Reclaiming the potential of urban vacant open spaces. The story of Krater - Ljubljana (SL), an experimental feral open space in a Terrain Vague

Abstract

In contemporary cities, there are gems of immense potential that are almost invisible: Terrain Vague or Vacant Land, urban open abandoned spaces without function. They serve as places of spontaneous appropriation by diverse human and non-human communities, where spontaneous nature thrives. Recently, innovative and emerging practices and projects within terrain vague have sought to activate the potential of these spaces by embracing their essence through experimental and innovative approaches that integrate ecological, cultural and social interests. However, due to the lack of a legal framework that recognizes the value of spontaneous urban nature and locally self-governed initiatives, projects struggle to be integrated into local and national policies. This article presents the story of Krater, an experimental project initiated by a multidisciplinary collective in a terrain vague in Ljubljana. It explores new perspectives on spontaneous urban nature and alternative design, providing a detailed account of the project's history and development, its challenges and goals. The article offers insights for a broader debate on legitimising spontaneous urban nature, promoting multispecies cities, recognising the value of terrain vague, and supporting local creative community projects and urban commons.