White elephant
The abandoned Olympic Softball Stadium, built for the 2004 games in Athens. (Photo taken in November 2018.)
'White elephant' is a term typically associated with something that is very expensive but not useful and which cannot be easily disposed of. It originates from a tradition in Southeast Asia in which monarchs kept white elephants that could not be used for practical tasks due to their sacred nature.
The term white elephant became popular during the 1800s in Western society. It was applied to possessions that were expensive but did not serve the purpose for which they were purchased.
In modern times, it is often used to describe buildings or building projects that are extremely expensive both to undertake and maintain, and that may not achieve their original intent. It can also refer to large real estate developments that are no longer profitable.
White Flint Mall, located in the wealthy suburbs of Washington, DC, opened in 1977. As retail habits changed, stores within the mall closed and abandoned the property, leaving it mostly vacant. Demolition of the 850,000-square-foot (79,000 m2) structure began in 2015, and the last remaining tenant, Lord & Taylor closed on 2 August 2020.
Former Olympic parks are commonly described as white elephants, as are other sports facilities, defunct retail outlets or large industrial or manufacturing sites. Some infrastructure projects eventually turn into white elephants if public demand is low or the structure becomes obsolete by the time the project is completed.
The 'Unusual buildings' article includes examples of weird and wonderful projects - some of which might literally be considered white elephants
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Definition of Statutory in workplace and facilities management
Established by IWFM, BESA, CIBSE and BSRIA.
The general election and the construction industry
As PM, Rishi Sunak announces July 4 date for an election.
Tackling the lack of knowledge or confidence in heat pumps
The CICV Green Home Festival part of the Edinburgh Fringe.
Home improvements swapped for green energy upgrades
As applications down since and desire to reduce bills up.
Eco apprenticeships continue help grow green workforce
A year after being recognised at the King's coronation.
The Use of Natural Insulation Materials in Retrofit
New paper from STBA with support from SDF.
National Retrofit Hub in partnership with InstallerSHOW.
Permitted development rights for agricultural buildings
The changes coming into effect as of May 21, 2024.
Biodiversity and the built environment digital series
The nature of building, with CIOB and CWP.
A call for prevention and sensitive re-use.
Risks to the long-term effectiveness of the BNG scheme
National Audit Office publish review of Biodiversity Net Gain.
The CIAT principal designer register
Providing assurance and verification of the capability and competence of registered ATs.
Building Safety recommendations and Northern Ireland
The NI roadmap to improving safety in high rise residential.
Specifying rendered external wall insulation for fire safety
How to interrogate the evidence provided to the specifier.
The benefits of writing articles for your organisation
How to create a profile for your organisation and publish for free.
Scottish Government action to reach net-zero targets
Retrofit expert group highlight critical actions needed.
A forward thinking, inclusive global community of members.