Demolition Site Ethnography

The subproject led by Elena Sischarenco, is taking place in demolition companies in the North of Italy, in particular in the provinces of Bergamo and Milan. Participant observation is the methodology applied. Elena travels to companies and construction sites, speaking with the people involved in the process of demolition (workers, businessmen, employees, traders, and public institution officers involved in such processes), and trying to understand how the different companies operating in the field dismantle buildings, and what do they do with the materials of the demolition. In fact, demolition happens selectively and differently from building to building. Elena explores in particular practices of recycling and reuse of existing building materials, and at the same time, she researches the companies and people who are involved in the demolition processes.  She investigates good practices, and tries to understand the motivations and difficulties involved in this type of business.