instance of the building in London with its curved mirrored façade, which generated extremely hot areas, to the extent of melting cars in the city.”

In a recent interview with Bored Panda, Ferber emphasized that it's essential to consider the environment and the surroundings when planning a new construction project. “Whether the location is already densely developed or completely untouched, this concern is valid, but it may require different design approaches. To make a project stand out, it doesn't necessarily need to clash with the existing environment; the goal should be to create a positive highlight rather than a negative one.

“Architecture should embrace a welcoming, non-aggressive approach,” she added. “It should prioritize inclusivity and be meticulously crafted to enhance usability for people. Aesthetic considerations are also integral to design, naturally. When assessing an architectural project, it mustn't be examined in isolation but rather in harmony with its immediate environment.”

Even though the growing population might call for a growing number of construction sites, adding buildings in some areas can be significantly more difficult than elsewhere. Take Mumbai in India, for example; home to over 21 million people, it is one of the most densely populated cities in the world (even though far from the number one).

According to Statista’s 2023 data, boasting just over 24,000 inhabitants per square kilometer (roughly 0,386 of a square mile), Mumbai isn’t even in the top ten. Though it’s not far from it, either, as it is now 11th on the list, with a less than 400 people difference separating it from the city of Muzaffarnagar—also in India—at number 10. The title of the most densely populated city in the world is held by Mogadishu in Somalia, with over 33,000 people sharing one square kilometer.

It might come as no surprise that Indian cities are among the most densely populated ones, considering the total number of people in the country. World Population Review (WPR) pointed out that India's population growth has slowed significantly over the last years; however, it remains the country with the largest population in the world (with over 1.432 billion people).

Second on the list, according to WPR, is China with more than 1.425 billion inhabitants, followed by the US with roughly 340.5 million.

When it comes to the US, Union City in New Jersey holds the title for the most densely populated city. With just over 54,000 inhabitants per square mile, it might not begin to compare to Mumbai or Muzaffarnagar, but to anyone trying to reach the subway through a sea of people, it can surely feel crowded enough.

The second and third most populated cities in the country, West New York and Hoboken respectively, are also located in New Jersey; however, state-wise, it’s Washington D.C. that takes the lead.

Whether extremely densely populated or not, expanding cities to conveniently accommodate large numbers of people requires more than just buildings; proper infrastructure has to be created as well. That might lead to some unfortunate decisions—as seen in some of these pictures—such as a maze of streets with a school trapped within it, for instance, or a huge highway crossing the middle of a residential area.

However, not all examples of modern development are as disastrous as they might seem after viewing this list. Take Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai, for instance; not much but a road with some buildings here and there just five decades ago, it is now a bustling artery of the city surrounded by modern buildings.

If browsing pictures of ‘Urban Hell’ is something you enjoy, you might like viewing other architecture-related disasters as well, such as the failures on this list or this one. But if you wish to continue down the same path, you might want to give our previous edition of pictures from ‘Urban Hell’ a go next.