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

Thank You!

Josh Pascuajtp11d@my.fsu.edu

Questions?