Although not a new activity, urban exploring is rapidly gaining popularity fueled by media coverage, including TV shows and many intriguing websites featuring the endeavour. According to Wikipedia, urban exploring “is the examination of the normally unseen or off-limits parts of human civilization.†Commonly explored locations include abandoned buildings such as derelict hospitals, hotels jails and factories; sewage drains (called 'draining'); and tunnels.
Urban explorer and graphic designer, Tom Kirsch combines his fascination with, “the various abandonments I have explored and the photographs I have taken.†Tom adds, “This site was originally going to focus mainly on photography, but many people seem to express an interest in the act of exploring, so descriptions of images and trips made their way into the site.â€
I stumbled upon his website Opacity, and found myself completely absorbed with his remarkable photographs. My mind wandered, imagining what may have happened in these old spaces, ecouraged along the way with Tom's vivid descriptions of his discoveries. The site is rich in history as Tom has added photos of the buildings in their original state, if available, and articles relating to the buildings he has visited.
Don't explore this site alone...in the dark...nightmares may result.
Creepy Urban Exploration
Abandoned Ruins by Tom Kirsch
Trend Themes
1. Creepy Urban Exploration - The trend of urban exploring is rapidly gaining popularity, fueled by media coverage, including TV shows and many intriguing websites featuring the endeavor.
2. Abandoned Photography - The trend of photographing abandoned buildings and spaces is growing in popularity among urban explorers and photographers alike.
3. Heritage Tourism - Urban exploration is part of a larger trend of heritage tourism, as people become increasingly interested in the history of their surroundings and seek unique experiences.
Industry Implications
1. Photography - There is an opportunity for photographers to capture and sell unique images of abandoned buildings and spaces to a growing audience interested in this type of work.
2. Tourism - There is an opportunity for the tourism industry to offer guided urban exploration experiences and incorporate abandoned sites into heritage tours.
3. Film/tv Production - There is an opportunity for film and TV production companies to create new media projects that showcase urban exploration and abandoned spaces, catering to an increasingly curious audience.