I heard this story about James D. Griffioen, the ‘Urban Explorer’ on The Story on NPR a week or so ago and thought it was fascinating. Here’s a synopsis of the story, courtesy of NPR’s web site:
Economic decline has left Detroit with many abandoned buildings. Jim Griffioen lives in the city and has been documenting the destruction of some of those buildings by “scrappers,” people who strip abandoned buildings of valuable metals.
Jim is most interested in schools. He’s taken photos of trees growing through books and other things left behind. Recently Jim has gone beyond documenting what he sees and is reclaiming what he finds. He collects abandoned library books and other school supplies and gives them to community centers. Jim talks with Dick Gordon about his explorations and how his view of the city has changed.
Be sure and click on the hyperlink (“James D. Griffioen“) and check out all the incredible images from his various ‘expeditions.’
Leave a Comment so far
Leave a comment
