These Beautiful “Place-Hacking” Photos Will Give You an Adrenaline Rush

Membership Ticker

Monika Bauerlein,
CEO

How have authoritarians been stopped before? By basic acts of civic participation, undertaken by millions. That's part of what I unpack in my pre-election column, and I hope you'll give it a read because we all need to be prepared for what's ahead. And if you agree that Mother Jones' reporting can help guide us through this historic moment, please consider supporting our nonprofit journalism during our fall fundraising drive: We need to raise $350,000 by October 31.

How have authoritarians been stopped before? Mother Jones CEO Monika Bauerlein unpacks that and more, and we hope you'll give her pre-election column a read because we all need to be prepared for what's ahead. And if you agree that Mother Jones' fearless journalism is needed right now, please pitch in with a donation during our fall fundraising drive.

Forth Rail Bridge, Scotland.All photos by Bradley Garrett/eyevine/zReportage/ZUMA Press

For indispensable reporting on the coronavirus crisis, the election, and more, subscribe to the Mother Jones Daily newsletter.

They call themselves “place hackers”—urban adventurers who get a thrill (and bragging rights) from exploring forbidden spaces: old military bases, sewer systems, decommissioned hospitals, power stations—even the odd skyscraper under construction. Just like backpackers, they have an ethical code: no vandalism or theft, take only photographs, leave only footprints. “The idea behind urban exploration is revealing what’s hidden,” explains Bradley Garrett, author of the recent book Explore Everything: Place Hacking the City. “It’s about going into places that are essentially off limits and, because they are off limits, have been relatively forgotten.” The goal is not just to explore, he adds, but to document and share as well. To wit: Check out these 12 amazing photos from Garrett’s book.