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 ian_evil
   
Location: Providence, Rhode Island
Gender: Male
we hope you have enjoyed our program.
 |  |  |  | Abandoned but not Neglected
< on 10/31/2005 7:57 PM >
|  | | | Aside from having way too many god damn hospitals, New England has a ton of old factory and industrial spaces. Most of them are anywhere from 60-120 years old, and their status can range from ruins, to fully active, and restored. For the most part though, a lot of these massive distressed buildings sit either completely, or mostly empty. The vast majority of them have "Space For Lease" signs posted, but only a tiny fraction of the building will be occupied.
I am absolutely in love with these places, and I'm looking for tips on getting into them to take pictures. I'm wondering if anyone has any trusted methods they employ for this type of UE, whether its checking for alarms or caretakers, finding ways in, the right way to go about getting permission, or even information about specific locations in the New England area.
Status- Most of these buildings are more secure, since they have an owner who's trying to sell them. What specific steps should I take to avoid alarms, or doing damage when trying to gain entry? Also, when someone leases all the bottom floor units by the road, what the best way for me to get into the top floors, or other wings of the building?
Staff- Winter is coming, and with inclement weather, it will be much easier to look for tire tracks and footprints to get an idea of how much activity the place sees, at which entry points, and possibly when.
It's also a lot easier to notice if someone has heat, or some other steam producing machinery going. Plus with dusk approaching during the work day, it gives you a chance to see which parts of the buildings are in use during daytime business hours.
I was poking around a downtown location that looked empty, and I noticed a few unopened sunday papers by the back door, which means someone checks that spot at least every other week.
Permission- When should I ask for permission? I bring a camera and a tripod with me everywhere, and I have business cards. I figure that's a step in the right direction if someone finds what I'm doing questionable, but I've never asked an owner for permission before attempting entry. I'm worried that calling someone, and saying, "I want to get into your building and take pictures." Would result it heightened security if they deny me access.
Entry Points- My method for finding my way into an unfamiliar building now is as follows: Show up at night wearing something dark. I bring only a flashlight and a screwdriver. I get close to the building without being seen, and hide along the walls as much as possible, looking for poorly secured ground floor entrance points. If I find something open, and can get in without damaging anything, I'll do so and make sure it doesn't trigger alarms, or lead to a locked room. I'll make a mental note, and then come back a week or two later with the rest of my equipment. Is there something smarter?
Morality and Motivation- I've read a few posts on this website that stated that buildings "For Sale" are usually a waste of time. Personally, being able to wander around in these spaces after they've been cleaned out is more appealing. Also, what happens if someone who is trying to make a living renting this space finds me in there? While I consider 90% of UE harmless, I could understand someone having a huge problem with this. If the 'I'm curious, respectful, and aware of my safety.' attitude is going to get me into this situation, will I need something more than that if SE/legality comes into play?
I guess these tips would be universal for abandoned buildings in busy urban areas, empty buildings that are maintained, or buildings where only a fraction of the space is in use. Any ideas?
[last edit 10/31/2005 8:01 PM by ian_evil - edited 1 times]
[center][b]New England Industrial Culture Online[/b]
Stencil/Graffiti, Street Art - Industrial/Exprimental Music - Urban Exploration
"[i]We are the ones you had to dehumanize.[/i]"[/center] |
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HillbillyHorus
 
Location: Charlottesville Virginia
Gender: Male
Im in ur government, killin ur d00dz
| | | Re: Abandoned but not Neglected
<Reply # 1 on 11/1/2005 9:40 PM >
| | | | I've been to such sites before when I was on vactation in NH. We found one that was pretty much completely open and easy to get into though.
You can't fall off a mountain. |
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Mister Sable
Location: Palliser City
Gender: Male
The Man with the Hat (the other man)
| | | Re: Abandoned but not Neglected
<Reply # 2 on 11/5/2005 2:45 PM >
| | | | Posted by Ian Evil
Permission- When should I ask for permission? I bring a camera and a tripod with me everywhere, and I have business cards. I figure that's a step in the right direction if someone finds what I'm doing questionable, but I've never asked an owner for permission before attempting entry. I'm worried that calling someone, and saying, "I want to get into your building and take pictures." Would result it heightened security if they deny me access. |
A security guard might outright give you a tour if he seems bored. What else do they have to do? read? If he's the disagreeable sort, call the building owners and arrange permission (then you can secretly feel a bit smug when his employers make him take you on the tour you'd asked him for originally. ;) ). They might ask why you want to take pictures, so you could show them other shots you've taken to prove your legitimacy. Insist no one seeing the photo will know the name or location of the building. If they're real estate people, they may not want you showing how run down the property is, so adjust your projected motivation accordingly. You can either say you're an artist or an agent of someone wanting to buy the property. Either of those should work.
UE doesn't always have to be about the adrenal rush - so I think permission is just as legitimate as sneaking in- and it should always be about the appreciation and reverence of the site you're exploring.
Cloak and dagger, man, cloak and dagger. |
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