What became of "terrain vague"?
By Charlotte Stace
The CCCB welcomes Professor Philip Ursprung, Head of the Institute for the History and Theory of Architecture at ETH Zurich, to deliver the inaugural lecture of the new academic year at the Vallès School of Architecture.
In his talk, Ursprung will examine the concept of “terrain vague,” first introduced by Ignasi de Solà-Morales thirty years ago, and its connection to public space. In the 1990s, such sites - ranging from industrial wastelands to uniform suburban developments - were seen as opportunities to rethink urban life and collective spaces.
Revisiting this idea, Ursprung traces its evolution and considers the new possibilities it offers for envisioning the future of public space. Highlighting the inspiration found in contemporary participatory initiatives, he advocates for the revival of shared spaces and underscores the ongoing relevance of terrain vague as a tool for imagining fresh urban landscapes.