It is often thought that the preservation of an historic structure would help retain its value. However, this week's 'Explainer' provides an overview of the concept of Elegant Decay, a phenomenon that contradicts the notion of restoration, most popular in Western Europe. A detailed look at the concept at our sister site, SkyriseCities.com, provides an explanation.

The elegant decay of Lisbon, image by Flickr user Stephen Robinson via Creative Commons

Last week's Throwback Thursday travelled to the cramped streets and canals of Chioggia, an Italian coastal town located within the Metropolitan City of Venice. The region—along with much of Italy itself—is marked by a mix of protected historic sites and vernacular architecture that is gradually crumbling due to its age. But while the public would normally support the preservation and restoration of significant buildings, the progressive withering of older structures is sometimes by design.

You can find the rest of the story on our sister site, SkyriseCities.com.