Urban exploration UE - Revision history

Designing Buildings at 07:31, 13 April 2021

2021-04-13T07:31:36Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:31, 13 April 2021
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	= Introduction =		= Introduction =

−	Urban exploration (UE) - sometimes referred to as urbex or building hacking - is a term associated with the action of individuals who enter ~~manmade~~ (and sometimes hidden or abandoned) structures. It is loosely referred to as a hobby and is associated with other daredevil acts - such as parkour - that are encouraged through social media.	+	Urban exploration (UE) - sometimes referred to as urbex or building hacking - is a term associated with the action of individuals who enter built (and sometimes hidden or abandoned) structures. It is loosely referred to as a hobby and is associated with other daredevil acts - such as parkour - that are encouraged through social media.

	Some urban explorers undertake these activities for the purpose of photographing and documenting their actions. These explorers generally treat the sites with respect. Others do it to apply graffiti (particularly in difficult to reach locations) or undertake other forms of vandalism or theft (particularly on derelict sites). It is also believed that some individuals simply seek the adrenaline rush associated with the thrill of being put in physical danger or the risk of being in a legally dubious situation.		Some urban explorers undertake these activities for the purpose of photographing and documenting their actions. These explorers generally treat the sites with respect. Others do it to apply graffiti (particularly in difficult to reach locations) or undertake other forms of vandalism or theft (particularly on derelict sites). It is also believed that some individuals simply seek the adrenaline rush associated with the thrill of being put in physical danger or the risk of being in a legally dubious situation.
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	= Abandonment: condemned sites =		= Abandonment: condemned sites =

−	When associated with derelict structures – often condemned or otherwise deemed unsafe – UE may be referred to as urban spelunking, urban rock climbing (or buildering), urban caving or mousing. The general term for this type of UE abandonment.	+	When associated with derelict structures – often condemned or otherwise deemed unsafe – UE may be referred to as urban spelunking, urban rock climbing (or buildering), urban caving or mousing. The general term for this type of UE is abandonment.

	Common sites for abandonment UE include unused amusement parks, grain elevators, factories, power plants, missile silos, fallout shelters, churches or abandoned public facilities (such as hospitals, asylums, schools, poor houses or sanatoriums).		Common sites for abandonment UE include unused amusement parks, grain elevators, factories, power plants, missile silos, fallout shelters, churches or abandoned public facilities (such as hospitals, asylums, schools, poor houses or sanatoriums).
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	= Legalities of UE =		= Legalities of UE =

−	UE is generally considered to be a form of ~~trespassing~~. Being caught may result in significant penalties including fines and/or imprisonment.	+	UE is generally considered to be a form of trespass. Being caught may result in significant penalties including fines and/or imprisonment.

−	It can also be extremely dangerous, resulting in injuries from contact with toxic substances or broken glass. In some cases, it has the potential to cause death from electrocution, suffocation (as a result of entrapment) or falls from height	+	It can also be extremely dangerous, resulting in injuries from contact with toxic substances or broken glass. In some cases, it has the potential to cause death from electrocution, suffocation (as a result of entrapment) or falls from height.

−	Keeping UE trespassers off of a property may require legal action, as was the case in 2014 when Canary Wharf Investments (CWI) sought to remove several urban explorers who had been repeatedly trespassing on buildings and cranes to take photographs of their adventures. In the article, ‘[https://www.ukrealestatelawblog.com/2018/10/04/urban-exploration-a-trend-thats-going-through-the-roof/ Urban exploration: a trend that’s going through the roof]’, Olivia Vice of the Real Estate Blog reported, “CWI made an application for an injunction against them and ‘Persons Unknown’ to prevent future trespass and to require them to deliver up their media materials. There was significant evidence to show that, without the injunction, the defendants would continue to trespass. The High Court was ultimately satisfied that the injunction was suitable and that its terms were correctly formulated to be proportionate and only capture those engaging in the undesirable conduct.”	+	Keeping UE trespassers off of a property may require legal action, as was the case in 2014 when Canary Wharf Investments (CWI) sought to remove several urban explorers who had been repeatedly trespassing on buildings and cranes to take photographs of their adventures.

