If you’ve ever been to Ann Arbor, Mich., you might know about the fairy doors scattered around the city. They’re all very pretty and suburban-looking, but let’s be realistic — these days, even elves are moving into high-rises.

Berlin-based artist Evol first started turning urban infrastructure — concrete planters, electric boxes, and unsuspecting walls — into mini-apartment buildings in 2004.

evolstreetart6

Evol

Grist thanks its sponsors. Become one.

These tiny dwellings have turned up in German cities (Berlin, Nuremberg, Stuttgart, Cologne) and abroad (Rotterdam, Cork, and others).

Evol makes them with a set of stencils or with screen printing.

street-art-apartment-building-stencils-by-evol-10

Evol

Grist thanks its sponsors. Become one.

Sometimes he or others add tiny details, like squatters or miniature archers, to his cities within cities. Over time, the buildings have gotten bigger — this one is 29 stories tall!