Synopsis:

Tod Newcombe looks at the growing trend in temporary urbanism, picking up speed due to the present economic situation. Municipalities and activist groups are finding ways to fill vacant lots and buildings with active temporary uses such as parks, outdoor markets, short-term retail outlets and event locations. These efforts help to ensure that the property and the surrounding neighborhood continue to “live” while the economy gets back on track.

Terry Schwarz, an urban planner with the Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative, one of Pop-Up City’s partners, describes her approach to temporary urbanism as short-term, high-impact efforts to draw public attention to underutilized areas. “Temporary use of vacant lots is not a new concept,” she says. “What’s new is the idea of harnessing the power of a temporary event or use of empty space on a large scale.”…The goal’s to look beyond temporary use, beyond the next big development project and to engage the public about their city’s future, which is changing, even shrinking.