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The ethics of urban exploration: respecting abandoned spaces

Urban exploration, or “urbex” for short, is the practice of exploring abandoned or forbidden urban spaces. It’s a hobby that has grown in popularity in recent years, with more and more people venturing into derelict buildings, forgotten tunnels, and other abandoned places. But with this growing interest comes the responsibility to respect the places we explore. In this article, we will discuss the ethics of urban exploration and how to explore abandoned spaces responsibly.

Do your research

Before embarking on an urbex adventure, it is important to do your research. Find out who owns the property and if it is legal to enter. Some derelict buildings are privately owned, while others are government owned. Trespassing on private property can result in legal issues, while exploring government-owned property can result in fines or even jail time. Researching the history of the building or location can also help you understand the context of the space and how it fits into the local community.

Leave no trace

When exploring abandoned spaces, it is important to leave no traces. This means not leaving litter, graffiti or other signs of your presence. Take only pictures, leave only footprints. This will help preserve the space for others to explore and prevent further property damage.

Do not disturb anything

When exploring abandoned spaces, it is important not to disturb anything. This means not moving objects, breaking windows, or altering anything in the space. Not only can these actions cause further damage to property, but they can also be dangerous. Abandoned buildings can be structurally fragile and their alteration can lead to collapses or other accidents.

Respect the History and Memory of Space

Abandoned spaces are often rich in history and have a story to tell. When exploring these spaces, it is important to respect their history and memory. Avoid vandalizing or stealing anything in space, and do not damage or destroy anything that could be considered a historical artifact. By respecting the history of space, you can help preserve it for future generations to explore and enjoy.

Conclusion

Urban exploration can be an exciting and rewarding pastime, but it’s important to explore abandoned spaces responsibly. By doing your research, leaving no trace, disturbing nothing, and respecting the history and memory of the space, you can help preserve these spaces for others to explore and enjoy.