I had never heard the terms, “urban exploring” or “ruin porn,” until I asked for help photographing some abandoned buildings in Detroit, Michigan.
In the past decade more than 25 percent of the population has left the city, leaving more than one third of Detroit vacant. The city even has the 6th largest abandoned building in the world… the Broderick Tower is 35 floors tall and full of almost nothing.
From inside a Fire Station in Detroit, Michigan
Living so close in Ann Arbor, Michigan, I had to explore these buildings for myself. Yet, when I asked for help from a local group of travelers, I received mixed reactions. Some Detroiters were sick of journalists and tourists focusing on the destruction in their city. They were worried that all of the publicity was not helping their rebuilding efforts. Others felt that the world needs to see the horrors of these abandoned buildings as a lesson to other cities around the world. Then another group of people understood how compelling it is to witness a modern city in ruin that they weren’t worried about the ethical concerns.
This post and the short video is for anyone interested in exploring ruined buildings as I share my perspective on “ruin pornography.”
Watch the short video below as I explore a police station, courthouse, and fire station in Detroit, Michigan that look as if they were abandoned in a hurry:
For those that want to see more photographs from the destruction of Detroit, check the blog, Forgotten Detroit.
But I’m curious about your perspective…
Are you into urban exploring or are you interested in giving it a try?
Do you think it is important to explore these buildings or is this disrespectful to the residents of the community? Does showcasing this destruction make it more or less likely to happen in the future?
Is photographing deserted buildings “Ruin Porn?”
I’d love to hear what you think in the comments below or at my email address Benjamin (at) adventuresauce (dot) com.
Rock the world!
I would love to go urban exploring! Exploring in general is very intriguing. All those buildings were beautiful in their abandoned forms yet still oddly haunting. great video!!
Thanks Nichole! Where do you like to explore?
I’m actually pretty intrigued. The footage you took is a little eerie and it reminds me of pictures I’ve seen of Chernobyl. Being naturally curious, I think I might enjoy urban exploring. I can’t say I’ve ever done it with the purpose of doing so. Chris just told me that he’s done it a few times and really enjoyed it.
Tawny,
I’ve checked out some of those photos as well… very eerie. There are some abandoned forts in the UK from WWII that are out in the ocean and are creepy as well.
If you get a chance to “urban explore” I would do it. You and Chris would make a good pair to watch each others backs.
I love urban exploring. I’m in Ann Arbor now but I used to do it in my home town, Syracuse, NY. There was this abandoned cement factory that towered a hundred or so feet with only rickety, rusting ladders and stairs to get there. I’m surprised I haven’t known anyone to get hurt there–here’s hoping it stays that way.
Good to hear from you, Anthony!
I hope no one gets hurt as well. Ann Arbor is a good town have fun there!
I also would love to do a little bit of urban exploring. Loved the video. I haven’t really been exploring yet but really want to. I would definitely love to tag along one time if you don’t mind!!!
Thanks for your thoughts, Lynsey!
You should do some urban exploring. Lot o’ fun!
If you are around Detroit, use the couchsurfing groups to get a team together (that is what I did). Or if you are around “my way” (I’m in Idaho now) then let’s do it!
Rock it!