Visualising a palimpsest

I am putting together some resources for various projects, but one is on landscapes, with links to the urban landscape in particular. It explores how successive periods of history in a city leave some traces of the past, but most of them are hidden, or removed in the process of regeneration. Sometimes the facade of a historic building may be retained, but the rest replaced by a modern building which will probably have been built with materials which will not outlast the original facade.

I have included reference to the term palimpsest.

This is a word I use when discussing urban change, and it needs some explanation when it is first introduced.

I'd like an image to represent the idea of a palimpsest.

These were the first two attempts that ChatGPT / Dall-E made at creating an image representing an urban palimpsest from my prompts... certainly interesting... a bit Metropolis inspired...

I'm not sure what the vehicles were about....

A Google search revealed nothing much in terms of imagery. One I was familiar with, and have blogged about before when I did a session for the PTI.

Some evidence that might be discovered to a city's past:

• Uneven Pavements: Variations in pavement materials or patterns can indicate where old streets or pathways used to be, often revealing older layouts beneath modern developments.
• Ghost Signs: Faded advertisements painted on buildings, often uncovered during renovations, showcasing past businesses or products that have long since disappeared.
• Architectural Anomalies: Buildings that have been remodeled or added onto, revealing mismatched brickwork or differing styles that indicate the age and evolution of the structure.
• Altered Windows and Doors: Bricked-up windows or doors that suggest the original layout of a building or its purpose in a different era.
• Beneath the Surface: Occasionally, remnants of old infrastructure like cobblestones or remnants of former railways can be found beneath modern road surfaces.
• Old Street Names: Streets that have been renamed but may still retain the old names in plaques, signs, or even on maps from previous decades.
• Hidden Courtyards: Narrow alleyways or hidden courtyards that were once bustling spaces but are now quiet, hinting at the city’s social evolution.
• Basements and Cellars: Many modern buildings have basements that were originally designed for different purposes, like storage or workshops, echoing the city’s industrial history.
• Historical Markers: Discreet plaques or stones indicating historical events or significant figures tied to the location, often overlooked by passersby.
• Old Utility Covers: Manhole covers or utility access points marked with old company logos or designs, showcasing a city’s industrial legacy.
• Eroded Foundations: Exposed sections of old walls or foundations from earlier buildings, sometimes visible in park areas or during construction.
• Public Artwork: Murals or sculptures that reference historical events or figures, offering a glimpse into the city’s cultural past.

These hidden signs might require a keen eye to spot but can contribute to the rich narrative of a city’s evolution over time.

What are your best examples local to you?

How would you attempt to visualise a palimpsest?