Kala Barba-CourtWith daily life shuttered behind closed doors, the current pandemic leaves whole cities bare across the globe. The uncanny lack of civilization depicts a haunting yet enthralling atmosphere to those who witness it — and Munich-based architect and photographer Franz Sussbauer documents this rare occurrence in his native city for all of us to experience.
Without the bustling city life, the focus shifts toward the imposing architecture of present-day Munich. Sussbauer’s collection The Silence of Munich, taken during the city’s lockdown, extensively documents this. The classic architectural masterpieces that are usually lost amidst the dynamic sights and sounds of human activity stand front and center now, as the dominating structures they once were . Modern amenities like shops, restaurants, and pubs where residents and tourists usually flock to are lost among these buildings, taking a backseat to grey stone and blue skies.
Industrial structures are almost as eerie — with its much older counterparts, the bridges, transport stations, and roads of modern-day Munich that depend so much on human activity seem more lifeless and bare.
As the whole world waits for the inevitable end of the pandemic, this haunting sight looks to linger for a little bit longer, offering a glimpse into life without us.
Images © Franz Sussbauer / with permission