Learn How to Squat

by Boom! Thu Mar 21, 2013 18:31

Lynch the Landlord :)

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

DON'T LET IT ROT, SQUAT!

by David Moran - Architect Thu Apr 11, 2013 18:38 info at davidmoran dot ie

OK! Simple idea, but plagued with the constant fear of being removed, possibly by force. There are so many empty buildings throughout urban areas in Ireland, there is the scope for local authorities to purchase these properties by compulsory purchase orders. This should be for a reasonable market value, which in Ireland today varies from day to day. The cost of providing accommodation, the administration in dealing with waiting lists, the pain and suffering by so many could perhaps be managed more economically by allowing people to occupy derelict buildings through a compulsory purchase arrangement. This would provide for the improvement of the urban fabric while providing needed accommodation. The costs could be controlled by providing a legal means of possession, even temporarily where the original owner could maintain ownership while neither incurring costs nor earning from rent. The cost of any improvements could over time be credited to the occupier. Compulsory purchase orders are not currently sought due to the absence of funds for such ventures. These costs could be born by social housing funds, whether local authority or private organisations, though the compulsory administration would remain the remit of either the local authority or by NAMA. The benefit to the urban environment and the capacity for social regeneration could both be great.

In essence, with proper management and the enforcement of suitable legislation legal 'squatting' could be engineered.

For instance, a semi derelict building abandoned by its owners or neglected by a bank. The condition as with many such buildings is not suitable for habitation and may even be dangerous. It is also possible that such a building could be made habitable with relatively small investment. Typical squatting removes control. However, legal 'squatting' as outlined above could offer the security of knowing the building to be suitable. It could also remove the fear of being evicted. Prior to carrying out any work to make such a building habitable, the value should be established and agreed with the local authority in enforcing a purchase or part purchase order. The value of the building after works have been carried out where in the long term it is sold would permit the original owner to recoup only the original value prior to the works (subject to inflation) while the occupier would benefit from the balance. In essence the value increase could dictate the proportion of ownership between the occupier and the original owner. There is in this model and incentive for the occupier to carry out works reasonably with the knowledge of there being no risk of loss. This could avoid the typical situation where squatters live in terrible conditions.

by An anonymous squatter Fri Apr 12, 2013 01:34

I'm pretty tired and writing this late, so it's not going to be too long. I know for a fact that some squatters would scoff at this idea, one obvious reason is that some people simply have no time, or decent circumstances, to do anything but live anywhere, as soon as they can. I really appreciate you contribution, and it is an avenue I would consider. After all, squatting is supposed to be a temporary solution to long-term, good and adequate housing. This workshop, it seems, is for those who need housing in the short-term.

Most importantly for me though, who is going to execute your idea? You are dead right about evictions and that situation is, frankly, bullshit and there should be legal protection for people living in houses/buildings left empty or abandoned for years. But I think we need more than just ideas right now. For example, your idea is really good, but I don't have access to decent legal advice or any kind of 'professional' support.

One last thing.. about the terrible conditions, I've seen some nice places. If you're there long enough, you can make an exciting and beautiful home. It is certainly not all doom and gloom :)

Thanks for you input.

by Gale Vogel - Birds Eye View Fri Apr 12, 2013 21:36

1989. Kreuzberg in Berlin was a vibrant if at times dangerous place. A place to hide the conscription of Western Germany in run down cheap or free dereliction. Jonas Hellborg played in a nightclub months after the throngs began hacking the wall, the deep base boom instrumentals resonating through the building, not derelict but symptomatic of a culture in revolt. A short walk away there was a pub, down steps through walls painted black cheaply not higher than could be reached leaving the building above gaping like a wound with its eyes nailed shut. The boarded windows made the street lights memories while inside simple bulbs hanging on loose wires shone on bottled beer only. Squatting took on mammoth proportions, where the rebel publican cared not being evicted knowing that there were many more hiding places and many potential hidden imbibing emporia. A place to live and a place to play. A squat pub, managed and organised in that apparent chaos of anarchy, the place filled with homeless self homed in places not wanted by those moved on. What once was wealth lies abandoned like spoils of war, paint parties decorated interiors and colour enhanced the dull places that they would have been in many normal cities. Legacy in a bright painted mostly grey abandoned MiG fighter plane lying in neutral land in testament to a time when war and money ruled. I shudder the regret of not having returned and know that to return there can never be.

Christiania, Copenhagen. What was once a military zone abandoned, by squatters declared its own area remains despite attempts to have thrown into normality the residents. A squat town living by laws its own. It is possible to escape the constant punishment meted to those compliant, it seems those more compliant suffer more severe punishment. Squatting is about taking control outside the norms of a society that we strive to maintain despite its' failings and pain. It is about humanity in places and the regaining by some of dignity.

But! As with all squats, the absence of established societal rules and laws creates more opportunity for abuse and more scope for failings, anarchy imitates at times that from which it aims to escape. That is to say that within society there are rule breakers. It is perhaps these rule breakers who create the need for escape, the authorities simply break the human rules of compassion and caring and think money alone will cure. Those with the courage to seek these hidden havens for escape in some manner abandon society to its own follies. It is through the creation of an alternative that values all humanity, that might make 'legal squats' viable. These could become countries and beacons of example for improvement diluted with laws that too dilute the rank rule of greed that infests today our every move. Creating 'the beach' somewhere in Ireland has been tried, failed and probably due in part to being ignored by those more 'settled' who fear any change that is needed. Better the devil and all that! It may too have failed due to its' own absence of control. Somewhere in the middle between those who are terrified of change and those who are terrified to remain lies a compromise, like the best of marriages, neither dictates to the other and neither lies alone.

by The morning cookoo - Observer Sat Apr 13, 2013 12:19

I have read the above script and I am very confused. This Mr Vogel is about squatting. If I wanted a history lesson about Germany and squatting, I would do night classes. You mentioned night clubs and also you fringed on German brothels. Without prejudice I don't see the connection between your post and squatting. I have lived in London and in Brooklyn and squatting can be fun but also dangerous. It reminds me of hunting in the outback of Australia and believe me I was no Mick Dundee! The point I am trying to make Gale is - could you define for me the word Squat in English and remove the biblical sense.

The idea of squatting in the location to create local pubs is interesting. Pubs are being sold at knockdown prices all over Ireland and it is only when there are only a few left, the Irish people will realise that the markets have stolen an inherent part of our culture. Pubs are about communication, interaction, wi-fi now, newspapers, drinking in moderation and brand drinks not cheap alternatives from supermarkets.

Maybe we can create our own pubs yet again with a different type of legal title.

The cuckoo (a now rare species) and why?