Photographer Iwan Bann and the architects of Urban-Think Tank have worked together to document the Torre David office buildings, which have transformed from an abandoned office tower into a spontaneous busy habitat.
This 45-floor deserted structure in downtown Caracas is now the home to over 3,000 people who were once sleeping on the streets. Iwan Bann and Urban-Think Tank came into the now-bustling tower to try and capture the vibrant culture that now lives in this building. The Torre David office building survived the economic collapse in Venezuela back in the mid 1990's and, although the building is not at all up to code to house occupants, the building is thriving.
Workout rooms, basketball courts, production facilities, churches, community and living spaces now occupy the building. Although the photographs showcase the colorful side to this story, there is still a dark side to the situation.
Skyscraper Squatter Captures
The Iwan Bann Photographs Document the Abandoned Torre David Building
Trend Themes
1. Skyscraper Squatting - The trend of repurposing abandoned buildings into homes and communities.
2. Informal Urban Housing - Innovations in alternative and sustainable housing solutions for urban areas.
3. Documentary Photography - The trend of documenting radical social and cultural movements through photography.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture - There is an opportunity for architects and urban planners to explore creative alternatives to traditional housing and building designs.
2. Real Estate - Real estate developers can explore new opportunities in repurposing abandoned buildings as housing and community space.
3. Non-profit Organizations - There is an opportunity for non-profit organizations to support and advocate for alternative and sustainable housing solutions for urban areas.