We need new urban regeneration models and tools to keep pace with complexity, rapid change, and emerging needs in our neighbourhoods and communities. Urban regeneration is not only about cities' hardware such as buildings and infrastructure; it is also a reboot of the urban software - the social, cultural and economic fabric that makes cities thrive and mitigate against present and future risks.
Prototyping participatory urban futures
Temporary or meanwhile spaces are on the rise across Europe. Vacant buildings, plots and unused spaces are more and more used as temporary sites for co-creative experimentation, unlocking a multitude of innovative cultural, social and entrepreneurial activities. Often, these initiatives are key to build shared public value and rewire the social, cultural and economic fabrics of the areas under regeneration. In many cases, they are well positioned to become permanent fixtures of the local landscape, acting as prototypes for future.
We call these temporary initiatives ‘meanwhile spaces’.
Our Mission
T-Factor’s mission is to boost novel approaches to urban regeneration, focussing on the key role that temporary uses can play in unleashing inclusive, sustainable and thriving urban areas. We argue that the time factor in urban regeneration can become a strategic asset when it is used as a means of collective placemaking and learning in light of more stable uses and functions. It’s a win-win situation for all stakeholders - governments, developers, academia, business, grassroots communities and citizens.
We work across different regeneration initiatives in Europe and beyond, developing an international platform of support and knowledge exchange. Leveraging international collaboration, we aim to build a full portfolio of tested innovations embracing design, organisation, management, governance, funding and regulatory aspects of temporary uses.
Source: T-Factor - About