What is »free space«?

The memory of the desert, a search for the horizon, no walls or barriers, the feeling of freedom, space that slips away, that lets the air, the light, the sight, and the imagination escape ...

The impression that space is a prisoner, behind bars, closed facades, insulating walls and densities,
behind economic constraint, programmes, architecture, town planning today …

Free space is:

space that is not constrained,

space around pilotis,

space of balconies and winter gardens,

space on accessible roofs,

deep inner space, which never exists in standard spaces as it is considered too deep or useless,

extra space, which makes the »programmatic« space smoother, more fluid, less expensive,

space free of programme, eluding a specific defined function,

space that avoids rules and regulations,

space that isn’t asked for, but that we find indispensable,

space that is created additionally but that doesn’t cost more, space that costs nothing …

Our approach:

making do

In all circumstances, starting off from what exists

Never demolishing or removing, but making the most of existing resources, making do with the poetry, fragility, qualities and defects, shortcomings, the natural ground,

Considering existing situations as capacities and project materials.

Creating greater surface...