−	~~Unwanted visits can not only endanger~~ the ~~trespassers~~, ~~but their unauthorised actions may jeopardise~~ the ~~safety~~ of ~~those who are meant~~ to ~~be on~~ the ~~property~~. ~~These activities may also compromise productivity on~~ the ~~site if it causes damage~~ to ~~equipment or equipment is stolen~~.	+	In the article, ‘[https://www.ukrealestatelawblog.com/2018/10/04/urban-exploration-a-trend-thats-going-through-the-roof/ Urban exploration: a trend that’s going through the roof]’, Olivia Vice of the Real Estate Blog reported, “CWI made an application for an injunction against them and ‘Persons Unknown’ to prevent future trespass and to require them to deliver up their media materials. There was significant evidence to show that, without the injunction, the defendants would continue to trespass. The High Court was ultimately satisfied that the injunction was suitable and that its terms were correctly formulated to be proportionate and only capture those engaging in the undesirable conduct.”

−	~~Some contractors go so far as to seek injunctions to protect their sites. Additional preventive measures~~ may ~~include~~ the ~~installation~~ of ~~physical barriers and deterrents such as gates, barriers, CCTV and even anti-climbing measures~~ on ~~equipment~~. ~~Site guards and regular~~ site ~~inspections are additional safety measures~~.	+	Unwanted visits can not only endanger the trespassers, but may jeopardise the safety of those who are meant to be on the property. These activities may also compromise productivity on the site if it causes damage to equipment or equipment is stolen.

−	In some instances, ~~failure to prevent acts of UE may be not just a moral duty of companies but~~ it may also be the legal responsibility of owners to prevent unauthorised intrusions.	+	Preventive measures may include the installation of physical barriers and deterrents such as gates, hoarding, CCTV and even anti-climbing measures on equipment and scaffold. Site guards and regular site inspections are additional safety measures.
		+
		+	In some instances, it may also be the legal responsibility of owners to prevent unauthorised intrusions.

	In [https://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/news/view/site-security-failing-results-in-12m-fine January 2020], DB Cargo (UK) Ltd was fined after being convicted of an offence under the Health and Safety at Work Act. In the 2017 incident, two boys were electrocuted after climbing through a hole in the company’s fence which was situated next to playing fields. “Two of the three boys climbed on top of a train, and while standing on the roof, one suffered a devastating electric shock from the 25,000 V overhead power lines. He sustained 40% burns and life changing injuries. The second child sustained burns to his hand and a broken arm.”		In [https://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/news/view/site-security-failing-results-in-12m-fine January 2020], DB Cargo (UK) Ltd was fined after being convicted of an offence under the Health and Safety at Work Act. In the 2017 incident, two boys were electrocuted after climbing through a hole in the company’s fence which was situated next to playing fields. “Two of the three boys climbed on top of a train, and while standing on the roof, one suffered a devastating electric shock from the 25,000 V overhead power lines. He sustained 40% burns and life changing injuries. The second child sustained burns to his hand and a broken arm.”

Editor at 19:09, 12 April 2021

2021-04-12T19:09:55Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:09, 12 April 2021
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	= Infiltration: structures in use =		= Infiltration: structures in use =

−	One form of UE ~~involved~~ partially completed construction projects or building renovation sites (particularly those that are ~~live~~ or in use). This is generally referred to as infiltration. One of the goals of infiltration is to explore a restricted area.	+	One form of UE involves partially completed construction projects or building renovation sites (particularly those that are actively under construction or even partially in use). This is generally referred to as infiltration. One of the goals of infiltration is to explore a restricted area.

−	Common sites for UE infiltration include mechanical rooms, elevator rooms, abandoned floors, and other normally unseen parts of working buildings. Roof infiltration is sometimes referred to as rooftopping or skywalking and can include cranes, antennas, smokestacks and so on~~. It is also associated with roof-and-tunnel hacking when applied to rooftops or transit tunnels~~.	+	Common sites for UE infiltration include mechanical rooms, elevator rooms, abandoned floors and other normally unseen parts of working buildings. Roof infiltration is sometimes referred to as rooftopping or skywalking and can include cranes, antennas, smokestacks and so on.

