New web community aims to revitalize abandoned buildings

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

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