118.PARASITE explores illegal actions as a catalyst for change.

After a series of occupations throughout the city, the top floor of the Kornhaus in Zurich is held hostage by a group of yet unidentified activists. "WE ARE OUT OF SPACE" they proclaim on flyers, tags, stickers, and a big flag, waving in the wind above the opaque concrete structure. In their manifesto they publish demands considering the accessibility of the building, the cultural recognition and for the site to live up to the promises made in the referendum back in 2011.

The unlikely event and the spectacular police intervention capture the cities attention for months. National and international news outlets cover the story relentlessly until the polarized debate culminates in a public discussion, held on the local news station.

Ultimately, the political and legislative momentum results in a second referendum, calling for new additions to be made to the Kornhaus: Fulfilling the expectations expressed in the previous vote, following the mandates made in the cantonal guidelines, as well as living up to the requirements for new high-rise constructions within the city.

After construction had started two years earlier, towards the end of 2027 the refurbishments are finally completed: A terrace overlooking the Limmat and a public staircase, leading up to the public rooftop. Providing unprogrammed space, available for appropriation by the city’s population and for the addition of new layers of action.