Self-managed cultural and ecological interstice
Author atelier architecture autogeree
France, Paris, Saint Blaise area, Paris 20°
Authors aaa team (C. Petcou, D. Petrescu, N. Marchand, F. Ralaimongo, S. Pauquet, R. Binder, G. Barraud, T. Huguen)
Self-managed cultural and ecological interstice
Strengths: The 56 project demonstrates the potential of a small urban interstice to generate local activities and catalyse ecological practices in a metropolitan context. This prototype of ‘open source’ architecture pioneers new forms of partnership between institutions, professionals, organisations and residents, which challenge the current stereotypical models of urban management. The project is socially and ecologically sustainable and is collectively managed by ordinary citizens.
Difficulties: As with any atypical project, we have been confronted with rules and regulations and with the prejudgments and stereotypes of some inhabitants and public representatives (ie. issues of safety, proximity, hygiene). We also had to handle a tight budget and kept a long-term engagement with the project. Such DIY projects can’t be planned with precision as they depend on many factors: people’s participation and skills, funding and resources, local politics, chance. But this is also its strength.
Extra information: The ‘56’ project demonstrates the power of an urban interstice to generate new processes of collective building, management and use in the city and to create more democratic and more socially and ecologically sustainable forms of public space.
urbaninform Competition 2010 is launched! September 01, 2010
urbaninform at MoMA, New York! July 20, 2010
All news