−	The term ~~draining~~ is a specific type of UE associated with storm drains or sewers.	+	The term roof-and-tunnel hacking is a specific type of UE referring to rooftops or transit tunnels. Draining is UE associated with storm drains or sewers.

	= Abandonment: condemned sites =		= Abandonment: condemned sites =

−	When associated with derelict structures – often condemned or otherwise deemed unsafe – UE may be referred to as urban spelunking, urban rock climbing (or buildering), urban caving or mousing. ~~This is generally referred to as~~ abandonment.	+	When associated with derelict structures – often condemned or otherwise deemed unsafe – UE may be referred to as urban spelunking, urban rock climbing (or buildering), urban caving or mousing. The general term for this type of UE abandonment.

−	Common sites for abandonment UE include unused ~~transportation or utility tunnels,~~ amusement parks, grain elevators, factories, power plants, missile silos, fallout shelters, churches or abandoned ~~community~~ facilities (such as hospitals, asylums, schools, poor houses or sanatoriums).	+	Common sites for abandonment UE include unused amusement parks, grain elevators, factories, power plants, missile silos, fallout shelters, churches or abandoned public facilities (such as hospitals, asylums, schools, poor houses or sanatoriums).

	= Legalities of UE =		= Legalities of UE =
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	UE is generally considered to be a form of trespassing. Being caught may result in significant penalties including fines and/or imprisonment.		UE is generally considered to be a form of trespassing. Being caught may result in significant penalties including fines and/or imprisonment.

−	It also ~~has the potential to~~ be extremely dangerous, resulting in injuries from contact with toxic substances or broken glass. In some cases, it has the potential to cause death from electrocution, suffocation (as a result of entrapment) or falls from height	+	It can also be extremely dangerous, resulting in injuries from contact with toxic substances or broken glass. In some cases, it has the potential to cause death from electrocution, suffocation (as a result of entrapment) or falls from height

−	~~The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 requires that employers take reasonable steps to ensure the health and safety~~ of ~~persons other than their employees, which implies~~ a ~~duty to ensure people are safe from activities on construction sites. In addition~~, the ~~Construction~~ (~~Design and Management~~) ~~Regulations (the CDM Regulations) require the prevention of access~~ to ~~construction sites by unauthorised persons,~~ and ~~that ‘… where necessary in the interests~~ of ~~health and safety~~, a ~~construction site must~~, ~~so far as is reasonably practicable~~, and ~~in accordance with~~ the ~~level of risk posed~~, ~~comply with either or both of~~ the ~~following; have its perimeter identified by~~ suitable ~~signs~~ and ~~be arranged so~~ that its ~~extent is readily identifiable; or~~ be ~~fenced off~~.'	+	Keeping UE trespassers off of a property may require legal action, as was the case in 2014 when Canary Wharf Investments (CWI) sought to remove several urban explorers who had been repeatedly trespassing on buildings and cranes to take photographs of their adventures. In the article, ‘[https://www.ukrealestatelawblog.com/2018/10/04/urban-exploration-a-trend-thats-going-through-the-roof/ Urban exploration: a trend that’s going through the roof]’, Olivia Vice of the Real Estate Blog reported, “CWI made an application for an injunction against them and ‘Persons Unknown’ to prevent future trespass and to require them to deliver up their media materials. There was significant evidence to show that, without the injunction, the defendants would continue to trespass. The High Court was ultimately satisfied that the injunction was suitable and that its terms were correctly formulated to be proportionate and only capture those engaging in the undesirable conduct.”

