OBSERVISTA: Observatory of Innovative Strategies for Repurposing Terrain Vague Welcome to MORE 2026

Lead Researcher: Krystallia Kamvasinou

Funding: EU Cooperation in Science and Technology (cost) action: €600,000 over 4 years (cost.eu/actions/ca24134/)

OBSERVISTA (Observatory of Innovative Strategies for Repurposing Terrain Vague) is a pan-European research network examining how cities can reclaim their vacant, derelict and in-between spaces. Funded as COST Action CA24134, it brings together more than 125 researchers and practitioners across more than 27 countries and many disciplines to study Terrain Vague: the leftover, undefined sites that sit between abandonment and future use. The network asks how such spaces can be repurposed in ways that are socially inclusive, ecologically restorative and culturally meaningful, rather than simply redeveloped. Work is organised across four themes spanning: terminology and ontology (WG1); repurposing in practice (WG2); cultural, political and legal context (WG3); and visual communication (WG4).

The Action is chaired by Dr Krystallia Kamvasinou of the School of Architecture + Cities whose contribution draws on long-term research into temporary urbanism and community-led regeneration, including Cody Dock in the Lower Lea Valley, East London, a derelict dock that has been transformed through socio-ecological, community-led practice. OBSERVISTA aims to build a shared European evidence base and practical toolkits for engaging with stakeholders – local authorities, NGOs, practitioners, communities – towards safeguarding and reimagining urban voids as civic and ecological assets.

KEY WORDS: adaptive reuse; socioecological regeneration; urban vacant spaces