An eyesore is what an individual perceives as an unpleasant sight. Common examples include dilapidated buildings, graffiti, litter, polluted areas and excessive commercial signage such as billboards. All eyesores are a matter of subjective opinion. For example, classical ruins are not perceived as dilapidated buildings and Times Square is enjoyed for the abundant use of neon signage. The notion of the eyesore is particularly related to the 20th Century and the advent of modern architecture and new unfamiliar structures such as pylons or wind turbines.[1][2]
Effect on property values
In the USA, the National Association of Realtors says an eyesore can shave about 10% off the value of a nearby listing.[3] However, a dilapidated fixer-upper can be a good investment because renovations provide a good rate of return.[4]
Remediation
Bad Elster, Saxony, Germany in April 2008. Wettiner Hof Hotel is awaiting renovation- locally it is known as the Schandfleck- (the Eyesore).
Clean-up programmes to improve or remove eyesores are often started by local bodies or even national governments. These are frequently called Operation Eyesore.[5] High-profile international events such as the Olympic Games usually trigger such activity.[6]
Others contend that it is best to nip such problems in the bud by addressing them while they are small, since signs of neglect encourage anti-social behaviour such as vandalism and fly-tipping. This strategy is known as fixing broken windows.
Controversy
Whether some constructions are eyesores is a matter of controversial opinion which may change over time. Notable examples include:
See also
References
- ^ Nick Mathiason (Sunday June 25 2006), Homeowners get green light for 'eyesore' wind turbines, The Guardian, <http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2006/jun/25/uk.renewableenergy>
- ^ Eyesore or gem: Gateshead car park, BBC, Monday, 18 June 2007, <http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/6763067.stm>
- ^ Rachel Koning Beals. "Dealing with an eyesore next door". Retrieved on 2008-03-16.
- ^ Scott M. Frank, Andy H. Heller (2003). Buy Low, Rent Smart, Sell High: Real Estate Investing for the Long Run, 61. "The bigger the eyesore, usually the more the profit."
- ^ British Start 'Operation Eyesore' Cleanup, Los Angeles Times, February 9, 1972
- ^ Craig R. Whitney (June 28, 1980, Saturday), Russians Paint and Fuss As Olympic Games Near Putting Best Face on Things A Gleaming Soviet Capital Emigrate or Face Arrest, New York Times
- ^ Eiffel Tower still world's top landmark, The Sydney Morning Herald, February 15, 2008, <http://www.smh.com.au/news/news/eiffel-tower-still-worlds-top-landmark/2008/02/15/1202760546422>
- ^ Yuriko Saito, Machines in the Ocean: The Aesthetics of Wind Farms, Contemporary Aesthetics, <http://www.contempaesthetics.org/newvolume/pages/article.php?articleID=247>
- ^ Chris Gray (Tuesday, 16 July 2002), American architects vote the Millennium Dome 'the biggest eyesore in the world', The Independent, <http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/american-architects-vote-the-millennium-dome-the-biggest-eyesore-in-the-world-648441>
- ^ What is the worst eyesore in the UK?, BBC, Friday, 21 November, 2003, <http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/talking_point/3266673.stm>
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![The science center at Harvard College, considered an eyesore by many.[citation needed]](/Image:Harvard_college_-_science_center.jpg)
