VIRTUAL London.
Abstract
This paper explores the transformative potential of temporary interventions in vacant building gaps or unused brownfields, drawing from the premise of the thesis conducted in Munich. While Munich serves as a focal point, the study extrapolates insights to encompass broader urban contexts, exemplifying cities like Milan, which similarly grapple with vacant spaces amidst regulatory and economic constraints. The essence of urban livability lies not only in infrastructural development but also in fostering a sense of community and cultural vibrancy. The abandonment of construction projects, reflective of economic fluctuations and regulatory stringency, poses a common challenge across diverse urban settings. These derelict spaces not only diminish from the urban fabric but also generate social neglect and disengagement. Through a comparative lens, inspired by successful initiatives like Copenhagen’s Superkilen Park, this study delves into the efficacy of temporary interventions. Such interventions, ranging from Food Markets and Community Workshops to Renting Services and Resting and Charging Spaces, exhibit the potential to metamorphose abandoned lots into dynamic, community-driven hubs. Methodologically, a synthesis of qualitative and quantitative approaches, including interviews, events, and data analysis, elucidates the refined needs and preferences of urban residents. By discerning these intricacies, the paper advocates for a modular approach designed like a Blue Print, that resembles a customisable menu, offering flexible solutions tailored to distinct urban locales. Crucially, this paper accentuates the role of community engagement and cultural enrichment in fostering urban vitality. It posits that temporary interventions serve not only as pragmatic solutions to spatial vacancy but also as catalysts for social integration and cultural regeneration.
Giulia Gerosa – architect, PhD in Industrial Design and Multimedia Communication, and associate professor at the Department of Design, Politecnico di Milano. Her research activity focuses on the relationship between space design and the city with particular attention to reuse as an opportunity for development, the definition of new types of use, and urban interiors. Since 1999, he has participated in research programmes funded by Ministries and Public Authorities and in international projects.
Lilli Tretter – Graduated with honours from the Politecnico di Milano in interior and spatial design, her research interests focus on exploring the role of design in urban transformations, with a particular interest in temporary urban space use and social development