Spatial

The Tactics of Constructing a Commune

The squats presented in this are organized around open-ended structures capable of housing diverse communities and programs. Squatters Inherently maintain a dynamism in the way in which they understand buildings as non-static adaptable structures different from inhabitants of conventional co-living models. This allows them a great degree of flexibility in the tactics they employ in order to appropriate buildings and develop them into environments suitable for a commune- into environments of extreme spatial diversity and extreme communal engagement.

Collectively, they subdivide existing structure to form clusters of living spaces for individuals and groups. For instance, the high ceilings of the former office building, Poortgebouw, allowed for the insertion of mezzanines into almost all of the bedrooms, typically with living space below and sleeping area above. Multiple inhabitants were then able to occupy each of these clusters of more private living spaces. Ambiguous thresholds between private and public, independent and communal spaces. On the other hand, individual spaces and private in both Poortgebouw and Vlucht Maat, showcase high-degree of independent expression.

Adaptability

In addition, most communal rooms are adaptable for various purposes- dynamic functions and various events.

In the Plantagekerk, the former chapel is used as a multifunctional space and cultural venue which often gets reconfigured with partition walls for various configurations based on the necessary use (Plantagekerk, axon, 41). In the Poortgebouw, the large attic can be reconfigured into different large-scale event spaces in which significant meetings, theater activities, and art exhibitions can be held (axon, 135). The dynamism of these adaptable event spaces ultimately activates and elevates the already present social processes in the Squats. By actively participating in reconfiguring, activating, and performing in these spaces, squatters form intrinsic social and physical bonds between each other and to the structure which they have directly configured.