−	Keep UE trespassers off of a property may require legal action, as was the case in 2014, when Canary Wharf Investments (CWI) sought to remove several urban explorers who had been repeatedly trespassing on buildings and cranes to take photographs of their adventures. In the article, ‘[https://www.ukrealestatelawblog.com/2018/10/04/urban-exploration-a-trend-thats-going-through-the-roof/ Urban exploration: a trend that’s going through the roof]’, Olivia Vice of the Real Estate Blog writes, “CWI made an application for an injunction against them and ‘Persons Unknown’ to prevent future trespass and to require them to deliver up their media materials. There was significant evidence to show that, without the injunction, the defendants would continue to trespass. The High Court was ultimately satisfied that the injunction was suitable and that its terms were correctly formulated to be proportionate and only capture those engaging in the undesirable conduct.”	+	Unwanted visits can not only endanger the trespassers, but their unauthorised actions may jeopardise the safety of those who are meant to be on the property. These activities may also compromise productivity on the site if it causes damage to equipment or equipment is stolen.
−		+
−	Unwanted visits can not only endanger the trespassers, but their unauthorised actions may jeopardise the safety of those who are meant to be on the property. ~~They~~ may also compromise productivity on the site if ~~they~~ damage or ~~steal~~ equipment.	+

	Some contractors go so far as to seek injunctions to protect their sites. Additional preventive measures may include the installation of physical barriers and deterrents such as gates, barriers, CCTV and even anti-climbing measures on equipment. Site guards and regular site inspections are additional safety measures.		Some contractors go so far as to seek injunctions to protect their sites. Additional preventive measures may include the installation of physical barriers and deterrents such as gates, barriers, CCTV and even anti-climbing measures on equipment. Site guards and regular site inspections are additional safety measures.
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	In [https://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/news/view/site-security-failing-results-in-12m-fine January 2020], DB Cargo (UK) Ltd was fined after being convicted of an offence under the Health and Safety at Work Act. In the 2017 incident, two boys were electrocuted after climbing through a hole in the company’s fence which was situated next to playing fields. “Two of the three boys climbed on top of a train, and while standing on the roof, one suffered a devastating electric shock from the 25,000 V overhead power lines. He sustained 40% burns and life changing injuries. The second child sustained burns to his hand and a broken arm.”		In [https://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/news/view/site-security-failing-results-in-12m-fine January 2020], DB Cargo (UK) Ltd was fined after being convicted of an offence under the Health and Safety at Work Act. In the 2017 incident, two boys were electrocuted after climbing through a hole in the company’s fence which was situated next to playing fields. “Two of the three boys climbed on top of a train, and while standing on the roof, one suffered a devastating electric shock from the 25,000 V overhead power lines. He sustained 40% burns and life changing injuries. The second child sustained burns to his hand and a broken arm.”
		+
		+	The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 requires that employers take reasonable steps to ensure the health and safety of persons other than their employees, which implies a duty to ensure people are safe from activities on construction sites. In addition, the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (the CDM Regulations) require the prevention of access to construction sites by unauthorised persons, and that ‘… where necessary in the interests of health and safety, a construction site must, so far as is reasonably practicable, and in accordance with the level of risk posed, comply with either or both of the following; have its perimeter identified by suitable signs and be arranged so that its extent is readily identifiable; or be fenced off.'

	= Seeking permission =		= Seeking permission =

Editor at 18:59, 12 April 2021

2021-04-12T18:59:22Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:59, 12 April 2021
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	= Abandonment: condemned sites =		= Abandonment: condemned sites =

−	When associated with derelict structures – often condemned or otherwise deemed unsafe – UE may be referred to as urban spelunking, urban rock climbing (or buildering), urban caving or mousing. ~~Another affiliated term~~ is abandonment.	+	When associated with derelict structures – often condemned or otherwise deemed unsafe – UE may be referred to as urban spelunking, urban rock climbing (or buildering), urban caving or mousing. This is generally referred to as abandonment.

	Common sites for abandonment UE include unused transportation or utility tunnels, amusement parks, grain elevators, factories, power plants, missile silos, fallout shelters, churches or abandoned community facilities (such as hospitals, asylums, schools, poor houses or sanatoriums).		Common sites for abandonment UE include unused transportation or utility tunnels, amusement parks, grain elevators, factories, power plants, missile silos, fallout shelters, churches or abandoned community facilities (such as hospitals, asylums, schools, poor houses or sanatoriums).

