The ARCHIVE OF APPROPRIATION focuses on the practices of appropriation, repurposing, misappropriation, care, and repair by the current users of the former University of Economics (Alte WU) in Vienna. Since the university moved out in 2013, the site has served as an ideal alternative location. Now, just 43 years after its construction, it is scheduled for demolition. The vibrant landscape of art, culture, education, and social activities reveals the unexpected potential of the site and shows how even difficult spaces can be put to good use. The ARCHIVE OF APPROPRIATION documents these practices of repurposing and will continue to grow in a participatory manner during the VIENNA DESIGN WEEK in the form of workshops.

The physical archive – a hut in front of the main entrance – can be visited individually during the building’s opening hours, along with the video and sound intervention by Daniel Kalkhofer and Evamaria Müller inside. The walk starts at the porter’s lodge in the entrance area: By scanning a QR code and using their own headphones, visitors can explore the Alte WU from here along the green floor markings. The members of Kollektiv Raumstation will be on site during the events and available for discussions and questions.

PROGRAMME: 

Workshop “Tenant talks”
Fri 26.9., 5pm–7pm
Sat 4.10., 3pm–5pm
Visiting tenants at their spaces and documenting their appropriation practices together.

Workshop “Expedition Alte WU”: 
Sun 28.9., midday–2pm
Tue 30.9., 5pm–7pm
Guided tour of the former University of Economics (Alte WU) campus.

Viewing ARCHIVE OF APPROPRIATION × STADTSTEMPEL: Sun 28.9., 5pm–7pm
Joint viewing of the workshop results of the urban projects with Kollektiv Raumstation and studio pari–pari in the former cafeteria.

Finissage: Sat 4.10., 5pm–10pm