With the successive crisis, many commercial premises and shops are left empty and deserted. Some have closed down, others never opened, and many may remain shut indefinitely. The sight of our streets closing down has a ripple effect, leading to negative psychological and economic consequences. To counter these anxiety-inducing and negative feelings, we propose a cyclical and creative intervention. This intervention is based on a partnership between public and private actors who wish to gain visibility and commercial premises that are in need of income.
Our initiative aims to fill the streets with “good news” by temporarily occupying these spaces with “thick shop windows.” – Les vitrines aux bonnes nouvelles –. These windows would find a place in the numerous currently abandoned premises. Serving as a showcase for initiatives across Greater Paris, this “good news” mechanism aspires to introduce people to institutions, places, associations, or individuals at various scales throughout the territory. Our research proposal for seeks to promote this cycle of uplifting good news, fostering a more positive and engaging environment in our streets.
By transforming these vacant spaces into vibrant showcases, we aim to create a sense of community and hope. The “thick shop windows” provide a platform for various entities to share their stories and achievements. This initiative will highlight the resilience and creativity of the people and organizations within Metropolitan conditions, encouraging a sense of shared achievement.
This project aims to stimulate local economies by attracting visitors and potential customers to these areas by fostering a cycle of positive news and community engagement, we hope to mitigate the negative impacts of the crisis and contribute to the revitalization of our urban spaces.