SEOUL DESIGN AWARD

About Project:Over half of the global population (7.7 billion) lives in cities, with an increasing number of people leaving the countryside in favor of urban districts. Climate change, economic upheaval, and migration to cities on a global scale will define the future of humanity. What is a city? How does it function? Why are some cities preferred over others?

Countless Cities is a biennale that began in June 2019 at Farm Cultur Park, a contemporary arts center in the center of Favara, a rural village of Sicily. It is a project that transformed the dilapidated, abandoned areas of Favara into spaces for contemporary art exhibitions and community interaction.

The project highlights the innovative and experimental efforts of photographers, architects, and creators from all over the world who are known for their contributions to transforming urban spaces. In its first year, it was participated in by consultants, architects, urban planners, universities, and various other public and private institutions as well as the residents of Favara, who took part in all aspects of project (e.g. pavilion construction), thereby transforming the region’s perspective on what makes a city. The presence of a wide range of participants inspired and encouraged everyone involved to work toward a brighter future for Favara through design.

Empty houses were turned into spaces for exhibitions and cultural events, and educational programs for elementary-aged students created jobs for residents. The transformation of a desolate rural village into an “arts village” is now attracting a consistent flow of tourists.

In cooperation with the social enterprise Favara Societa per Azioni Buone, our goal is to increase the population of Favara from 32,000 to 50,000 over the next 30 years. Because it is held every two years, Countless Cities will soon take root as a systematic, long-term project for the prosperity of Favara.

We will continue creating projects that invest in public spaces and sustainable housing, promote the education of future generations while encouraging young people not to move to large urban areas, and improve the overall quality of residents’ lives. The ultimate goal is to build cities where people actually want to live.