Tactical Urbanism

 

Have you ever imagined converting a simple, dull street in your neighborhood into a vibrant, walkable hub—adorned with stylish urban furniture, captivating art installations, and colorful pavements? Unlike traditional land use planning, tactical urbanism embraces temporary, small-scale, and low-cost interventions that test innovative ideas and spark lasting urban transformation. It prioritizes community participation and aligns projects with local needs, allowing planners to refine and scale successful projects into comprehensive initiatives.

What is Tactical Urbanism ?

Publisher: Urban Design Lab

Tactical urbanism is a practical toolkit for tackling everyday urban challenges.  In Mexico City, for example, a creative initiative is transforming these spaces by redecorating intersections with classic Mexican tiles.  Not only does this add a splash of cultural beauty, but it also helps slow down vehicles, reducing the road casualties.  Meanwhile, in Stockholm, the focus is on creating healthier and more sustainable public spaces.  Here, streets once dominated by cars are being reinvented with the addition of vibrant planters, racks for micromobility, and sociopetal benches.  Let’s take a look at these foreign examples!

Inspiring Tactical Urbanism in Mexico City - The Life-Sized City

Publisher: Coolville feat.:The Life-Sized City

How can tactical urbanism help create healthier streets? | With Daniel Byström, Dan Hill

Publisher: EIT Urban Mobility

Tactical urbanism goes beyond mere street modification.  In Hong Kong, for instance, a temporary community fridge was launched as a response to pressing challenges during the pandemic.  In a disadvantaged neighborhood facing a shortage of anti-pandemic supplies and food resources, residents stocked extra supplies in the fridge, providing essential resources to the community and showcasing how temporary projects can address urgent urban issues while sparking change.

COVID-19 fridge: Hong Kong

Publisher:  Asia Featured

The HKIP-ETC "Professional Knowledge One-Click Away!" initiative aims to share new profession-related online videos with members on a monthly basis.  Links of the current and past videos can now be found on the HKIP website under Publications & Learning Resources > Planning-related Knowledge.  Should you have any interesting videos which you'd like to share with other members, we welcome you to make suggestions to us!

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