Editor at 18:55, 12 April 2021

2021-04-12T18:55:16Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:55, 12 April 2021
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	Urban exploration (UE) - sometimes referred to as urbex or building hacking - is a term associated with the action of individuals who enter manmade (and sometimes hidden or abandoned) structures. It is loosely referred to as a hobby and is associated with other daredevil acts - such as parkour - that are encouraged through social media.		Urban exploration (UE) - sometimes referred to as urbex or building hacking - is a term associated with the action of individuals who enter manmade (and sometimes hidden or abandoned) structures. It is loosely referred to as a hobby and is associated with other daredevil acts - such as parkour - that are encouraged through social media.

−	Some urban explorers undertake these activities for the purpose of photographing and documenting their actions. These explorers generally treat the sites with respect. Others do it to apply graffiti (particularly in difficult to reach locations) or undertake other forms of vandalism or theft (particularly on derelict sites). It is also believed that some individuals simply seek the adrenaline rush associated with the thrill of being put in ~~a physically dangerous~~ or the risk of being in a legally dubious situation.	+	Some urban explorers undertake these activities for the purpose of photographing and documenting their actions. These explorers generally treat the sites with respect. Others do it to apply graffiti (particularly in difficult to reach locations) or undertake other forms of vandalism or theft (particularly on derelict sites). It is also believed that some individuals simply seek the adrenaline rush associated with the thrill of being put in physical danger or the risk of being in a legally dubious situation.

	= Infiltration: structures in use =		= Infiltration: structures in use =

Editor at 18:53, 12 April 2021

2021-04-12T18:53:00Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:53, 12 April 2021
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	* CCTV.		* CCTV.
	* Conservation, climbing and graffiti.		* Conservation, climbing and graffiti.
		+	* Construction site security guide.
	* Construction site theft.		* Construction site theft.
	* Decommissioning buildings.		* Decommissioning buildings.

Editor at 17:25, 12 April 2021

2021-04-12T17:25:56Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:25, 12 April 2021
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−	[[File:Urbex.jpg]]	+	[[File:Urbex.jpg\|link=File:Urbex.jpg]]

	An urban explorer under Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.		An urban explorer under Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
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	UE is generally considered to be a form of trespassing. Being caught may result in significant penalties including fines and/or imprisonment.		UE is generally considered to be a form of trespassing. Being caught may result in significant penalties including fines and/or imprisonment.

−	It also has the potential to be extremely dangerous, resulting in injuries from contact with toxic substances or broken glass. In some cases, it has the potential to cause death from electrocution, suffocation (as a result of entrapment) or falls from height.	+	It also has the potential to be extremely dangerous, resulting in injuries from contact with toxic substances or broken glass. In some cases, it has the potential to cause death from electrocution, suffocation (as a result of entrapment) or falls from height

−	In the ~~case~~ of ~~active construction or renovation sites, contractors~~, ~~project managers or property owners should take significant measures~~ to ~~keep UE trespassers off of the property~~. ~~This may require legal action~~, ~~as was~~ the ~~case in 2014, when Canary Wharf Investments~~ (~~CWI~~) ~~sought~~ to ~~remove several urban explorers who had been repeatedly trespassing on buildings~~ and ~~cranes to take photographs~~ of ~~their adventures~~.	+	The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 requires that employers take reasonable steps to ensure the health and safety of persons other than their employees, which implies a duty to ensure people are safe from activities on construction sites. In addition, the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (the CDM Regulations) require the prevention of access to construction sites by unauthorised persons, and that ‘… where necessary in the interests of health and safety, a construction site must, so far as is reasonably practicable, and in accordance with the level of risk posed, comply with either or both of the following; have its perimeter identified by suitable signs and be arranged so that its extent is readily identifiable; or be fenced off.'

