The Tactics of Sharing | Co-ownership

Collective Spatial Agency in Appropriating Buildings

All Squatter communes researched exhibited significant Ideological differences from conventional co-living models regarding co-ownership and the manifestation of the commons. They emphasize the significance of sharing communal spaces through direct engagement- such that squatters are active participants in the all social and creative processes of the squat. There are two key principles that define this engagement (page 41, Plantage Dok). Firstly, every able-bodied squatter participates in constructing the necessary communal and civic spaces of a Squat as determined by a democratic process. In the Plantage Dok in the Netherlands, for instance, the main structure, and the ground floor had been totally rearranged to create shared spaces, workshops, artist studios and music studios by the squatters (Plan pg 33, image 36). In the Landbouwbelang in Austria, the communal programs such as the kitchen and garden, the shared bathrooms and toilets are constructed in people’s preferred places throughout the building, spreading the community throughout the entire complex (page 89, plan).

Secondly, the very first act after surveying the premises of the vacant structure is to carve out and determine communal spaces and facilities necessary for the collective. Inverting the relationships between most conventional co-living spaces today, the Communal spaces in squats have utmost priority over the private, individual spaces. As such, individual and private spaces tend to be formed in clusters around the primary communal spaces. In the Poortgebouw Squat in Georgia, shared kitchens, communal living room, and the library occupy key positions inside the building and are used for monthly house meetings.

Plantage Dok in the Netherlands, for instance, the main structure, and the