AVL Franchise Unit, 2002

After the closure of AVL-Ville, AVL decided to go into franchising to explore its ideas for alternative living with more ease and less hassle from the Dutch authorities. As a franchise, AVL-Ville became an international brand, which could be purchased along with the services and hardware needed to start a new Free State. This franchise was set up at the Middelheim Open Air Museum in Antwerp. The unit features two converted containers in which the basic equipment is concentrated: a large kitchen, sanitary facilities with compost toilets, solar energy panels, heating and electricity. AVL also provided an ecological infrastructure for dealing with waste water: green filters and fat dividers, pumps and composters. Everything was connected to a cheap industrial hall. The franchise units can be coupled or connected to an existing building or a new structure.

Collection Museum Middelheim, Antwerp