in australia squatting is interpreted much differently to that in europe.
the term squatting refers to the action of inhabiting an abandoned or unoccupied dwelling without the consent of the owner. for some squatters it is purely an individual situation, however, for others it defines a possibility of creating a movement, offering collective living, work and political organising; it enhances community and political participation as well as urban renewal instead of removal.
squatting has been apart of european culture for decades and it was during 1960s when it became a popular way of life for many artists. during this time artists such as pablo picasso and amadeo modigliani spent years squatting in buildings around europe. buildings which were deemed ‘ruins’ were brought back to life, this movement brought creatives, youth, immigrants and homeless people under one roof where they had the possibility to live an organise their lives according to an anti-authoritarian practise.
since these movements many have been turned into museums for the public, and still some house squatters to this day. exarcheia is a town populated by squats, however, these squats are frequently being evicted by the new standing government.
my concept is to create a new blank canvas for immigrants, artists, creatives, youth and the homeless where art, collective living and work is practised, enhancing community participation and renewing areas instead of removing them. the building is heavily focused towards the arts allowing for place for people to practise as well as teach.
the building comprises of two gallerys, one subterranean and one vertical galllery, allowing occupants to continously showcase their work to the public.
based on a squatters life, occupants can come and go as they please, all living areas are fluid and changeable. the vertical columns which extend the entire building can be used to create new and different areas allowing the occupants to change areas at their command.
the groundfloor of the building can be entered via the west entrance, east (front) entrance or via the underground gallery. the space is used as a cafe, however has the capability of hosting artist or community events. the first floor leads to the vertical gallery which gives access to the entire building, also showcasing the occupants art as you climb the stairs or use the lift.
the first floor is the art school. the school allows for the users to enagage and give back to the community. the level is accesible from the vertical gallery stairs and lift, or from the ground floor cafe. the oval-shaped cut in the floor connects the different levels together, offering insights into what is happening above and below.
The second floor houses the artists studio, spaces are fluid and change with the users activities. spaces can be seperated within the concrete columns or shared. like the first floor, the floor has an oval cut allowing for a connection between the different levels. users can see directly down into the cafe area. this allows for light and air to pass through the entire building, keeping users continually connected.
the third floor is a split level. it is comprised of a living area and an outdoor courtyard. like the squats seen in the 90s, the living area is free for the occupants to choose where and how they sleep. tents, sleeping bags, swags and futons are all welcome. the columns are a guide for spacing, however areas can be divided in any way possible. the courtyard is seperated form the living area via a split level, a glass wall divides the area allowing for maximum sunlight into the living area during the day.