What is Urbex?
Urban exploration, commonly known as urbex, is the exploration of abandoned buildings, tunnels, and other man-made structures. It involves discovering hidden and forgotten places in urban areas, often with a focus on photography and adventure.
History of Urbex
Urbex has its roots in the 1970s when groups of adventurous individuals started exploring abandoned buildings and industrial sites. It gained popularity in the 1990s with the rise of the internet, as more people shared their urban exploration photos and stories online.
Types of Urbex
- Residential: Exploring abandoned homes and apartments
- Industrial: Investigating factories, warehouses, and power plants
- Transportation: Venturing into abandoned train stations, tunnels, and vehicles
Examples of Urbex
One famous urbex location is the abandoned city of Pripyat near the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. Another popular spot is the Detroit Packard Plant, a former automobile factory left in ruins.
Case Studies
In 2018, a group of urban explorers discovered a forgotten underground network of tunnels beneath the city of Paris. The tunnels, dating back to the 18th century, revealed a hidden world beneath the bustling streets of the French capital.
Statistics on Urbex
According to a survey conducted by Urbexers, 80% of participants cited a sense of adventure as the main reason for engaging in urban exploration. 60% also mentioned photography as a significant motivator.
