flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

New web community aims to revitalize abandoned buildings

New web community aims to revitalize abandoned buildings

Italian team hopes their [im]possible living platform will get people thinking about rescuing vacant properties worldwide.


By BD+C Staff | May 2, 2013

Italian innovators Andrea Sesta and Daniela Galvani have launched [im]possible living: a web community born to "map and give new life to abandoned buildings."

The site aims to draw attention to the availability of vacant structures regardless of ownership, offering an open database where buildings can be submitted for publicity, discussion, and possible "rescue" efforts. The developers envision the site as a link between the general public, members of the AEC and development community, and financial groups who might be interested in revitalization projects. Though housing was the initial impetus, additional project types are contemplated.

"[im]possible living wants to be an enabler, a catalyst," the creators say. Mapping abandoned buildings is the initial focus, with hundreds of European facilities already entered. About 20 U.S. sites are represented so far, including a windshield-wiper plant in Buffalo, the shapely Art Moderne building that once housed the Atlanta Constitution, and a 19th Century "insane asylum" in Rochester, N.Y.

The video below features an interview with Sesta and Galvani, discussing their dream for the web community.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSJz05d4jao

Related Stories

Industrial Facilities | Apr 14, 2022

JLL's take on the race for industrial space

In the previous decade, the inventory of industrial space couldn’t keep up with demand that was driven by the dual surges of the coronavirus and online shopping. Vacancies declined and rents rose. JLL has just published a research report on this sector called “The Race for Industrial Space.” Mehtab Randhawa, JLL’s Americas Head of Industrial Research, shares the highlights of a new report on the industrial sector's growth.

High-rise Construction | Apr 14, 2022

Seattle’s high-rise convention center nears completion

The new Washington State Convention Center Summit Building—billed as the first high-rise convention center in North America—is on track to complete most of its construction later this year.  

Building Team | Apr 14, 2022

TLC Engineering Solutions, Inc. acquires Moye I.T. Consulting, LLC

TLC Engineering Solutions, Inc. (TLC) is excited to announce that Moye I.T. Consulting, LLC (Moye Consulting) has joined the TLC team, expanding the breadth of its IT and Technology capabilities, as well as its national portfolio. 

Wood | Apr 13, 2022

Mass timber: Multifamily’s next big building system

Mass timber construction experts offer advice on how to use prefabricated wood systems to help you reach for the heights with your next apartment or condominium project. 

AEC Tech | Apr 13, 2022

Morphosis designs EV charging station for automaker Genesis

LA-based design and architecture firm Morphosis has partnered with automotive luxury brand Genesis to bring their signature brand and styling, attention-to-detail, and seamless customer experience to the design of Electric Vehicle Charging (EVC) Stations.

AEC Tech | Apr 13, 2022

A robot automates elevator installation

  Schindler—which manufactures and installs elevators, escalators, and moving walkways—has created a robot called R.I.S.E. (robotic installation system for elevators) to help install lifts in high-rise buildings.

Government Buildings | Apr 11, 2022

Milan’s new US Consulate celebrates Italian design

In Milan, Italy, the new U.S. Consulate General broke ground on April 6. Managed by Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO), a U.S. government agency that directs overseas builds, the 10-acre campus will feature a new Consulate building, as well as the restoration of the site’s historic Liberty Building and reconstruction of a pavilion on the 80,000-square-foot parade ground.

Sponsored | BD+C University Course | Apr 10, 2022

Designing with commercial and industrial insulated metal wall panels

Discover the characteristics, benefits and design options for commercial/industrial buildings using insulated metal panels (IMPs). Recognize the factors affecting panel spans and the relationship of these to structural supports. Gain knowledge of IMP code compliance.

Laboratories | Apr 7, 2022

North Carolina's latest play for biotech real estate development

The Tar Heel State is among a growing number of markets rolling out the welcome mat for lab spaces.

Healthcare Facilities | Apr 7, 2022

Visibility breeds traffic in healthcare design

Ryan Companies has completed several healthcare projects that gain exposure by being near retail stores or office buildings.

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category




halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021