−	In the article, ‘[https://www.ukrealestatelawblog.com/2018/10/04/urban-exploration-a-trend-thats-going-through-the-roof/ Urban exploration: a trend that’s going through the roof]’, Olivia Vice of the Real Estate Blog writes, “CWI made an application for an injunction against them and ‘Persons Unknown’ to prevent future trespass and to require them to deliver up their media materials. There was significant evidence to show that, without the injunction, the defendants would continue to trespass. The High Court was ultimately satisfied that the injunction was suitable and that its terms were correctly formulated to be proportionate and only capture those engaging in the undesirable conduct.”	+	Keep UE trespassers off of a property may require legal action, as was the case in 2014, when Canary Wharf Investments (CWI) sought to remove several urban explorers who had been repeatedly trespassing on buildings and cranes to take photographs of their adventures. In the article, ‘[https://www.ukrealestatelawblog.com/2018/10/04/urban-exploration-a-trend-thats-going-through-the-roof/ Urban exploration: a trend that’s going through the roof]’, Olivia Vice of the Real Estate Blog writes, “CWI made an application for an injunction against them and ‘Persons Unknown’ to prevent future trespass and to require them to deliver up their media materials. There was significant evidence to show that, without the injunction, the defendants would continue to trespass. The High Court was ultimately satisfied that the injunction was suitable and that its terms were correctly formulated to be proportionate and only capture those engaging in the undesirable conduct.”

	Unwanted visits can not only endanger the trespassers, but their unauthorised actions may jeopardise the safety of those who are meant to be on the property. They may also compromise productivity on the site if they damage or steal equipment.		Unwanted visits can not only endanger the trespassers, but their unauthorised actions may jeopardise the safety of those who are meant to be on the property. They may also compromise productivity on the site if they damage or steal equipment.
Line 49:		Line 49:

	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =		= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =
		+
		+	* CCTV.
		+	* Conservation, climbing and graffiti.
		+	* Construction site theft.
		+	* Decommissioning buildings.
		+	* Eyesore.
		+	* Hoarding for construction sites.
		+	* How to clean concrete.
		+	* Preventing unauthorised access to construction sites.
		+	* Work at height regulations.

	= External resources =		= External resources =
Line 54:		Line 64:
	* Real Estate News, [https://www.ukrealestatelawblog.com/2018/10/04/urban-exploration-a-trend-thats-going-through-the-roof/. Urban exploration: a trend that’s going through the roof],		* Real Estate News, [https://www.ukrealestatelawblog.com/2018/10/04/urban-exploration-a-trend-thats-going-through-the-roof/. Urban exploration: a trend that’s going through the roof],
	* TCI, [https://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/news/view/site-security-failing-results-in-12m-fine Site security failing results in £1.2m fine].		* TCI, [https://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/news/view/site-security-failing-results-in-12m-fine Site security failing results in £1.2m fine].
		+
		+	[[Category:Conservation]] [[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_Legislation]] [[Category:Definitions]] [[Category:Health_and_safety_/_CDM]] [[Category:Construction_management]] [[Category:Property_development]]

Editor: Created page with "File:Urbex.jpg An urban explorer under Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. ----- = Introduction = Urban exploration (UE) - sometimes referred to as urbex or building hacking - is..."

2021-04-12T17:15:36Z

Created page with "File:Urbex.jpg An urban explorer under Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. ----- = Introduction = Urban exploration (UE) - sometimes referred to as urbex or building hacking - is..."

New page

[[File:Urbex.jpg]]

An urban explorer under Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.

-----
= Introduction =

Urban exploration (UE) - sometimes referred to as urbex or building hacking - is a term associated with the action of individuals who enter manmade (and sometimes hidden or abandoned) structures. It is loosely referred to as a hobby and is associated with other daredevil acts - such as parkour - that are encouraged through social media.

Some urban explorers undertake these activities for the purpose of photographing and documenting their actions. These explorers generally treat the sites with respect. Others do it to apply graffiti (particularly in difficult to reach locations) or undertake other forms of vandalism or theft (particularly on derelict sites). It is also believed that some individuals simply seek the adrenaline rush associated with the thrill of being put in a physically dangerous or the risk of being in a legally dubious situation.

