IN-PERSON London Heritages. Section A

Abstract

Some scholars argue that the enjoyment of exploring and photographing industrial ruins in the Rust Belt—spaces that exhibit a seductive beauty—often overlooks the harsh conditions endured by the industrial workforce. They believe this perspective may serve as a regressive means of understanding history. While decaying industrial buildings can provide some insights into the experiences of past workers, their physical presence alone does not convey that understanding as effectively as other media, such as books or documentaries. Therefore, rather than framing the past ineffectively, abandoned mining complexes can serve a purpose similar to that of the ruins of ancient Rome, which played an important role in shaping cultural and artistic models during the Renaissance and inspiring the future. Through the analysis of four compelling case studies of abandoned industrial mining structures in central and northern Chile, this essay will unravel the rich tapestry of interpretations that industrial ruins can evoke. It culminates in the conception of the Museo del Desierto (Desert Museum), nestled within the Huanchaca Cultural Park in Antofagasta, Chile. Set in the heart of the Atacama Desert—the driest desert in the world—this remarkable building draws inspiration from the ruins of a long-neglected industrial silver processing plant while simultaneously celebrating and honoring a landscape that has borne witness since the late nineteenth century to relentless mining activities.