Nomad, Management of Urban Development — The complex value  of temporary communities

In Europe, more than eleven million dwellings stand unoccupied, highlighting a critical mismatch: there's plenty of space without people, and plenty of people without space. This issue is particularly pronounced in Mediterranean countries. "Project Nomad" explores the role of 'temporary communities'— groups of young people, activists, and creatives who utilize vacant spaces temporarily. These groups engage in innovative living and working arrangements in places like unused office buildings, houses from housing association portfolios, and abandoned buildings.

The Role of Temporary Communities
Since the 1970s, movements such as squatting, anti-squatting, and various co-management housing occupations have demonstrated a significant demand for space. These communities are not just filling empty spaces; they're actively contributing to urban regeneration, experimenting with different kind of practices, and creating vibrant neighborhoods. However, their contributions often go unrecognized in real estate evaluations and urban regeneration plans.

The Paradox of Urban Nomads
Temporary communities act as placemakers, improving street safety and increasing real estate values through their activities. Yet, as property values rise or when temporary use agreements expire, temporay users become 'urban nomads'—comprising individuals from diverse backgrounds including students, workers, residents, immigrants, and the homeless—. This migration can be a conscious decision for some, but for others, it is the only option.

Research Focus
This research aims to address the paradox that temporary users help to increase property values, but then have to move on, often under precarious conditions. NOMAD seeks to uncover the diverse values that temporary communities create by transforming vacant spaces into lively places by advocating both for their recognition in property valuation and urban regeneration strategies, and for the relevance of opening up vacant spaces to experimental temporary uses as new accessible places of possibilities.