Tactical Urbanism:Changing the Landscape from
the Bottom-Up
Josh PascuaFlorida State University
Presentation Outline• Contextual Example• What is Tactical Urbanism (TU)?• Why does this matter to us?• TU Spectrum– Better Block– PARK(ing) Day
• How can we harness this trend?• Discussion
NYC’s Pavement to Plazas
What is Tactical Urbanism?
• A deliberate, phased approach to instigating change
• The offering of local solutions for local planning challenges
• Short-term commitment and realistic expectations
• Low-risks, high rewards• The development of social capital– building of organizational capacity between
governments, NGOs, and their constituents.– Increased interactions between citizens
• Pedestrian Oriented
A Laboratory for Experimentation
Social Media
Shifting Demographics
The Great Recession
Government ‘Inefficiency’ Tactical Urbanis
m
Why is this important to planners?
• Addresses common complaints about planning projects:
Tactical Urbanism- > Public buy-in- > Cheaper, economically and politically- > Can take place overnight- > For the same price you can
actually show people what you want to do
Typical Planningo No inputo Expensive o Takes to long o Concept
Fatigue
Why is this important to planners? (cont.)
• Make citizens aware of their spaces– their use and potential– Keep us employed!
• IDs areas of shifting demographics• Potential for economic development• General Quality of Life improvement
Better Block
Park(ing) Day
How can we harness this?• Create Web Resources
– http://www.sfbetterstreets.org/• Provide new avenues for public Input
b
How can we harness this?
• Create Web Resources– http://www.sfbetterstreets.org/
• Provide new avenues for public Input• Facilitate workshops/design studios• Micro fund for Tactical Urbanism Projects