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Activate Space

Bringing spaces and people together

Project Date
2016
Location
London, UK
Organisers
Land Insight; the Future Cities Catapult
Role
Participant; Designer
Team Members
Daisy Falconer, Ben Eley (City of London), Adam Roberts (Karakusevic Carson), Esther Cheng (Amazon EU Sarl)

As part of a 'Planning Hackathon' organised by Land Insight and the Future Cities Catapult, our team proposed a data-driven tool that would identify vacant real estate, enabling significant growth within a niche property sector.

Underutilised property is a public eyesore and contributes to a negative urban streetscape. Such sites do not generate income for the landowner, and are often a liability in terms of maintenance and upkeep. Our team proposed that intelligent use of open-source data can unlock these spaces for temporary and adaptive re-use. The methods that existing groups use to source this kind of low-cost, low-commitment property is both labour-intensive and inefficient. Our product aimed to act as a catalyst in the chain, arming these groups with data-driven tools that allow the quick and easy identification of potential sites, as and when they need them. With a mutual benefit to both sides, our proposed model aimed to Activate Space.

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The Problem

A proliferation of vacant, yet valuable, land opportunities

From property awaiting redevelopment to early lease termination, there are many underutilised spaces within our urban environment.

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Sites Awaiting Development

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Vacant Light Industry / Warehouse

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Infill / Gap Sites

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Underutilised Workspace


The Solution

Drive the efficiency and potential of an existing market

A myriad of organisations including Appear Here, Camelot, and The Camden Collective live off vacant and underutilised land. Our product catalyses this niche sector.

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Temporary Retail / Food Establishments

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Property Guardians

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Cultural Uses

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Temporary Workspace


The Data

Multi-layered search methodologies

There is no straightforward method for identifying suitable property. Our product combines data from local planning applications, the Valuation Office Agency and more rudimentary forces, such as utilising the Freedom of Information Act, to positively identify suitable opportunities within the supply chain.

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The Business

Provide a service as a percentage commission

Our business model is simple: Using our proprietary data analysis methodology, we identify suitable real estate, before funnelling this down an established supply chain, taking a percentage commission. Using our expertise we can greater enable these organisations, allowing them the time to focus on what they do best. Our business model is available here.


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