Sandcastles and Cyclepaths
Imagine a city where abandoned lots turn into lively gardens, empty storefronts transform into art galleries, and former airports host weekend bike rides. This is the world of temporary urbanism—a movement that’s not only revamping neglected spaces but also reshaping how we think about city planning.
But why temporary? Why pour effort into something that’s meant to be short-lived? I’m fascinated by why this trend is gathering momentum in cities worldwide and how it's bringing about a new wave of creativity and resilience.
What is Temporary Urbanism?
At its core, temporary urbanism is all about rethinking how we use space. Rather than waiting years (or even decades) for large-scale developments, temporary projects bring immediate life to vacant or underutilized areas. Think pop-up cafes, community gardens, street art festivals, and urban farms sprouting up on empty plots. These projects give communities a chance to experiment with creative uses for public spaces, sometimes filling the void between demolition and construction, or simply providing a solution where resources are tight.
Why the Sudden Popularity?
Several factors are fueling the growth of temporary urbanism. For starters, the 2008 financial crisis left many cities with abandoned buildings and empty lots. Add to that the COVID-19 pandemic, which changed our relationship with public space, and it’s clear why cities are looking for flexible, quick-turnaround projects to keep urban areas lively and adaptable.
Temporary urbanism isn’t just a band-aid for struggling cities; it’s a playground for creative solutions. These projects inject color, life, and purpose into overlooked areas, turning spaces into something useful, inclusive, and enjoyable—even if only for a short time.
Temporary Spaces, Lasting Impact
What makes temporary urbanism so powerful is its ability to bridge the gap between the here-and-now and the “someday” developments. Cities like Berlin and Detroit have turned vacant lots into community hubs, where residents gather, relax, and make connections. These spaces may be temporary, but the sense of community they foster can be lasting.
For instance, Detroit, facing economic challenges, repurposed vacant lots into urban farms, creating local food sources and strengthening social ties. Similarly, Berlin’s Tempelhofer Feld—once an airport—is now a beloved recreational space where people bike, picnic, and garden. These transformations may not last forever, but they’re making a real impact today.
Criticisms
While temporary urbanism brings plenty of benefits, it’s not without its critics. Some argue that these projects can serve the interests of property developers more than communities. By keeping spaces “warm” until they’re ready for high-value developments, temporary projects may actually drive up property values, ultimately pushing residents out.
Another challenge is quality. Because they’re temporary, some projects can feel like low-budget stopgaps with mismatched furniture or underwhelming aesthetics. When done right, however, these spaces show that even small, temporary changes can have a positive impact on city life.
How Temporary Urbanism is Shaping Policy
With cities around the world embracing temporary projects, we’re seeing this movement influence urban planning policies in real-time. The COVID-19 pandemic led to a surge in parklets (sidewalk extensions for seating and greenery), showing how temporary projects can inspire permanent changes in city layouts. Cities like San Francisco and Melbourne are already considering making parklets a fixture, thanks to their popularity and impact on local businesses.
A New Way Forward for Cities
Temporary urbanism offers a fresh perspective on how we can make our cities more vibrant, inclusive, and responsive to change. By embracing these short-term projects, cities are learning to think more creatively about space and community.
These temporary transformations may only last a season or two, but they leave lasting impressions, inspiring residents and planners to envision cities as dynamic, ever-evolving places.
So next time you see a pop-up café in an empty lot or a garden in a vacant alleyway, consider it the city’s way of experimenting with what could be—and an inspiration for us all to rethink what’s possible in our urban landscapes.
This article was adapted from an essay I wrote on temporary urbanism while studying Planning at the University of Waikato. You can read the full essay here.