KIMO

The aim of this group project is to think and to define the identity of the community centre.

While planning the opening of a new community centre, the team at the centre and all local actors and associations came to a single conclusion: they needed to foster a shared belief in the role of art, culture and creation in building a common culture that promotes social cohesion. 

KIMO, a mobile micro-shipping container conversion, emerged from this desire to bring all future users (residents, local actors, etc.) on board beginning in the preparatory phase, in order to define the identity and programme of their community centre, and to take part in designing and building its furniture. The aim of this group project is to think critically about the centre and begin to appropriate it, in order to work as a community to define the identity of the future space, which will become part of users’ everyday lives.

KIMO is not just a 10-metre dry container that opens up. It also serves as:

• A DIY workshop that taught participants how to use different construction tools, and enabled them to take part alongside others in designing and building street furniture (terrace and bench) and indoor furniture (Internet kiosk, bar and card table) for the community centre

• A fab lab (digital design workshop) that provides access to software, a Wi-Fi connection, a 3D printer, a digital die cutter, and more. The lab helps people discover new technologies and complements the hands-on learning programme developed by the centre for young and old alike.

• A gathering place for activities and events, such as the neighbourhood party