What was the project about?
OpenHeritage was a Horizon Funded research project aiming to create sustainable models of heritage asset management, the inclusive governance of cultural heritage sites, and the development of heritage communities.
Xsentrikarts’ Yilmaz Vurucu came on board and was contracted to provide support to observatory cases and create videos on the case studies – videos which detailed the governance models, the operational structures and financial models as well as stakeholder division and typologies of these unique regenerated sites.
We co-produced mini-docs on the history, process, structure and finances of the sites. We travelled to each of the locations, and spent time to capture the stories behind each site: how they came to be, the challenges they faced, how the community was transformed through the repurposing of these sites, and the impact they’ve had on their neighbourhoods as well as the city at large since.
The mini-docs have since been screened at festivals and exhibitions, and will serve as the basis for a feature documentary that aims to capture the unique common story behind urban transformations.
Take-aways from our experience
In most cases, the sites were regenerated as a result of extensive efforts from the organizations and people involved; and most faced similar structural, financial problems. Each country had different programs and policies in place, but the need for policies on a European and local level, came to the forefront.
View films in full
View the films in full below, and let us know what you think! For more information on the project, check out a summary on the case studies.
Largo Residencias - transforming a community
When Largo was first established, the purveyors couldn’t have imagined the scope of impact they would end up having. The socially responsible and sustainable touristic hostel, artist in residencies and social cafe has since become home to an inspirational project fostering social inclusion, urban transformation, artistic expression and cultural interaction.
We spent a a few days on-site in Intendent, getting to know the neighborhood, the community and the initiators of this amazing organization.
Directed by Yilmaz Vurucu and Produced by Levente Polyak for Eutropian GmbH and the Open Heritage project.
Directed by Yilmaz Vurucu and Produced by Levente Polyak for Eutropian GmbH and the Open Heritage project.
The Stara Trznica - breathing life into an old market hall
An old market hall is transformed into a civic space that balances economic viability with social enterprises and serves as a model for heritage re-use. The story of the Stara Trznica is one of community activation, public heritage, collective use and most importantly: civic pride.
We spent a few days in Bratislava, observing the impact this market hall is having on the city centre, and local culture.
Ex-RotaPrint: From industrial production to collective urban development.
When Daniela Brahm and Les Schliesser first set eyes on the (then) unused industrial compound, they knew it would be the perfect site for their vision. They had to involve alternative forms of financing and find unique partners to see it through. The end result was magnificent: an inimitable space that now serves as an acclaimed model for collective urban development.
Directed by Yilmaz Vurucu and Produced by Levente Polyak for Eutropian GmbH and the Open Heritage project.
Directed by Yilmaz Vurucu and Produced by Levente Polyak for Eutropian GmbH and the Open Heritage project.
Fargfabriken: from producing paint to producing culture.
This is the story of how a decrepit paint factory was transformed into a vibrant hub: revitalizing Stockholm’s culture scene and leaving lasting imprints on the urban tapestry of the city through its unique “Farbfabriken Method,” which promotes dialogue, discussion and exploration.
The Cascina Roccafranca: The journey from farmhouse to community center.
The Cascina Roccafranca is an old farmhouse in the working class district of Turin. The compound has since been transformed into a vibrant and active community center, holding events, workshops and exchanges for all age groups and backgrounds.
Directed by Yilmaz Vurucu and Produced by Levente Polyak for Eutropian GmbH and the Open Heritage project.
Directed by Yilmaz Vurucu for the Open Heritage project.
The Sargfabrik: From coffin factory to an innovative living culture.
Formerly the site of a coffin factory, the Sargfabrik has since, become a model for community living projects. This is the story of how a pulsating urban alternative emerged from a social experiment to create a piece of utopia on the (then) outskirts of Vienna.
London CLT: creating communities, one home at a time.
Genuinely affordable homes are becoming an impossiblity for Londoners, who are being pushed out of the city due to rising housing prices. The London CLT’s St. Clemens site serves as an example of how community run initiatives can provide affordable housing for locals.
Directed by Yilmaz Vurucu and Produced by Levente Polyak for Eutropian GmbH and the Open Heritage project.