Temporary intervention and long-term legacy: lessons from London case studies

Abstract

The paper explores the issue of temporary projects on vacant land, focusing on London in the 2007–2012 downturn. Using a case study approach, a link has been identified between the success of temporary projects and a longer-term vision, as well as a move towards better integration between temporary occupants and developer/landowner. Within this paradox the whole idea of temporariness is put under question, as is the traditional mainstream depiction of bottom-up in opposition to top-down action. These trends are contextualized within the dynamics of recession that has triggered new types of creative conversations between parties traditionally considered in opposition, and may contribute to reframing urban development as an incremental, organic and collaborative process.

Acknowledgements

The author would like to thank the interviewees for their time and for sharing their insights. Thanks also to Sarah Milne for her research assistance, to the Leverhulme Trust for funding this project and to the two anonymous referees for their precise and constructive comments.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Notes

1. See, for example, the Leadenhall competition, initiated by British Land.

2. See, for example, the Site Life campaign.

3. See https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/meanwhile-use-leases-and-guidance-for-landlords.

4. ‘As described by Aurash Khawarzad, founder of Brooklyn-based Change Administration, an urban planning and design civic engagement studio, tactical urbanism is increasingly adopted by bureaucracies as “a way to start conversation” when needing to engage the public about significant urban transformation’ (Radywyl and Biggs 2013, 162).

5. According to the Advanced Learner’s Cambridge Dictionary, 3rd Edition (2008) a skip is “a large metal container into which people put unwanted objects or building or garden waste, and which is brought to and taken away from a place by a special truck when requested”.

6. According to the Advanced Learner’s Cambridge Dictionary, 3rd Edition (2008) a polytunnel is “a long, curved plastic structure that plants are grown under in order to protect them from the weather”.

7. According to the Advanced Learner’s Cambridge Dictionary, 3rd Edition (2008) a portakabin is “a small building that is designed to be moved from place to place and is used as a temporary office, school, or home, especially when building work is being done”.