The Communist Block, a photo from Berat, South

Photographer's Note

A slice of communist block built in the 80s. Good, Quick & Cheap was the motto by which the state owned NSHN (National Building Enterprise)built these flats. They look worse then they are as they have all necessary amenities in them such as electric, water etc.and so far they have resisted medium size earthquakes probably as they have reinforces concrete holding the thing together.

On the social aspect these places are like behives buzzing with noises of people talking to each other. They were not built to promote idividualism of course but these places do force community life as you can never be lonely if you live in one of them!

These buildings have no future whatsoever. Already many of them have been demolished accross th country. People like either living in modern flats or big detached houses. These blocks are there mostly for those who cannot afford anothing else.

worldcitizen, tyro has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

BennyV (12739) 2012-03-17 4:11

Hi Aleks

Not your classical countryside beauty scene, but a most interesting post, more docu-style. My favourite detail are the two apartments in the middle that try to bring some colour to the grey. Fine work.

Afterthought: "good, quick and cheap"...isn't that the ultimate capitalist motto too? Or was that "quick and expensive", haha!?

Have a weekend brimming with quality time.

Benny

tyro (13009) 2012-03-18 14:06

Hello Aleks,

A very interesting and informative note and a fine photograph with which to illustrate it.

These houses do not look very attractive at all: all dull grey and drab and dreary - apart from the orange painted ones in the centre of the picture. A well composed photograph with lots and lots to look at and examine, perfectly exposed and with excellent sharpness.

Excellent!

Kind Regards,

John.