Urban exploration

Gender symbols (4 colors)

Urban exploration (often shortened as urbex) is the exploration of man-made structures, usually abandoned ruins or hidden components of the man-made environment. Photography and historical interest/documentation are heavily featured in the hobby and, although it may sometimes involve trespassing onto private property, this is not always the case. Urban exploration is also commonly referred to as infiltration, although some people consider infiltration to be more closely associated with the exploration of active or inhabited sites.

History

Urban exploration has its roots in the activities of groups such as the Cave Clan, which was founded in Australia in 1986. The practice gained popularity with the advent of the internet, where explorers could share their findings and experiences. The term "urban exploration" itself became more widely known in the 1990s and early 2000s.

Types of Urban Exploration

Urban exploration can be divided into several categories, including:

• Abandoned buildings: Exploring derelict structures such as factories, hospitals, schools, and residential buildings.
• Active buildings: Infiltrating buildings that are still in use, such as offices, malls, and stadiums.
• Drains and sewers: Navigating through underground drainage systems and sewers.
• Tunnels: Exploring subway and railway tunnels, as well as other underground passageways.
• Rooftopping: Climbing to the tops of buildings to gain access to rooftops and capture unique views of the cityscape.
• Catacombs: Venturing into underground burial sites, such as the Catacombs of Paris.

Risks and Legal Issues

Urban exploration can be dangerous and is often illegal. Risks include physical injury, arrest, and exposure to hazardous materials such as asbestos and lead paint. Explorers must also be cautious of unstable structures and the potential for encountering homeless individuals or security personnel.

Ethics

The urban exploration community generally adheres to a code of ethics that emphasizes respect for the locations being explored. This includes the principle of "take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints," which discourages vandalism and theft.

Notable Urban Exploration Sites

Some well-known sites that have attracted urban explorers include:

• Pripyat, Ukraine: The abandoned city near the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant.
• Hashima Island, Japan: Also known as "Battleship Island," an abandoned mining facility.
• Detroit, Michigan: Numerous abandoned buildings due to the city's economic decline.

Media and Culture

Urban exploration has been featured in various forms of media, including documentaries, photography books, and films. It has also influenced video games and literature, often serving as a backdrop for stories of adventure and mystery.

See Also

• Abandoned places
• Infiltration (urban exploration)
• Rooftopping
• Catacombs
• Cave Clan