The urban occupations phenomenon, which emerged in the late 2000s, refers to the reclaiming of abandoned urban spaces by artists, local communities, and citizens. In cities like Berlin and New York, these occupations have transformed disused buildings into cultural and creative hubs, challenging traditional urban development models. 

A key example in Italy is Officina Creativa Ansaldo (OCA) in Milan. Between 2012 and 2013, the event “Tre giorni dell’OCA” experimented with a participatory cultural space, but faced management difficulties and criticism over space allocation. This experience later led to the creation of BASE Milano, now a major cultural center. 

Urban occupations reflect a collective need to reclaim public spaces in response to gentrification and speculation. While they serve as spontaneous acts of social innovation, their long-term sustainability often relies on institutional recognition, transforming them into inclusive and enduring projects.