Buildering

From Free net encyclopedia

Image:Buildering On Doran Bridge.jpgBuildering (also known as urban climbing, structuring, or stegophily) is the act of climbing the outside of buildings and other urban structure. The word "buildering" is a portmanteau combining the word "building" with the climbing term "bouldering".

Usually involving free climbing in difficult conditions, buildering can be very dangerous and is often practiced outside of legal bounds, and is thus mostly undertaken at night-time. Adepts of buildering who are seen climbing on buildings without authorization are regularly met by police forces upon completing their exploit. Spectacular acts of buildering, such as free climbing skyscrapers, are usually accomplished by lone, experienced climbers, sometimes attracting large crowds of passers-by and media attention. These remain relatively rare.

Buildering can also take a form more akin to bouldering, which tends towards climbing and/or traversing shorter sections of buildings and structures. While still generally frowned upon by property owners, some, such as the University of Colorado at Boulder turn a blind eye towards the practice in many locations.

Although often done as a solo sport, buildering has also become a popular group activity. As in more traditional rock climbing, routes are established and timed for competition.

Less impressive forms of urban climbing can be observed in demonstrations, as a means of protest, or at some public events such as street parades or converts, where people frequently climb on sign posts and other small structures.

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