= Infiltration: structures in use =

One form of UE involved partially completed construction projects or building renovation sites (particularly those that are live or in use). This is generally referred to as infiltration. One of the goals of infiltration is to explore a restricted area.

Common sites for UE infiltration include mechanical rooms, elevator rooms, abandoned floors, and other normally unseen parts of working buildings. Roof infiltration is sometimes referred to as rooftopping or skywalking and can include cranes, antennas, smokestacks and so on. It is also associated with roof-and-tunnel hacking when applied to rooftops or transit tunnels.

The term draining is a specific type of UE associated with storm drains or sewers.

= Abandonment: condemned sites =

When associated with derelict structures – often condemned or otherwise deemed unsafe – UE may be referred to as urban spelunking, urban rock climbing (or buildering), urban caving or mousing. Another affiliated term is abandonment.

Common sites for abandonment UE include unused transportation or utility tunnels, amusement parks, grain elevators, factories, power plants, missile silos, fallout shelters, churches or abandoned community facilities (such as hospitals, asylums, schools, poor houses or sanatoriums).

= Legalities of UE =

UE is generally considered to be a form of trespassing. Being caught may result in significant penalties including fines and/or imprisonment.

It also has the potential to be extremely dangerous, resulting in injuries from contact with toxic substances or broken glass. In some cases, it has the potential to cause death from electrocution, suffocation (as a result of entrapment) or falls from height.

In the case of active construction or renovation sites, contractors, project managers or property owners should take significant measures to keep UE trespassers off of the property. This may require legal action, as was the case in 2014, when Canary Wharf Investments (CWI) sought to remove several urban explorers who had been repeatedly trespassing on buildings and cranes to take photographs of their adventures.

In the article, ‘[https://www.ukrealestatelawblog.com/2018/10/04/urban-exploration-a-trend-thats-going-through-the-roof/ Urban exploration: a trend that’s going through the roof]’, Olivia Vice of the Real Estate Blog writes, “CWI made an application for an injunction against them and ‘Persons Unknown’ to prevent future trespass and to require them to deliver up their media materials. There was significant evidence to show that, without the injunction, the defendants would continue to trespass. The High Court was ultimately satisfied that the injunction was suitable and that its terms were correctly formulated to be proportionate and only capture those engaging in the undesirable conduct.”

Unwanted visits can not only endanger the trespassers, but their unauthorised actions may jeopardise the safety of those who are meant to be on the property. They may also compromise productivity on the site if they damage or steal equipment.

Some contractors go so far as to seek injunctions to protect their sites. Additional preventive measures may include the installation of physical barriers and deterrents such as gates, barriers, CCTV and even anti-climbing measures on equipment. Site guards and regular site inspections are additional safety measures.

In some instances, failure to prevent acts of UE may be not just a moral duty of companies but it may also be the legal responsibility of owners to prevent unauthorised intrusions.

In [https://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/news/view/site-security-failing-results-in-12m-fine January 2020], DB Cargo (UK) Ltd was fined after being convicted of an offence under the Health and Safety at Work Act. In the 2017 incident, two boys were electrocuted after climbing through a hole in the company’s fence which was situated next to playing fields. “Two of the three boys climbed on top of a train, and while standing on the roof, one suffered a devastating electric shock from the 25,000 V overhead power lines. He sustained 40% burns and life changing injuries. The second child sustained burns to his hand and a broken arm.”

= Seeking permission =

In some instances, it may be feasible to seek permission for UE. While this may remove the thrill associated with a forbidden adventure, it may deliver photographic opportunities in hidden areas - but in a safe and informed manner.

For abandoned sites with historic value, approved UE should be undertaken in a manner that protects and respects the physical properties of the site.

= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

= External resources =

* Real Estate News, [https://www.ukrealestatelawblog.com/2018/10/04/urban-exploration-a-trend-thats-going-through-the-roof/. Urban exploration: a trend that’s going through the roof],
* TCI, [https://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/news/view/site-security-failing-results-in-12m-fine Site security failing results in £1.2m fine].