What is Tactical Urbanism?

Tactical Urbanism focuses on making temporary, low-cost changes to public spaces, allowing cities to test potential improvements and gather feedback before committing to permanent modifications. Placemaking and playmaking are key tools within this approach.

 Placemaking involves designing public spaces to promote community engagement, improve livability, and create a sense of belonging by making these spaces more accessible, enjoyable, and meaningful. Creative placemaking extends this concept by involving local communities, artists, cultural organizations, and other stakeholders to use arts and culture to foster community-driven change. This method boosts vibrancy, improves economic conditions, strengthens resident capacity, and encourages a sense of ownership. It also connects local history with the present, highlights cultural influences, establishes new traditions, and builds connections between people and places. Additionally, creative placemaking activates public spaces and offers short-term opportunities for residents to engage with arts and culture.

Playmaking, a creative aspect of placemaking, transforms public spaces into lively, playful environments through games and interactive activities. In tactical urbanism, playmaking uses games and playful interactions to engage communities and improve urban spaces in a cost-effective, creative manner. This can include street games, chalk drawings, public art installations, pop-up playgrounds, and community events that foster social interaction and help residents reconnect with their environment. The goal is to activate underused or neglected spaces, encourage a sense of ownership and community, and gather real-time feedback on potential urban improvements before they become permanent. Playmaking allows cities to experiment with how spaces function, how they are perceived, and how they can enhance quality of life, ultimately making urban areas more accessible, livable, and enjoyable for all.