--- author: Jan Brennenstuhl categories: - Urbanism cover: alt: 'Deserted Cities: Where Time Stands Still' height: 1860 src: https://www.urbanartcore.com/deserted-cities-where-time-stands-still/lucie-simon-silentworld.jpg width: 2480 credit: '' date: '2012-05-08T18:39:03Z' description: The Silent World urban photo-series by Lucie and Simon show empty places in deserted cities and make us understand What makes a city a city! tags: - Public Art - American Urbanism - Urban Exploration Photography title: 'Deserted Cities: Where Time Stands Still' url: https://www.urbanartcore.com/deserted-cities-where-time-stands-still/ --- # Deserted Cities: Where Time Stands Still French/German photographers duo **Lucie and Simon** created with *Silent World* a great series of deserted places in cities like Paris, New York or Beijing, well-known around the world for the incredible amount of people usually populating public spaces. It seems, the photos capture entirely deserted cities and they make us somehow understand that [what makes a city a city](http://popupcity.net/2012/05/silent-world-what-makes-a-city-a-city/) is not just the man-made monumental buildings, but the temporary elements within... > The silence of the world, like a quotation, is suddenly endowed with an oppressive eloquence. Small intrusions are the true sparks here, because their disconcerting presence disrupts the majestic calm of the streets and squares. It’s the singular contrast of seeing some of the busiest places in the world like Tiananmen Square, Times Square and Place Montparnasse almost deserted, silent and unlively, that makes me scary and uncomfortable. *Silent World* is one of the best photo-series about urban live and environment I’ve seen so far - pretty sure you will love it! Check out the entire series: [lucieandsimon.com](http://www.lucieandsimon.com/works/silent_world). ![silentworld - deserted place]() silentworld - deserted place ![silentworld - deserted city]() silentworld - deserted city