Big Box Reuse

Have you ever wondered what happens to places like Costco or Target when they shut down? Well a lady by the name of Julia Christensen decided that she wanted to not only find out what happens but she was going to make it about art as well. Julia Christensen basically decided that she was unhappy with how communities were handling large pieces of corporate real estate. Places would shut down and then nothing would happen with them. She decided other things could go in their already built foundations.

I think that this concept is really innovative and economically smart. Why waste a good space when a church congregation or another store could use the space. It saves time and money and gives people a place that is recognizable and useful to whatever purpose they intend to use the space for.
I also really like how she is using the map above to show spots that people have done the big box reuse or are in the process of doing a big box reuse. It enables viewers to see if its going to happen in their neighborhood or if it hasn't happened and they want it to happen they will be able to see it.

This is an interesting an innovative thought process that is useful. I would love to see it happen more often instead of wasting time tearing down huge buildings just to rebuild another building. It does not make sense either for the building to just sit there and not be used. I just started thinking about how many buildings probably sit there for years abandoned without use when there are hundreds of thousands of homeless people who could be living there or at least have a shelter to go to.

~ B ~