For rent

The work “FOR RENT” deals with emptiness as a spatial phenomenon. The city has always had vacancies. Spaces, streets and squares lose their usefulness, their socio-economic and socio-ecological raison d'être - they become obsolete. This was already the case in ancient Rome or in London in the 18th century and is no different today.

While population forecasts for the federal states of Austria predict growth until 2080, Carinthia is the only federal state that is in a continuous process of shrinkage. This circumstance and the increased migration to metropolitan areas are leading to a thinning out of smaller towns and communities and an increase in empty, unused spaces. How we deal with this is a fundamental question. Growth-oriented approaches are opposed to dismantling measures. In order to conserve resources, it is also necessary to change our understanding of urban emptiness. Not to view it as a weakness that needs to be eliminated by all means.

In the work, the topic of emptiness is dealt with at various levels using the specific example of Feldkirchen in Carinthia. Texts, expert interviews, mapping, collections, encyclopedias, videos, audios and photos are part of this discussion. It is intended to be a stimulus and inspiration to highlight the aesthetics of empty spaces without negating their background and the associated challenges.

Opening: 6.6.2024, 7 pm.