Urbex?
 

Ok so I thought that as urban/industrial desolation, decay and abandonment are not uncommon themes throughout TL's work that some of you might be into urbex (or 'urban exploration' if you want to be formal).

For those of you unfamiliar with the concept the is pretty succinct, and this guy has been at it for a long time and always manages to capture the aesthetic beautifully.

I've done a little but not as much as I would like - am too busy these days.

So are there others out there (here) or am I alone in this?

Re: Urbex?
 

Wow. I did not know there was such a term. I was born and lived in Detroit until I was 21. In the United States I don't know that there is a better city to do such an activity in...I had a blast! The train station, Old Tiger Stadium, entire city blocks of abandoned buildings, schools, stores, I tried to get into and explore as many of them as I could without being shot or being too stoned to remember how to get back.

Re: Urbex?
 

There is an old thread on the topic here:

Ruins and urban exploration - THE NIGHTMARE NETWORK

Re: Urbex?
 

Urbex has been going on for decades. It has gotten more popular in the last 15 years. If I remember correctly one of F. Paul Wilson's Repairman Jack novels has him entering and exploring an active building to overhear a meeting. I can't remember which one. All those novels are somewhat interchangable. If it wasn't Wilson it was one of Andrew Vaachs' Burke novels, which are also pretty much interchangable as well.

Re: Urbex?
 

I find the idea of Urban Exploration really interesting, but had never heard the term "Urbex" used before. I don't think I'm intrepid enough to put my own boots on the ground and try it because of the possible bodily hazards and trespassing concerns, but I applaud those who do, and those who provide photographs of their journeys.

Minnesota is rich in such sites. There's an old WWII era munitions plant not far from the county where I grew up. It has been the subject of some risky Urbex over the years. Check out the photos on this website (disclaimer: there are a couple not-so-safe-for-work pictures):

U-Lands / Gopher Munitions Plant | Rosemount MN Urban Exploration

Parts of the old plant have sunken underground, while mysterious towers hold their ground elsewhere. It's a toxic wonderland of strange delights.