Urbex,why, oh why…?

Urbex, or Urban Exploration, is a form of recreational tresspass in buildings, constructions and structures built by men, generally abandonned or at the very least, hidden and not easy to access.

In it’s contemporary form, it is a relatively recent phenomenon that began in the 1970s and 1980s, but it actually began centuries ago. It originated as a subculture of the broader exploration community, which included cavers, climbers, and other outdoor enthusiasts.

The first urban explorers were likely people who were interested in exploring abandoned buildings, factories, and other urban spaces. The practice became more popular in the 1990s, when the internet allowed explorers to share information and photos of their adventures with a wider audience.

As urbex has grown in popularity, it has become a more organized and mainstream activity. Today, there are websites, forums, and social media groups dedicated to urban exploration, and many cities have active communities of explorers. Despite its popularity, urbex remains a controversial activity, as many of the spaces that urban explorers visit are private property and may be dangerous or structurally unsound.

Why do it then ? Adrenaline, thrills, novelty and, in my particular case, photography.

Personally, I will often seek the decrepit, the decayed, the forgotten and abandoned places and ultimately, ravel in their bygone beauty and nostalgic mystique. But that’s just me.

The shit that makes your heart beat faster and your eyes glow when you do it or talk about it, no matter if it’s hiking, yoga, sex, photography or Urbexing about – do that. Do it as often as you can. Because that’s what life is about. Creating as many passionate, happy moments as possible. Don’t let anyone stop you from doing the things you love- not society, not even yourself.

Some of us will have an historic approach to abandoned buildings, for others it will be the excitement of discovering the modern city and its hidden infrastructures. I am not particular : I will go just about anywhere and shoot just about anything !!

Regardless, the only prerequisites are lack of vertigo, a sense of balance, ease in the dark , readiness to jump  and the occasional ability to lift manholes.

Oh, and maybe a certain form of carelessness for your criminal record…