Repurposed event venues – a silver bullet

Dec. 18, 2024

Whilst the clock continues to tick on the climate crisis, the related (social) sustainability issue of mass tourism has taken more of the spotlight in recent months. Locals priced-out of destinations, redevelopment of areas for visitor needs and a general sense that people’s communities are being lost in the pursuit of tourism development.

However, development need not obliterate a destination’s identity. There are many examples where physical institutions are preserved and repurposed for future generations.

Fotograviska – a Berlin art squat

Entering Fotograviska Berlin, it is obvious that the venue had an edgy past – its retained industrial stairwell still displays graffiti from its former times. Occupied by an art community after re-unification as an ‘art squat’, a thriving community of artists turned the building into a hub of creativity and the focal point of the local community. Today, the venue hosts an event space that can be combined with private museum tours. Some of the profits are channelled back into the local arts community, and the venue provides a platform for artists to exhibit their works.

Driving on the roof of Turin

When the Fiat Lingotto factory closed in 1982, a large part of Turin’s economy and identity was lost. Up stepped Renzo Piano to repurpose this giant complex into an event and entertainment hub. He preserved the buildings to accommodate the Fiat HQ and the iconic rooftop test track where cars can still be driven during private events. The lumbering giant of Lingotto remains, with a few stunning additions courtesy of Renzo Piano’s magic wand. Events and exhibitions can be hosted in the Lingotto complex.

Art, not war in Bordeaux

What can a city do with a gargantuan industrial hangar, a building with 9 metres of concrete for its roof and occupying the shoreline of prime Bordeaux real estate? The Allied WW2 bombers failed to penetrate the concrete roof protecting the U-boat manufacturing below, and maybe the initial developers were also daunted by the immovability of the structure. So, it remained and is today one of the most remarkable art installations in the world. It is the world's largest digital art exhibition, with artwork beamed over the eery, water-filled submarine pens. Bassins des Lumières is an absolutely extraordinary spectacle and one that simply wouldn’t work without the otherworldly home it occupies.

The powerhouse of London

From the smoke-spewing Bankside Power Station to the Tate Gallery, the fourth most-visited art gallery in the world – that is quite some transformation. Kudos to the post-war architects who produced an exterior of such quality that it was fought over to prevent its demolition by developers. Today it is one of the most recognisable visitor attractions in one of the world’s most visited cities. It is a source of great pride, hosts world-famous collections and preserves an iconic riverfront from the mediocrity of a luxury housing development. The Tate Modern can host private events in one of the most incredible locations in Europe.

We plan our corporate events in destinations that inspire and leave clients in awe. Where local culture remains strong, and a destination retains a unique identity. That means an authentic built environment that is enhanced to meet modern standards but retains a link to the past. It offers sustainability for the destination and is immensely satisfying for the visitor.