Architect-in-residence project: Designing a Squat[kit]: based in Rotterdam, NL.

This architect-in-residence project is part of a larger project that looks at historical and contemporary perspectives on adaptive re-use philosophies and squatting, specific to the Netherlands.

The architect-in-residence will be able to develop a raw social housing apartment according to their own design with the focus on creating their own ‘squat kit’: a designed plan to be used by future squatters to cheaply, quickly and with an overall design aesthetic, convert a squatted space. The architect-in-residence will have their own squatted space to live in for one year in exchange for re-designing and renovating the space and having their designed ‘squat kit’ be documented and sent out internationally.

The focus is on creating a design plan to be used by squatters as well as developing and improving the concept of social housing since most squats were originally social housing before they were slated for demolition or became in some way ‘un-used’. The architect-in-residence must live-in the space as its being developed and keep a log of their development and of their ‘squat kit’. This project will also be documented as part of a larger project via photos, video and put online. On Jan. 2005, the space will be given to another architect-in-residence or architectural group.

NOTE: The artist-in-residence period was to begin January 2004 but the squat where the residency would take place was squatted by someone else for their living space. As the squat movement is about creating homes for people who need one, this is a more important use of the space than a residency.

The two architects that were chosen were Katie Hepworth and David Morrison, both from Australia. They will be continuing to be a part of this project via research and drawings.

see:http://www.movinginplace/beingthereinfo/
for more info on the larger project: beingthere.v01.squat.03