Inspirations and Antecedents of Tactical Urbanism

Tactical urbanism, often perceived as a modern innovation, has deep historical roots. This study reveals that its core principles—temporary, low-cost, flexible, iterative, and participatory approaches to urban planning—have been employed throughout history, from Roman military encampments to the illicit bookstalls of 16th-century Paris (les bouquinistes) along the Seine and the ephemeral White City at the 1892 Chicago World’s Fair. By reframing these historical precedents for the digital age, Lydon and Garcia demonstrate that tactical urbanism is not a novel concept but an evolution of long-standing placemaking strategies. The research employs a comparative approach to trace the continuity and adaptation of these principles across eras, offering insights into their enduring relevance in addressing contemporary urban challenges.

Lydon, M., & Garcia, A. (2015). Inspirations and Antecedents of Tactical Urbanism. Tactical Urbanism, 25–62. https://doi.org/10.5822/978-1-61091-567-0_2