The former Colonia Costanzo Ciano, today renamed Parco San Laise, is large complex of buildings in the neighbourhood of Bagnoli owned by a foundation depending on Campania Region. Originally a colony for disadvantaged children, the area was used for almost 50 years as militar headquarters of NATO. When the lease ended, the area has been neglected for years, before starting to transition again towards the original vocation of a place for social and cultural use.
Once an unattractive place, formerly on the East-West border and at the periphery of public discourse, it has recently become an area of new interest for different social groups. Over the years it has welcomed a mainly Turkish community, but now young people from all over Europe are attracted to Neukölln by its affordable rents, and new bars, art galleries and trendy shops are appearing. However, rents are increasing dramatically, and Neukölln is showing signs of gentrification, which raises debates about the future of the district and its low-income inhabitants.
Le Garage Moderne is an old factory building of the 19th century situated in the heart of the Bacalan neighbourhood, former industrial and port area of Bordeaux now under drastic regeneration process into residence and cultural production. GM started as a citizen initiative, where people could repair their cars but consequently developed into a vibrant social center providing support for disadvantaged people, space for cultural production and community organising.