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Why UrbEx?

“I felt an immense sense of freedom. Hydra turned to me and said ‘should we go see what else we can find in here?’ and I felt the tension release from my shoulders. I knew that I was in love with this, I never want this feeling to leave me” (Garrett, 2014, p. 6).

          Just as there are different ways to categorize urban exploration, there are also multiple motivations behind it. For some, UrbEx is a choice of freedom, a way of deliberately going against the restrictions society has set in place and break the laws of what can and cannot be attained. As Garrett (2014) put it, “Urban explorers are one of many groups reacting to increased surveillance and control over urban space, playfully probing boundaries and weaknesses in urban security in a search for bizarre, beautiful and unregulated areas where they can build personal relationships to places” (p. 1). This motivation also portrays an element of political view points, where some choose to express their demand for freedom through action and rebellion rather than using words and vocal protests. Other explorers are motivated through historic and geographical interests (Mott & Roberts, 2014). To explore places of significant history or with significant incantations regarding, the location specifically, of some ruins. Yet still others are drawn to UrbEx for a sense of wonder; simply to explore, to live, to experience their world, and hold onto elements of their childhood or youth subculture (Mott & Roberts, 2014).

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