Design Observer :: Join the Discussion http://places.designobserver.com/feature/the-interventionists-toolkit-part-3/29908/ en-us Design Observer Group 2011-09-27T08:22:21-05:00 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/1.0
Tactical Urbanism, as I understand it, is about something totally different: simple, quick, and effective measures that can help make better places, heal the hole in the built environment, and help mend the fabric of community. None of the people who I know, who are working to implement tactical urban projects or promote the effort, seem to be interested in any type of rating system that judges one effort to another. Instead, they seem to be more interested in the efforts that have already been implemented inspiring new efforts. There is an enthusiasm for both new ideas and for the duplication of previous efforts.

Project for Public Spaces has actually been doing this for decades. I first saw their "tactical urbanism" implemented decades ago when they used paint on the street and a few cones to demonstrate to a municipal board the possibilities of traffic calming. Mike Lydon and his compatriots are working in the trenches finding ways to make streets more complete, neighborhoods more vibrant, and places more enjoyable. While I am sure that they appreciate recognition for their work, since that can help them do more of it, I cannot imagine either Mike Lydon or Ethan Kent at PPS spending one moment worrying about how one of their projects rates compared with someone else's. There is so much work that needs to be done, the last problem should be the imposition of competition between the people doing it by seeing their projects rated.

Evaluation, on the other hand, is critical to these efforts and integral to everything that I see them doing. They are very conscious of how well things work and what could be done next time to make it work better. But the big difference is that they are not proprietary about the work. There is a willingness to share and provide mutual support. The stinginess within the architectural profession starts to look silly when compared with the generosity of the Tactical Urbanists, NextGens, and everyone else who came to the conclusion years ago that hiding in silos and behind locked doors was perpetrating damaging land use and social policy systems.

The Congress for the New Urbanism embraces a full age range from people just starting out to people who have been working at placemaking for 50 years. While NextGen activities are perhaps more populated with the younger end of the spectrum, it has always included people of age, including some who have helped create CNU. That some of the work by people who have been associated with NextGen does not brandish a CNU connection is of no significance. CNU is also inclusive and supportive and not threatened by people who are evolving new solutions. To the contrary, CNU embraces solutions that work and provides a forum within which they can be shared, evaluated, and propagated. The NextGeners, as well as Tactical Urbanists, understand this. It means that they do not have to perceive themselves as within any silo or under someone's banner. It is simply there to use when they need it.

As Ann Daigle and John Anderson note above, there is very little concern within these efforts of self aggrandizement. The focus is instead on making better places. In fact, there may even be a nod to the anonymity of the real punks that were doing these things in the early 70s. I still remember the footprints of the "Purple People" painted on Broadway. Does anyone know their names? Credit is over-rated. I think we are moving to a world where cash - actual value - is what counts.]]> http://places.designobserver.com/feature/the-interventionists-toolkit-part-3/29908/#comments 2011-09-27T08:22:21-05:00
Also, the measure of success is not just, "when we can evaluate the movement based on outreach, economic impact, community empowerment, entrepreneurship, sustainability and design." It's also how much more beautiful, memorable and humane places become as a result of interventions, and how many people say the evolution makes them happier.]]> http://places.designobserver.com/feature/the-interventionists-toolkit-part-3/29908/#comments 2011-09-26T21:37:21-05:00
Some might call that a gutless cheap shot. The folks working on NextGen initiatives like Tactical Urbanism are smart capable practitioners. I doubt that they are concerned with how your straw man crusty punk views their work. ]]> http://places.designobserver.com/feature/the-interventionists-toolkit-part-3/29908/#comments 2011-09-26T13:15:45-05:00