Urban exploration (also known as urbex or UE) is the act of entering and exploring urban spaces that are normally off-limits. Often, these are locations that most people aren’t aware of. Others are in full view, but most people simply pass them by.
There are various risks associated with this activity. There are a number of physical hazards that differ according to the nature of the site. These include unstable floors and roofs, sharp objects, dangerous chemicals (particularly asbestos), as well as guard dogs and occasionally unfriendly squatters. Many explorers use breathing equipment and other protective gear to minimise these risks. There is also sometimes a chance that you’ll get arrested – if you’re caught, you may be judged to be trespassing, and some explorers have even been arrested under anti-terrorism laws.
Abandoned structures are the most common sites for urbex. These include hospitals, asylums, power stations and a range of other industrial facilities. Often, the first people to enter these sites are curious locals, and if you see graffiti or other acts of vandalism, it’s unlikely to be the work of a an urbex enthusiast; the motto for urban exploration is “take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints.”
Many explorers find the decomposition of abandoned space profoundly beautiful, and many of them are extremely talented photographers. Deserted locations also attract historians, architects, archaeologists and so-called ghost hunters. For some explorers, the risk and the physical challenge is what appeals. Finding a way in is usually the hardest part – a puzzle that requires both mental ingenuity and physical prowess.
Urban exploration is gaining popularity. This is partly due to enthusiasts sharing their stories on public internet forums, and partly due to media coverage on TV and in the press. Many urbexers are concerned by this increasing level of attention, as it tends to put sites on the radar for people who simply want somewhere to cause trouble. When this happens, sites can quickly lose their unique atmosphere, and security is often stepped up, spoiling the situation for those who appreciate the aesthetics, history and soul of these places.
Check out this great selection of climbing shoes.